UN Iraq envoy welcomes declaration calling for end to sectarian violence

The senior United Nations envoy to Iraq today welcomed a declaration adopted by various religious leaders calling for an end to sectarian violence in the increasingly volatile country, and pledged the world body's support for the initiative.

In a statement issued in Baghdad, Ashraf Qazi applauded the “Mekkah al-Mukaramah Declaration,” calling it a “major step towards halting violence and healing the wounds in Iraq.”

He commended the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) for its initiative, which brought together the different religious leaders who endorsed the Declaration.

Mr. Qazi “applauded Iraq's religious leaders who drafted and signed the text of this Declaration and called on Iraqi leaders to commit themselves to the letter and spirit of this Declaration.”

He said that Iraq's religious, political and social leaders have a responsibility to use their influence with all their followers to ensure that the tenets of this declaration were fulfilled as a matter of urgency.

The Declaration noted that the worsening security situation made it imperative that Iraqi Muslims were united against sectarian violence. Mr. Qazi pledged that the UN “stands ready to provide any assistance required to facilitate the implementation of this Declaration.”

Also today, the envoy marked the occasion of the Eid Al-Fitr by extending his “sincere wishes to the Iraqi people and Government for a blessed holiday.”

He reaffirmed the UN's commitment to continued support and assistance for Iraq, consistent with its mandates and Iraqi aspiration for peace and harmony.