UN General Assembly
2008

all active actors in Iraq. Progress has been achieved on the ground thanks to ongoing national reconciliation activities that have brought about the end of sectarian killings and an improvement in the security situation, along with the return of thousands of displaced families to their homes, the launch of construction projects and the provision of services to citizens. The proper preparation and continuous training given to security and military forces have greatly impacted their efficiency and capacity to respond to criminal gangs, militias and terrorist organizations. Those forces conducted successful security campaigns to enforce the law in Baghdad and thereby eliminated most of the armed militias and gangs and terrorist groups, which greatly helped us to restore security and stability. We also undertook similar and successful campaigns in Basra, Mosul, Diyala and other provinces. The Iraqi security forces have taken over security duties from the multinational forces in many of Iraq’s provinces, most recently in Anbar. We are currently assuming full responsibility for defending and preserving the democratic achievements of our people.