At the virtual conference on the situation in Iraq and the operation of the UNAMI. — VNA/VNS Photo

NEW YORK — Việt Nam supports a free and fair election in Iraq, with the participation of people from all walks of life, including women and youths, Ambassador Đặng Đình Quý, Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the United Nations (UN), has affirmed.

The country is set to elect a parliament in June, which will select the country's next leaders, including a prime minister and president.

Attending a virtual conference of the UN Security Council on the situation in Iraq and the operation of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Tuesday, Quý said Việt Nam backs the Iraqi government’s efforts to prepare for the upcoming elections and stands ready to discuss Iraq’s request for the UN Security Council (UNSC)’s support in election supervision at the UNSC’s meetings.

The Vietnamese diplomat spoke highly of the efforts made by the UN Women and Iraqi organisations in promoting the supervision of women’s election participation as well as prevention of violence against female candidates.

Việt Nam backs increasing collaboration between Iraq and regional countries to respond to common challenges, he said, calling for all parties to fully respect Iraq’s independence and territorial integrity.

Regarding the humanitarian issue, he said it is necessary to pay due attention to the people who were forced to leave their houses, as well as ensure a safe, voluntary and sustained return for them.

Qúy lauded the co-operation between the Iraqi and Kuwaiti governments in the search for missing Kuwaitis and citizens of third countries and the return of Kuwait’s property under the UNSC’s Resolution No.2017.

He went on to laud the UNAMI’s activities, affirming Việt Nam’s support of the UN mission and organisations in helping Iraq maintain stability and security.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative for Iraq and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), said Iraq is experiencing a challenging time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and complex security situation with a wide range of terrorist activities targeting civilians and military objects.

Iraq has fully passed necessary laws to lay a legal foundation for the election scheduled in October, she said, adding UNAMI and other UN organisations in Iraq have helped the nation stabilise the local situation and prepare for the election.

At the event, other participants voiced their support for Iraq’s efforts to prepare for its election, hoping the election will live up to the citizens’ expectation and contribute to the nation’s stability.

They also condemned terrorist activities and assassinations in the nation, calling for inspections into the cases, and further counter-terrorism efforts.

Việt Nam calls for support to Lebanon

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) discussed the implementation of Resolution 1559 related to the situation in Lebanon at a meeting the same day.

According to UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, the political situation in Lebanon has not seen positive progress, while the country has faced extremely difficult economic and unstable social conditions, along with increased poverty and unemployment. The sovereignty and territory of Lebanon continue to be violated.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the UN Nguyễn Phương Trà expressed deep concern about the crisis in Lebanon, which seriously affects the living conditions of locals.

In term of security, the Lebanese armed force’s shortage of resources to ensure security for the country has harmed stability in the country and the implementation of the UNSC’s Resolution 1559, she noted.

Việt Nam called on Lebanese leaders and all parties to overcome barriers for the interest of the people, and establish a government capable of conducting necessary reforms, she stated.

She added that Việt Nam hopes that the international community, donors and UN agencies will continue to help Lebanon to overcome the current crisis, while paying attention to the humanitarian situation of Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Trà also urged all relevant parties to respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.

Resolution 1559 was adopted by the UNSC in 2004, requesting respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unification and political independence of Lebanon under the single power body of the Lebanese government, as well as the dissolution of all non-state armed forces in the Lebanese territory, and calling on all foreign forces to withdraw from the country.

At the meeting, the UNSC approved Resolution 2574 on the supplementation of tasks to the UN Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVM), and Resolution 2575 on the extension of the mandate of the Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) with 15 yes votes. —VNS