IRAQ – Statement delivered by the Delegation of Mexico at the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC)

Must read

New York, February 22, 2022

Thank you very much, Mr. President,

I thank Ambassador Gaffey, President of the United Nations Compensation Commission, for his report, and also welcome the delegations of Iraq and Kuwait.

Today is an important day for both countries. Mexico recognises Iraq for having complied with the provisions of the Security Council, under Article VII of the Charter, as well, as those set by the United Nations Compensation Commission, over the last 30 years. Iraq settled all its compensation payments for damages, losses and environmental degradation resulting from the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, despite numerous challenges, such as the fight against terrorism and the pandemic.

Moreover, the Mexican delegation values the flexibility shown by Kuwait when the government of Iraq requested to suspend the payments between 2014 and 2016, due to the expenses resulting from the fight against the Islamic State.

Iraq begins a new chapter today; it will no longer be required to make deposits drawn from its oil revenues. This will provide the country with additional resources for the benefit of its people. We hope that this new phase will lead to the formation of an inclusive government that reflects the aspirations of the Iraqi people and allows to advance pending reforms.

Finally, Mexico commends the work of the secretariat in processing 2.7 million of complaints during the three decades that the Commission has been operating. We hope that relations between Iraq and Kuwait will continue to deepen and become a pillar of stability in the region.

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

More articles

Latest article