New York (VNA) – At the UNSC debate on the situation concerning Iraq held in New York on August 6, Vietnamese permanent representative to the UN Security Council, Ambassador Le Luong Minh noted political and security achievements in Iraq, which were reflected in the lowest levels of overall violence since March 2004, the enhanced capabilities of Iraqi security forces in independently maintaining national security, the recent participation of all political factions in the Cabinet and the promulgation of key legislations on justice, amnesty, provincial power and budget execution as well as the intensive preparations for the provincial elections scheduled for October.

The diplomat also praised Iraq’s macro-economic records including increased domestic consumption, the decrease in inflation, the improved investment environment and the gradual settlement of external debt burdens.

He added, however, that Iraq should continue working to overcome such challenges as sectarian violence, poverty reduction and hunger elimination, the unresolved status of Kirkuk, the adoption of laws on election and oil, the illicit use of weapons, organised crimes and disarmament.

Ambassador Minh highlighted the important role that the UN agencies, neighbouring countries and the international community can play in Iraq’s reconciliation, stabilisation and reconstruction.

He hailed the positive results of the Compact Annual Review Conference in Stockholm (Sweden) in May 2008 and the normalization of bilateral relations between Iraq and neighbouring countries, saying that “this emerging partnership and cooperation will be sustained and translated into further concrete action to serve mutual interests of all relevant stakeholders, on the basis of respect for the political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq.”

Ambassador Minh affirmed that Vietnam supports the enhanced coordination of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the UN country team in Iraq and the UNAMI’s contributions to implementing its mandate under the Security Council Resolution 1770 (2007).