NEW YORK, Dec 3 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait affirmed that respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity forms the essential basis for stable relations with Iraq, emphasizing that resolving outstanding humanitarian and property files would enhance regional stability and reinforce established principles governing good-neighborly ties.
Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tareq Al-Banai delivered a statement before the Security Council session discussing the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), underscoring Kuwait's continued reliance on structured UN mechanisms to monitor progress on outstanding bilateral humanitarian obligations.
He said the Secretary-General's latest report provides a critical reference for evaluating progress on Kuwait's files, especially following recent Tripartite Commission meetings, technical subcommittee discussions, and structured cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Al-Banai welcomed Iraq's handover of 400 boxes containing books and archival materials, noting that this development resulted from sustained coordination between relevant parties and reflects the continued importance of consistent UN engagement.
He expressed hope that the recent handover would support completing the full retrieval of remaining Kuwaiti property, particularly the national archive, which constitutes the most significant outstanding component of Kuwait's documented state holdings.
The ambassador noted that UNAMI has maintained international attention on the issue for more than a decade, reinforcing confidence between both countries and supporting efforts intended to advance the resolution of outstanding humanitarian files.
He stated that progress regarding missing persons remains limited, highlighting that several priority sites have yet to produce conclusive results despite decades having passed since the disappearance of Kuwaiti nationals and other affected individuals.
Al-Banai called for intensified search efforts and the development of more effective methodologies based on direct witness access and comprehensive technological tools, supported by continued UN follow-up to ensure systematic and credible implementation.
He highlighted the Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2792, establishing a post-UNAMI framework that includes appointing a high-level UN representative dedicated exclusively to overseeing and advancing Kuwait's outstanding humanitarian and property files.
Al-Banai said the resolution underscores clear international commitment to ensuring these humanitarian issues receive continuous oversight and that fair outcomes are secured for families of missing persons and for the recovery of remaining national property, including the archive.
He reaffirmed the binding nature of relevant agreements, including Security Council Resolution 833 on land and maritime boundary demarcation, stressing the necessity of respecting these legal instruments without reinterpretation, modification, or unilateral alteration.
Al-Banai rejected inaccuracies cited in Iraq's recent judicial ruling, reiterated Kuwait's position that unilateral actions affecting binding agreements are legally void, and affirmed Kuwait's commitment to constructive cooperation to achieve tangible progress on all outstanding files. (end) ast.ahm