UNSC passed a resolution backing new Government in Iraq in its fight against ISIS militants

The UN Security Council (UNSC) on 19 September 2014 passed unanimous resolution that backs the new Government in Iraq in its fight against the ISIS militants.

The Council’s meet was chaired by the US Secretary of State John Kerry, whose country holds the 15-member body’s presidency for September 2014.  

Main highlights of the UNSC Resolution

• The council condemned the attacks by terrorist organisations including Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) that is also known as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). It termed their offensive as a major threat to the region.
• The council also appealed the international community, in accordance with international law, to support the efforts being made by the government of Iraq to maintain security and combat terrorism, so that a safe, stable and prosperous future can be created for people of Iraq.
• It reiterated the urgent need to stop any direct or indirect trade in oil from Iraq involving ISIL.
• The UNSC also urged Member States to work closely with Iraq to identify how best to support democracy and security, as well as national reconciliation to address the needs of all of Iraq’s diverse communities.
• The UNSC statement expressed support for Iraq’s full integration into the region and the international community, and recognized the importance for it to achieve the international standing it held prior to the adoption of resolution 661 (1990).

The UNSC resolution is seen as a strong endorsement of global action against the militants who have captured large swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq and unleashed a reign of terror in the region.