Honorable Chairperson and Distinguished Delegates,

The Republic of Iraq recognizes that disarming terrorist militant groups and combating organized
crime in Pakistan and Afghanistan is crucial to stability in the region and in the entire Muslim world.
As a fellow member of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference
we take a genuine interest in this issue.

There are a number of concerns that we have about the serious problems facing Pakistan such as
corruption, drug trafficking, military rule, widespread militancy, and a declining inclination to
improve education and health standards.

When we look at the resources of Terrorism, we see that the Taliban provides finances by the
production and sales of opium in Afghanistan and soldiers from madrasahs. In order to stop
terrorism, it is very important to address these two resources.

There is a complete lack of control over the education system in Pakistan. The Taliban is using
child soldiers from madrasahs in its fights along Pakistan's borders with Afghanistan and terrorist
groups are attacking children and education centers, causing a very high child mortality rate.
"Jamiat Ulema-i Islam" is encouraging madrasah students to participate in the Taliban's terror.

Many terrorist organizations have large networks spreading over several regions to obtain
armaments. Large terrorist networks like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban who have a strong influence in
their respected regions. The villagers also have faith in the Taliban and this support makes it even
more difficult to stop the Taliban from gaining power.

In order to reduce this faith, Afghan and Pakistani governments need to start negotiations with
leaders from different ethnic groups in order to take muftis' opinions on how the Taliban's
interpretation of the Islam contradicts with the Taliban's human right violations. Apart from that,
they also need to start communicating with the Taliban to negotiate the current situation.

Nations need to cooperate with UN Office on Drugs and Crime and Afghan Special Narcotics
Forces in order to tackle the problem of illegal drug trafficking that is the financial source of the
Taliban's terrorist acts. Afghan and Pakistani governments need to take extra measures to
increase control along the borders and in the areas where opium and its products are produced.

Another point we think needs to be addressed is that the militant groups in this region are using the
ethnic differences as a tool to start conflicts among the peoples. To deal with this problem,
UNESCO may create a campaign under the title of "Understanding Shia and Sunni Perspective"
and help the settlement of communication and peace between different ethnic groups.

Lastly, the refugee problems caused by the terrorist militant groups' propaganda requires the
immediate attention of UN bodies such as UNHCR, UNIFEM, and UNESCO. The refugees need to
be provided with shelter, food, medical care and clean water. Apart from these basic needs, their
social and cultural concerns also need to be addressed.

The Muslim world, of which we are a part, needs to fight terrorism and the many problems it brings
for securing its own future. But this does not have to be an objective that is imposed from outside.
Therefore, if a paradigm shift needs to occur in order to settle peace and stability in the region, it
should be the result of the countries' own decision and enthusiasm; the sovereignty of states
should be strictly respected.

Thank you.