Ambassador Bui The Giang, Deputy Permanent Representative for Vietnam to the UN Security Council (UNSC), reiterated Vietnam ’s commitment to making practical contributions to the reconstruction of Iraq during its current, critical period of transition.

At the UNSC debate in New York on June 18 on the situation in Iraq, the Vietnamese diplomat acknowledged a consistent positive trend in the overall political and security situation in Iraq over the past six months, including the formation of Provincial Councils in 14 governorates and the strengthening of institutions of local governance following successful provincial elections earlier this year.

“ A new Speaker of Parliament was elected, putting an end to a four-month hiatus and opening up prospects of progress on the pending legislation needed for the country’s recovery,” Giang said.

The increased ability of Iraqi Security Forces to assume greater responsibilities lays further ground for security improvements within Iraq ’s sovereignty, he added.

The Vietnamese representative also applauded Iraq ’s enhanced international relations, particularly those with neighbouring states.

While concerned about the multiple challenges that Iraq is facing, he called upon the Government of Iraq and its citizens to build on the progress made thus far and move ahead in the course of national reconciliation, reconstruction and reintegration. He also urged them to be well-prepared for elections at all levels later this year and early next year.

Given the fact that the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq is coming to a close by the end of this year, Ambassador Giang emphasised the need to ensure accountability and transparency in the process of allocating aid.

“We believe that international and regional assistance should be better coordinated to help Iraq address its national socio-economic priorities and that this should be done through every related mechanism,” he said./.