The Security Council heard the third periodic report from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq. Speaking from Baghdad to the Council, Mr. Mladenov briefed the council on the recent political and security development in Iraq. Politically, the last election in April, which had an impressive turnout of 12.6 million voters, produced a hung parliament with none of the three major political blocs commanding a majority. Such political impasse coincides with the general differences of views between the central government in Bagdad and the regional government in Kurdistan, which currently have disputes on oil revenue sharing and the national budget. However, it is an encouraging sign that the three blocs successfully elected the Speaker of the legislature in spirit of compromise, a practice which Mr. Mladenov hoped can be reciprocated when a new government is formed in the near future. In terms of the security situation, Mr. Mladenov highlighted that the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant or the ISIL “has become a complex threat to peace and security in Iraq, the entire region and beyond.” While stating the need for all parties to stay involved in resolving this security threat, he stated a solution comprising only of military measures without accompanying political and social policies will not resolve the issues.

Ambassador Alhakim of Iraq responded to the remarks made by Mr. Mladenov. With regards to the ISIL, he highlighted that actions taken by the terrorists in the city of Mosul harmed both Muslims and Christians alike. The Christians were fined heavily and coerced to convert to Islam to stay in Mosul, or are killed or forced to leave the city. He urged to Council to provide assistance to end the mayhem stirred up ISIS.

The Council proceeded to closed consultation to exchange views among members regarding the situation in Iraq.

Meeting Title – 7224th Meeting of the UN Security Council
Speakers –Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq; Mr. Mohammad Ali Al-Hakim, Permanent Representatives of Iraq to the United Nations
Location – Security Council Chamber, United Nations Headquarters
Date – July 23th, 2014
Summary Written By WIT Representative – Harrison Chung