16 February 2010 - Irak- Press statement by Mr Gérard Araud, President of the UN Security Council

The members of the Security Council heard this morning a briefing from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr Melkert, on the situation in Iraq, particularly with regards to the preparation of the legislative elections to be held on 7 March 2010. Council members expressed their appreciation for the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq, in particular assistance to the government of Iraq for the preparation of elections.

Council members stressed the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Iraq. Council members recalled the importance of the preparation and the holding of elections that are free, fair, transparent, legitimate and inclusive with broad participation in order for the results to reflect the will of the Iraqi people and be accepted by them.

The members of the Council stressed the need to respect the rule of law, as well as to pursue efforts of the Iraqi government towards consensus and reconciliation.

And finally the members of the Council reiterated their condemnation of all terrorist attacks in Iraq.