Foreign Minister Affirms: Terrorism Failed to Break State's Will and Cripple Iraqi Diplomacy

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed Wednesday that terrorism has failed to break the state's resolve or disrupt Iraqi diplomacy. He noted the ministry maintained Iraq's international presence and relations, building bridges of communication with nations and organizations, defending Iraq's interests and positions, and bolstering its regional and global standing. Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the ministry's martyrs, the Minister stated that "an array of Foreign Ministry staff, civilians, and security personnel became victims of a terrorist attack on the ministry." He added, "We lost 82 individuals, including 45 Foreign Ministry employees, plus many injured who endured the devastations of this heinous assault." He elaborated: "Today, we stand in reverence and loyalty to the blood of the martyrs and the sacrifices of the injured, renewing our condolences to families who lost loved ones." He stressed that "these sacrifices underscore the vital role of diplomats in defending Iraq and exposing extremist ideologies espoused by various terrorist organizations." He continued that "targeting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was an attack on the Iraqi state's symbolism and diplomatic voice, an attempt to silence institutions and prevent them from fulfilling their role in defending Iraq's sovereignty and public interests." He emphasized that "terrorism, despite its pain and destruction, could not break the state's resolve nor hinder Iraqi diplomacy's progress." He pointed out that "amidst the rubble and the painful aftermath, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued its responsibilities, preserving Iraq's presence and relations. It persisted in fostering connections with nations and international bodies, advocating for Iraq's interests and stances, and reinforcing its pivotal role globally." He explained that "the treacherous bombing commemorated today was not the ministry's sole attack; it was preceded and followed by several bombings and assassinations targeting elite staff, resulting in 37 martyrs in various terrorist acts." He noted "this included the suicide belt attack on the ministry on February 5, 2014, which claimed 13 lives and injured five." He mentioned that "the Iraqi government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, worked on rebuilding the ministry's premises and providing treatment and compensation to the injured. It also diligently ensured the rights of martyrs and supported their families." He affirmed that "Iraqi diplomacy played a proactive role in combating and eradicating cross-border terrorism." He indicated that "the ministry collaborated with allied nations and the international community to intensify efforts to dismantle extremist ideologies of terrorist organizations, cut off their funding, and eliminate their safe havens, through multiple Security Council resolutions." Hussein reiterated "sincere thanks and appreciation to sisterly and friendly nations that offered assistance and supported Iraq in its fight against ISIS and other terrorist groups." He stated that "Iraq, having confronted and triumphed over terrorism, confidently advances today towards solidifying its security and stability, enhancing international relations, promoting dialogue and cooperation, and bolstering its position and role in addressing regional and global crises and challenges." He concluded by saying: "The best homage to the martyrs' legacy is for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remain, as they envisioned, a steadfast national institution dedicated to defending Iraq's sovereignty and interests, serving its people, and elevating its presence and standing among the world's nations."