UN affirms its continued commitment to working with Iraq and promoting comprehensive dialogue
Baghdad - INA
The Deputy Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Ghulam Ishaq, affirmed that the United Nations expresses its continued commitment to working with Iraq and promoting comprehensive dialogue.
Ishaq said in a press conference during the Day of Tolerance, attended by the correspondent of the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "I am honored to represent the United Nations on behalf of Muhammad Al-Hassan, and I hope that he will be with us if he wishes to attend. It is a great honor for me to be among this distinguished group of different spectra that embody the beautiful and diverse fabric of Iraq."
He expressed "my sincere gratitude to Counselor Qasim Al-Araji for hosting this important event, which confirms our shared commitment to tolerance, coexistence and the homeland."
He added, "Iraq is the cradle of civilizations, where religions, traditions and cultures have lived side by side for centuries. This diversity is not just a reflection of Iraq's past, but rather a fundamental pillar of a promising future. True strength does not lie in uniformity, but in the ability to embrace differences, foster dialogue, and build a society in which everyone is valued and respected."
He continued, "Iraq has experienced great challenges in the past decades, and these challenges were a test of the bonds of unity among its people. Despite these challenges, the Iraqi people have proven time and again that they are able to transcend revenge and reject hatred, and choose the path of reconciliation. Today, more than ever, we must continue to work to build a society of respect, where diversity is seen as a fundamental value."
He added, "Tolerance is not just a standard or an option in the face of conflict, but a conscious choice for pride, acceptance and coexistence, as coexistence requires all of us, leaders, institutions and societies, to dedicate an environment based on mutual respect, as this means ensuring the rights of everyone regardless of their religion or ethnicity."
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