On 31 May 2017, the Counter-Terrorism Committee held a second informal meeting on the counter-terrorism-related technical assistance needs of the Republic of Iraq. The aim of the meeting was to follow-up with implementing partners and Iraqi officials on progress achieved since the first informal, held in March 2016, which focused on the 16 priority technical assistance needs identified during the Executive Directorate’s (CTED) visit to Iraq on behalf of the Committee.
The meeting gathered Members of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, representatives of Iraq and over a dozen other Member States, as well as 缅北禁地entities and international and regional organizations, including the 1267 Committee Monitoring Team, ICAO, UNMAS, UNODC, 缅北禁地Women, the IMF, the World Bank, the European Union, NATO, and the Global Center on Cooperative Security.
Chairman of the Committee, H.E. Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta, highlighted the importance of cooperation in order to achieve tangible results and to counter terrorism in all its forms. “The presence of Da’esh, Al-Qaida, and other terrorist groups continues to test the limits of Iraq’s resources, as the authorities struggle to prevent acts of terrorism; to investigate attacks and prosecute alleged perpetrators; and cooperate with regional and international partners, particularly on matters relating to foreign terrorist fighters. The support of the international community thus remains crucial,” Ambassador Aboulatta said.
In the meeting, all implementing partners voiced their endorsement of the Counter-Terrorism Committee assessment on priority counter-terrorism related technical assistance needs for Iraq, and outlined how they are putting these to good use in the planning and implementation of their assistance.
“I wish to command Iraq for all their efforts in countering the threat posed by Dae’sh and being amongst those in the forefront in fighting this terrorist group. Indeed, Iraq has introduced a number of measures to enhance its legislative and law enforcement framework in line with the international best codes and standards on counter-terrorism. Still, much work remains to be done and Iraq needs our support, stressed the Executive Director of CTED, Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde, in his closing remarks. He further noted that Da’esh has been increasingly resorting to the use of civilians as human shields: “Here, I wish once again to pay my deepest respects to Iraqi citizens who have sacrificed their lives in fighting for a free, united Iraq. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.”