ADDRESS OF H.E. MR VECDİ GÖNÜL,
MINISTER OF DEFENSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
THE 3 RD IISS REGIONAL SECURITY SUMMIT MANAMA DIALOGUE
(09 December 2006)
THE SITUATION IN IRAQ
Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Esteemed Guests,
It gives me great pleasure to address such a distinguished audience on a topic that carries immense importance for all of us. I would like to express my thanks to the organizers of the Manama Dialogue for inviting me. We are greatful to the Kingdom of Bahrain for the excellent hospitality extended to us in their beautiful contry.
At the outset I wish to describe the basic factors we have to take into consideration when we assess the situation in Iraq.
Looking at the broader picture, it goes without saying that the situation in Iraq also has far-reaching consequences for regional security and stability. This region is already overwhelmed by deeply-rooted problems that cause a negative impact on the entire area and beyond.
In this context, the security problems in Iraq and overall concerns for the future of this country are the main challenges in front of the international community seeking global and regional stability.
That is why, today in their difficult times, we must give Iraqis all the support we can, to help them in their efforts towards establishing a stable, representative and democratic system of government while keeping their territorial integrity intact.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In a very short period of time, Iraq has left behind a number of very critical turning points. 2005 saw three occasions where Iraqis headed to polls. Participation in each vote was higher than the one before. On 15 December 2005, yet another landmark date for Iraq, our neighbor laid down the foundations for a constitutional parliamentary order. Following the elections, although it took long and arduous work, a representative, broad-based government was formed. The fundamental fact that this entire exercise showed is that a clear majority of Iraqis wishes to leave the worries of the past behind, and set sail for a better future as foreseen in the ongoing political process.
However, despite this promising background, one year after the last elections we have to admit that there are many challenges that still remain as such, some being even worse than a year ago. First and foremost among them is security situation. The achievements so far are still fragile and could easily be shattered, unless the main threat is addressed and overcome. The violence in Iraq has reached a level that causes great pain for all of us. It is not only the sheer number of people who lost their lives to violence that worry us; but the reasons behind this violence are more alarming than the tragedy itself. From the activities of international terrorist organizations to sectarian, militia-based killings, from rampant criminal acts to ethnic disturbances, we see a variety of disturbing threats that seem to have engulfed Iraq. We regarded Prime Minister Maliki’s plans on curbing violence and reaching national reconciliation as steps in the right direction, unfortunately we have not yet seen any of the intended results.
Everyone agrees that averting a likelihood civil war depends on the success of the Iraqi government. However, it is our assessment that the overall situation is not promising.
Looking at the political process, again we have to concede that there are significant shortcomings and challenges. The process concerning the amendment of the constitution, which would help securing a broad national consensus toward a viable democracy, has been basically kept on hold. Management of natural resources is the underlying real cause of the serious tension among the groups. The vote on federalism law clearly showed that the political groups’ approach on fundamental aspects of the new Iraq widely differs from one another. Similarly, a lasting, consensus-based formula for the future status of Kirkuk does not appear to be in sight.
Any divisions based on ethnic and religious backgrounds may trigger a lot of things not only in Iraq but also in the region. It is very well known that situation in Iraq has repercussions on the whole region. Hence, we should be very careful not to spoil the existing balance in the region.
In this context, the attempts of some Iraqi groups reflecting their separatist desires raise concerns that these groups, would exploit the federalism for their own political ambitions. The future status of Kirkuk, which is the collective property of Iraq, is an issue of political significance.
We believe that the natural resources of Kirkuk must be fairly used by the people of Iraq without making discrimination against any particular group.
The majority of the Iraqi people therefore should not be deprived of the rich natural resources of the country that may result in a civil war.
The presence of PKK/KONGRA-GEL terrorist organization in Northern Iraq, which has become a safehaven for them, is another main concern. Northern Iraq remains a secure base for PKK/KONGRA-GEL to recruit, train, raise funds, plan and launch attacks, receive medical care and generate propaganda.
These are but a few of the key challenges ahead. The tasks at hand are indeed numerous and complicated. However, we have to force ourselves to look at the future with hope and courage.
There is an elected, broad-based government in Iraq. Sunni Arab parties that refrained from taking part in the political process in the past, are now mostly in the Government. As such, the necessary ground for political, consensus-based decision making is there. What remains is a change of attitude of the Iraqis in general. To successfully resolve such contentious issues, all Iraqi groups need to cast their ethnic and sectarian agendas aside and uphold Iraq’s national, patriotic interests instead.
Indeed, the key issue to be addressed at this stage in Iraq, is to put an end, to the fragmentation of the country along ethnic and sectarian lines. Due to understandable reasons that have origins in the past, Iraq’s political parties have been pursuing policies that appeal only to their ethnic or sectarian electorates. However, if this trend were to continue, what we have come to regard the future with less hope, as opportunities will turn into irreparable fault lines. Every Iraqi should bear in mind that the idea of splitting the country into sectarian parts is not a viable option. It will be the beginning of a disaster, which will engulf the whole region.
History has time and again demonstrated that senseless following of one’s own agenda at every cost of others leads inevitably to the disappointment for all. For decades, the Iraqi people suffered under leaders who resorted to the use of force and intimidation in order to achieve their ends. Iraqis now have their perhaps the last opportunity to make a fresh start. They have their country’s destiny in their own hands. It is up to them to join forces and turn Iraq’s political system into an example of high standards of good governance and democracy.
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,
International community has to stand by Iraq at this decisive juncture. Iraq’s geo-strategic location, as well as its vast human and natural resources, clearly show that a stable, prosperous Iraq is a source of stability and prosperity in its wider geography. This will be a blessing for all of us.
Turkey and Iraq are neighbors. What happens in Iraq has direct consequences in Turkey. In the past, the UN (United Nations) sanctions imposed upon the former regime, cost Turkey tens of billions of dollars in lost trade, investments, tourism and oil pipeline fees. Today, the conditions in Iraq again prevent us from fully utilizing our immense bilateral cooperation potential.
It is with this mindset that Turkey has spared no effort to assist the Iraqi leadership in its colossal tasks. From supporting the political process to humanitarian assistance, from providing training to Iraqi diplomats to contributing to the military training efforts under NATO, we are constantly seeking ways and means to increase our assistance to Iraq.
On the multinational front, Turkey initiated the neighboring countries process, whereby Iraq and the countries of the region gather to discuss cooperation possibilities on a wider perspective. The success of this process has led the way for a similar format among the Ministers of Interior of neighbors of Iraq.
During the recent visit of His Excellency Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki to Turkey, we discussed what more can be done on bilateral and multilateral platforms. We reiterated our readiness to provide training to Iraqi security forces. We discussed how we can improve our economic cooperation. We noted the increase in our bilateral visits and the fact that each and every contact helps us discover new areas of cooperation with satisfaction. We also discussed the common threats we face, such as PKK terror, and discussed how best to tackle these. During this visit, we reaffirmed our full support to the Maliki Government, and underlined that we are ready to do what we can to help Prime Minister Maliki and his government overcome the challenges that Iraq face.
We are also glad to see that the international community is gradually increasing its engagement with Iraq. We welcome the recent initiatives of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and Arab League. On another note, Turkey is more than willing to actively contribute to the International Compact with Iraq.
Iraq needs all the support we can give. We must keep in mind that every bit of assistance we give to Iraq today will contribute to a more stable, prosperous tomorrow for all of us. Iraq is part of the much wider sociopolitical order of the Middle East. Therefore to be successful in Iraq, we need to have a much broader approach.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To sum up, we see a mixed picture in Iraq today. On one hand, we have reasons to look at the future with hope. On the other, there are many issues that cause grave concerns.
At the end of the day, new Iraq will be built by the Iraqis. For our part, we are cautiously optimistic. Despite the ongoing violence, we see an increasing sense of urgency in Iraqis. The key task here, we believe, is re-instating the identity of “Iraqiness”. We hope that the Iraqi people will look to the future and unite behind the efforts of the Maliki Government to make Iraq a strong and stable country. We fully support the formation of a territorially integrated, politically united, peaceful and democratic Iraq.
It has never been easy for any society to undergo such a radical transformation within such a short span of time. Clearly, recent changes in Iraq have been painful. Thousands of lives have been sacrificed and tens of thousands of people have suffered. This puts an overwhelming responsibility on the shoulders of Iraq’s new parliament and the future Iraqi government.
I would like to underline at this junction that even under prevailing severe conditions, Turkey tried its best to improve the living conditions of the Iraqi people and their adaptation to the realities on the ground. Turkey will continue its humanitarian efforts in this regard. If Turkey had not done so, Iraqi people would have been deprived of their basic needs such as foodstuff, water, medicine as well as electricity, construction materials etc. These goods are being transported from Turkey in a very short span of time in 3 days by trucks. Unfortunately about 100 Turkish truck drivers lost their lives on their way. However this unfavorable situation will not hamper Turkish humanitarian assistance to Iraq.
The world should demonstrate to Iraqis that they are not alone. As always, along with the international community, Turkey will continue to stand by its Iraqi neighbors in their effort to regain the control of their fate and their country.
Thank you for your attention.
