Iraq will not allow terrorism hamper development plans: UN Envoy

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraq's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mohammad Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom said on Thursday that his country would not allow terrorists to interfere with the government's plans for development and security. 

"We will not allow terrorism (to) hamper the government's plans and efforts in the fields of development and strengthening security, stability and peace in society," the Iraq envoy told the international representatives.

Bahr Al-Uloom's made these remarks during a United Nations Security Council session in New York, where he briefed attendees on the latest developments in his country. 

He reiterated that Iraq would not allow its lands to be used as a battlefield. 

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), also talked about Baghdad-Erbil relations and Iraqi government formation.

"Efforts should center on resolving outstanding issues. Not by way of a power grab, but in a spirit of partnership and cooperation," she said. 

Read More: UNAMI head discusses Erbil-Baghdad relations at UN Security Council

ISIS remnants still pose a threat to the security and stability of Iraq. They still carry out hit-and-run attacks against Iraqi and Kurdish forces from the disputed territories between Erbil and Baghdad. 

The Iraqi military and the Kurdish Peshmerga recently ramped up efforts to plug "security gaps" in these areas and deny ISIS safe-havens. 

On Wednesday, the Iraqi Air Force carried out airstrikes in Kirkuk province, killing five ISIS members, including two leaders, according to the Iraqi military.