The destruction of the Shrine of the Two Imams was a shocking tragedy. It was an act of sacrilege. It was an affront to all Muslims. It represented treachery against all Iraqis. It was directed against the peace and unity, indeed the future, of Iraq. It provoked an immediate response that has claimed the lives of many innocent Iraqis and their places of worship. It was a crime that was deliberately planned with the aim of luring Iraqis into the trap of fitna. This is a test for all the people of Iraq who have already faced so many severe tests.

Iraq is too precious to allow evil actions and evil persons to fan the flames of evil passions that daily claim the lives of innocent Iraqis. All Iraqis must now come together in a spirit of fraternity and love to consider concrete measures to defeat the carefully prepared plans of those who are determined to create the conditions of civil war. Many years ago the great poet of Lahore, Muhammad Iqbal, called on his people to “Wake up from your deep slumber! Wake up from your deep slumber!” (Az Khaab-i-Giraan Khez! Az Khaab-i-Giraan Khez!)  That message of Iqbal is still fresh.

Fortunately, the political, religious, and civil society leadership of Iraq is well aware of the challenges confronting Iraq today. The political leaders have been in intensive discussions and have agreed upon several measures to address the current critical situation.

The United Nations is prepared to support these measures in a variety of ways. In particular, it would be prepared, with the support of UNESCO and as a matter of urgency, to establish a special reconstruction fund supported by the international community to restore the damaged Shrine of the Two Imams and other Mosques that were subsequently damaged to their original dignity. The United Nations would also encourage and assist projects, including a national compact for the protection of human rights, that are designed to strengthen the bonds of mutual respect, understanding and harmony among all the communities of Iraq. Such projects could go a long way to ensure that the burdens of Iraq’s past do not weigh upon the prospects of its future.

The United Nations will always be ready to assist the noble people of Iraq who gave civilization to the world. But ultimately it will be for the Iraqi people themselves to determine the course of their future. Enough words have been spoken. Now is the time to speak with actions that strengthen love and cooperation. Once you make that resolution no enemy can ever defeat  or divide you. May Allah bless your efforts with success.