Speech International Compact with Iraq - Annual Review Conference, Stockholm 29 May 2008
Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs

National statement by Sweden, International Compact with Iraq - Annual Review Conference in Stockholm

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Secretary General, Prime Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

First of all, let me thank the Government of Iraq for the Annual Review Report presented to us prior to this conference. This report provides evidence of the progress achieved since the launch of the International Compact with Iraq last year. It also highlights the efforts of the United Nations to advise, support and assist the Government and people of Iraq.

Without progress in the field of security, fair and sustainable development will not be possible. We note significant progress compared with the situation a year ago. A more stable Iraq is gradually emerging. But the fruits of progress must benefit all Iraqis - irrespectively of religious beliefs or national identity. Justice and the rule of law must be extended to all.

Increased respect for human rights is a precondition for sustainable security and development. The obligation of the Government and authorities at federal, provincial and local level to ensure that all Iraqis can enjoy their human rights should guide efforts in all areas.

While welcoming the economic progress outlined in the Review Report, we note that much remains to be done to ensure that all Iraqis, including those who have been forced to leave their homes, have access to acceptable living conditions. Sweden will continue to support the international efforts to give humanitarian assistance to the displaced, but the main responsibility for improving the situation lies with the Government of Iraq. The decision by the Government of Iraq to provide economic support to IDPs and refugees is indeed a welcome step.

Political progress has been achieved, as shown by important legislation adopted during the past year. We hope that this momentum will continue and that efforts to find compromises on other pressing issues will be intensified. Without true reconciliation and broadly based political compromises, achievements already made may not hold, and priorities and plans for the future may come to nothing. Therefore, no efforts must be spared in the work to strengthen and accelerate the political process.

Iraq has indeed achieved a lot during the past year, but we all know the road ahead remains long and difficult, as underlined in the Review Report. Continued support by the international community is therefore of crucial importance. In this context, a strengthened role for the United Nations in Iraq is essential. We look forward to continued significant progress and to a meeting in Baghdad next year.