A Vietnamese diplomat has called upon all parties in Iraq to accord utmost priority to national interests, renounce destabilising acts, and work together for the nation’s peace, stability and development.

Ambassador Le Luong Minh, Representative of Vietnam to the UN Security Council, delivered the request at the council’s debate on Iraq and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in New York on Nov. 16.

The diplomat condemned terrorist attacks, including the recent attacks in Baghdad on 19 August and 25 October 2009, which killed hundreds of civilians, injured many more and caused the extensive destruction of local property.

He repeated the demand that those responsible be brought to justice and in this regard, supported the Secretary-General’s measures in response to the Iraqi Government’s request for assistance from the UN.

Raising his concern about political, economic, social and humanitarian challenges Iraq is facing, the ambassador expressed delight at progress that has recorded in Iraq .

He cited an agreement in the Council of Representatives on amendments to the electoral law, the continued commitment of both the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to resolve differences through dialogue, and the steady rates of return of internally displaced persons and refugees.

Having voiced support for efforts aimed at promoting Iraq ’s regional and international re-integration, the diplomat urged concerned parties to step up their dialogues and cooperation to settle issues of mutual concern.

Minh said Vietnam backs the efforts of the UN, the UNAMI, regional organisations and the international community to assist Iraq .

He suggested that once the implementation of the Development Assistance Framework 2011-2014 reaps good results, UN agencies should deliver as one with a view to ensuring good coordination of international assistance, thus helping economise resources and enhance efficiency and, most importantly, serve the very right priorities of Iraq./.