On what he called a "visit of solidarity" with Iraq, Secretary-General Antَnio Guterres today welcomed the commitment of the country’s leaders to civilian protection and national dialogue, and pledged the ongoing support of the United Nations as the Government seeks to bolster aid delivery to needy populations and rebuild Iraq institutions. 


"This is a visit of solidarity with the Iraqi people; solidarity with Iraqi Government and institutions; solidarity in what I believe is an historic moment for Iraq," the Secretary-General said during a press encounter in Baghdad, with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. 


Noting that Iraq is in the final stages of its fight against terrorism, Mr. Guterres said the UN is "strongly hopeful" that the liberation of Mosul form the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/D’aesh) will soon be complete. 


"At the same time, I was extremely encouraged by the commitment expressed by the Prime Minister, both in relation to the protection of civilians, in the conduct of the operations and the full respect of international humanitarian law," said the UN chief. 


He said he was also encouraged by the Iraqi leader’s commitment to a national dialogue and an effective process of reconciliation. This, he said, would allow after the liberation of Mosul for Iraq to progressively create the conditions for, "a normal life of a State; a State in which all communities can feel they belong; a State in which all communities respect each other and reconciliation becomes something natural

Source: NNA