UN chief felicitates liberation of Mosul
New York, July 11, IRNA – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement congratulated Iraqi people and government over the liberation of the city of Mosul.
“The recovery of Mosul is a significant step in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism,” UN website quoted Guterres as saying on Monday night.
“The UN would stand by the Government as it creates the conditions for “voluntary, safe and dignified return” of the displaced communities, as well as to restore the rule of law, prevent a return to violence and foster accountability for all violations.”
In the statement, he also lauded the “courage, determination and perseverance” of the people and Government, and added condolences for the loss of lives and wishes for those injured.”
Mosul fell in June 2014, when Daesh in an attack took control of the city. Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake Mosul on October 16, 2016.
The eastern part of Mosul was recaptured from Daesh in about three months and the most populated part of the city, known as the Old City of Mosul, in the western bank of Tigris River was liberated in recent days.