The 15-member United Nations Security Council has unanimously passed a resolution condemning the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Iraq. The Council also called on member states, particularly Iraq's neighbors, to prevent the flow of weapons and terrorists into Iraq.
The resolution strongly condemns what it calls the "shameless and horrific" recent attacks in Iraq that have killed more than 100 people, including 32 children, members of the electoral commission and diplomats.
Britain and the United States sponsored the resolution. In his Security Council debut as United States ambassador, John Bolton called on Syria and Iran to help stem the tide of transnational terrorism.
"This resolution highlights the critical importance of cooperation among member states to halt the flow of terrorists, weapons, and terrorist financing to Iraq," said Mr. Bolton. "We call upon the governments of Syria and Iran to honor their commitments to assist Iraq and to implement the pledges they have made to support stability in Iraq. We urge all UN member states, especially in the Arab world, to come forward and support the Iraqi people at this critical point."
Iraqi ambassador Samir Sumaida'ie says the resolution places a clear moral responsibility on member states to support the political process in Iraq. He said Iraq's neighbors know what actions they must take to stop the flow of weapons and terrorists into Iraq.
"We have made it clear to our Syrian neighbors that we are aware of people within Syria who are facilitating the passage of terrorists into Iraq and financing terrorists operations," he said. "We have asked them to deal with these individuals. Also to stem the flow of terrorists. We continue to have assurances from the Syrian government that they are doing what they can. But we also continue to observe more and more people coming across. We are frankly not fully satisfied."
Syrian ambassador Fayssal Mekdad says Damascus has taken steps to fortify the borders, including the deployment of 10,000 soldiers and the construction of 300 watchtowers. But he says the efforts are not being recognized, because of a campaign against Syria.
"What is missing is not Syrian will to combat terrorism," said Mr. Mekdad. "But what is missing, in fact, is the help and assistance we requested from both the United Kingdom and the United States to give to Syria. We would like to ask them what have they done on the other side of the border? They have done nothing while Syria has taken all measures and has done everything possible. We are trying to fortify our borders and making it difficult for terrorists to go into Iraq. We have recent sent back to many Arab countries suspected terrorists, who were about to enter Iraq from Syria."
The media also came under fire. Russia's representative said the media should not be used as a podium for terrorist propaganda. Earlier this week Russia announced it will not renew credentials for the ABC-TV network because it broadcast an interview with a Chechen rebel leader. And Iraqi ambassador Sumaida'ie criticized media outlets that glamorize terrorists, saying free speech must have responsible boundaries.
