Address by Jawad Al Bolani, Minister of Interior, Iraq

 

 

 

 

 

Your Highnesses,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

We meet today in the context of discussing security issues in our Arab region under serious threats jeopardising the stability and security of the region. Of course, you realise that the issue of security is an integral whole that does not split up.

 

We all know that the new experience and nascent democracy in Iraq have begun to lay down the foundations of a new state; one unlike what some perceive of, ruled by a pluralist political system in which all the components of the Iraqi spectrum participate. However, the process of construction is not easy and we appreciate this. On the other hand, it is not impossible and Iraqis are making sacrifices amidst great challenges. Simultaneously, they are building their modern state and combating international and regional terror on their sacred land on behalf of the nations of the region and the nations of the entire world.

 

As Iraqis, we believe that we bleed and shed tears to build Iraq because freedom has a price, as you know. It is illogical to compare the current situation of Iraq to that of some stable and prosperous states that enjoy security. We have to look at the present situation of Iraq and compare it to the past of states that have witnessed political transformations and the change of regimes from dictatorship to democracy. Moreover, Iraq has its obvious particularity owing to the presence of that unique diversity of its constituents, resources and deep-rooted history. True an elected government practicing its authorities via legislative, executive and judiciary powers cannot wage war on its neighboring countries as it is run by several authorities and not by one person who gives orders and wages war everywhere at will. And here, brothers and sisters, lies the difference. Security in Iraq is a new experience in the region. In Iraq there is a pluralist, parliamentary, political system in which all the institutions of the state, in terms of policies or structure, order and law, are subject to the constitution.

 

On the basis of this, we cannot build repressive security services that use power arbitrarily. Building an army and intelligence services in the context of a democratic regime is a process that requires reinforcing confidence between institutions and the citizens. This is something we are working vigorously on now. At the same time, we do not allow others to use our country as a stage for settling their differences. The Iraqi government has launched the initiative of national reconciliation, which is a politico-strategic option to build Iraq that has led to the shattering of many masks and openly and daringly expressed that Iraqis are called upon to build Iraq, and that the powers of ruling are mandated by the will of the people, who have chosen a democratically and constitutionally elected government. The government is determined to combat corruption and sectarianism; it has announced a nationalist approach consistent with the well-being of Iraq and the Iraqis.  The security challenge represented by militias, sectarian violence and insurgence has resulted from reasons contributed to by historical factors; some of which are historical, whereas some are economic pertaining to its basic resource (oil) and stirred by regional and international factors. Iraq remains the most committed and vital party, by virtue of its political and security potentialities and via the government of Mr. Al Maliki and the help of neighboring countries and the international community as regards activating the (international pledge document) by means of which Iraq aspires to build its capabilities and meet challenges.

 

The Al Qaeda organisation remains the greatest danger threatening the entire world and our region, especially with its widespread networks embodied in operating and sleeping cells. This danger does not project itself in the organisational and military domain; but through the thought of apostasy and blind extremism, which is adhered to by the members of this organisation, and their targeting the social structure of Iraqis. This has sown the seeds of sectarian sedition in different regions of Iraq, as well as clannish strife in one and the same city. This has actually happened in Al Anbar, Samraa and Mosul. They target any Iraqi who is trying to put a building block in any services project of the infrastructure like energy, pipelines, and other criminal acts, which have deprived these cities of benefiting from the projects and funds allocated to reconstruction. There is also the fact that they target the lives of thousands of civilians using bomb cars, explosives and the roads of death, which they invent negating values and ethics and all religions.

 

No doubt there is a danger threatening our region and the world. This danger has in fact started to escalate in a manner that stirs worries. Here I have some proposals that may help in tackling this issue:

First, achieving a victory on terror in Iraq and helping the Iraqi government in its security and political program is in fact a victory for the region and the world at large.

Second, approving the Act of investment in Iraq has created an appropriate opportunity for moving capitals. When we assess the situation in Iraq, we have to employ an objective and correct vision; unlike the picture drawn by some and transmitted by the kind of media which have special agendas in terms of direction and approach to drawing policies and proposals pertinent to Iraq.

Thirdly, the fact that the region has become a party to an international agreement reinforces the security and economic partnership, lays the foundations of good neighborhood and develops the system of interests between the states of this region. We do not choose our neighborhood by will because it is a reality and we have to deal with it wisely, rationality and with a strong sense of responsibility. We have to distance ourselves from religious, doctrinal or nationalist legacies because man has not been born with a choice of religion, sect or nationality.

 

Fourth, we have to control the funds that come under the guise of supporting Iraqis from societies, wealthy and affluent men and end up in the hands of groups that do not hesitate to use them for purposes which are at variance with what has been agreed upon. Things may go wrong and these funds may make their way to terrorists, militias, and gangs and contribute to the killing of civilians and innocent people and set aglow political and sectarian struggles.

 

The world around us is growing and progressing, and so too is Iraq. Iraq has gone a long way in the process of construction notwithstanding all the threats and the injustice of the media, which have marketed the news; the media focuses on the dark side of the picture and not the picture in its totality.

 

We have achieved, thank God, important projects to make drinking water available as well as drainage; similarly, we have opened new universities, qualified health centers, built homes for orphans and people with special needs, new bridges, and paved major roads. Also, services have been extended to areas where they were just dreams in the near past. We have restored life to the Al Ahwar of Iraq after the crime of drying them up; a crime which reached out to man, animals and environment, alike. We have also approved the project of national housing and investment, which will have a pioneer role in this enterprise. Moreover, we have built the big port of Iraq, in addition to other important projects. As for security, we now have ten Iraqi divisions which will assume responsibility for security. Also, we have founded multi-purpose military and police academies to develop command skills. In parallel with this, we have accomplished the final stages of a scheme to issue passports, national identity cards, and passed a new Act of the possession of arms, and are taking over the responsibility of communications by employing a modern system. There is also the project of the electronic government, building hundreds of Border Guard stations, thirteen exits, a Coast Guard force, inaugurating institutes of criminal investigation and many other achievements which time does not allow mentioning here. Yes, this elected government needs an opportunity because the war being fought by Iraqis on behalf of the world and the region is one between terror and democracy.

 

On this platform, I find myself responsible for clarifying these matters and for telling you that Iraqis need your support and confidence, that Iraq is a major country in the region and will have a positive role in enhancing security and stability. Our elected government is the national option and it is the government of salvation not only of Iraq, but of the whole region.

 

Finally, I extend my thanks and gratitude to the government and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain for their warm reception and hospitality. I thank Dr. Chapman and the cadre of the IISS and all who are involved in the Manama Dialogue. Wish you all the success. Peace, mercy and the blessings of Allah be upon you.