The UN Security Council adopted on Thursday a presidential statement to reiterate its support to Iraq, urging the UN mission there to continue its assistance to the Iraqi people and government.
In the statement, the 15-member body reaffirmed its commitment to the "independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq," and emphasized the "importance of the stability and security of Iraq for its people, the region, and the international community."
The council reiterated its support to the people and government of Iraq "in their efforts to build a secure, stable, united and democratic country, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights."
It urged the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to continue to support the government in promoting democratic progress, national reconciliation, and humanitarian assistance.
The council underscored UNAMI's important role in supporting the Iraqi people and government to promote "dialogue, ease tension, and develop a just and fair solution for the nation's disputed internal boundaries," and called on the relevant parties to participate in "an inclusive dialogue to this end."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his latest report on Iraq that there were "encouraging signs of progress" in the country in recent months.
But, many important challenges remain, and further progress is needed in the coming months to ensure that the gain made so far can be sustained, Ban said.