Friday, May 11, 2007
Will Maliki be able to stay the course?
Politics
(Gulf News) - The fate of Nouri Al Maliki's government has been the subject of many Iraqi rumours and possible scenarios. Rumours differed on whether Al Maliki will continue as the prime minister or leave office. Described by observers, Baghdad is witnessing political momentum towards 'military coup' to overthrow the Shiite coalition government headed by Al Maliki.
In Baghdad, analysts believe coming July will be crucial and decisive and decide Al Maliki and Iraq's fate. In Shiite circles there are speculations that the Shiite coalition leader Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, if Al Maliki failed in the security and reconciliation, will announce the Shiite autonomy territory in the south and middle of Iraq including nine provinces.
Mudhir Al Husaini, a Political researcher at Baghdad University, told Gulf News: "The new security plan for Baghdad, which started three months ago, is a double-edged sword. If Al Maliki succeeds in halting the decadent security situation then he will remain in his office but if he fails to do so then his position is increasingly shaky".
He added: "The Sharm Al Shaikh international covenant conference and the neighbouring countries meeting was considered as Al Maliki's last opportunity to prove his effectiveness in halting sectarian violence or he would lose the support provided by the conferees and have to leave his office".
One name that surfaces while discussing Al Maliki's successor is Eyad Allawi, Iraq's former interim prime minister who is Shiite and more secular than Al Maliki and not deeply tied to Iran. He seeks to exploit the recent prime minister's security and political failure in the light of Americans desire to form an Iraqi emergency government.
Allawi will most probably be the leading candidate for heading the next alternative government, and accordingly he is seeking to gain trust and support from political blocs like Kurds, the Sadr trend, the Fadhila party and some Sunni parties, beside moving towards obtaining vigorous backing of some regional states. Mohammad Abdul Sahib, a senior official at the Iraqi National Dialogue Ministry, told Gulf News: "We have gone to lengthy rounds in contacting Iraqi opposition armed groups which have their own conditions."
In Baghdad, analysts believe coming July will be crucial and decisive and decide Al Maliki and Iraq's fate. In Shiite circles there are speculations that the Shiite coalition leader Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, if Al Maliki failed in the security and reconciliation, will announce the Shiite autonomy territory in the south and middle of Iraq including nine provinces.
Mudhir Al Husaini, a Political researcher at Baghdad University, told Gulf News: "The new security plan for Baghdad, which started three months ago, is a double-edged sword. If Al Maliki succeeds in halting the decadent security situation then he will remain in his office but if he fails to do so then his position is increasingly shaky".
He added: "The Sharm Al Shaikh international covenant conference and the neighbouring countries meeting was considered as Al Maliki's last opportunity to prove his effectiveness in halting sectarian violence or he would lose the support provided by the conferees and have to leave his office".
One name that surfaces while discussing Al Maliki's successor is Eyad Allawi, Iraq's former interim prime minister who is Shiite and more secular than Al Maliki and not deeply tied to Iran. He seeks to exploit the recent prime minister's security and political failure in the light of Americans desire to form an Iraqi emergency government.
Allawi will most probably be the leading candidate for heading the next alternative government, and accordingly he is seeking to gain trust and support from political blocs like Kurds, the Sadr trend, the Fadhila party and some Sunni parties, beside moving towards obtaining vigorous backing of some regional states. Mohammad Abdul Sahib, a senior official at the Iraqi National Dialogue Ministry, told Gulf News: "We have gone to lengthy rounds in contacting Iraqi opposition armed groups which have their own conditions."
Labels: Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, Iyad Allawi, Nouri Al-Maliki, politics, Sharm el-Sheikh
Sunday, May 06, 2007
$30 bn. in financial commitments for Iraq
Economy
(BI-ME) - In support of the International Compact on Iraq, a five-year plan for peace and development in the war-torn country co-launched today by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, world leaders assembled in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt have pledged their partnership with the Iraqi government, with over US$30 billion in specific financial commitments announced so far.
The 74 delegations unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming their shared commitment to a secure and stable Iraq and emphasising the need for improved governance, anti-corruption measures, equal protection for all Iraqis and an institutional framework based on the rule of law.
UN Secretary General Ban, in a press conference following the adoption of the resolution, said he was pleased that a number of countries have already made concrete commitments, estimated at over US$30 billion. "This includes commitments of debt relief on the Paris Club terms, from Bulgaria, China, Saudi Arabia and Greece. It also includes financial commitments from the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, China, Denmark and Korea, and other key participants," he said.
"Today's meeting demonstrated that there is broad support for the people and government of Iraq in overcoming current challenges," Ban said. "This is not an easy task, and we will face numerous obstacles." He pledged the world body's full support. "The United Nations stands ready to assist the government of Iraq in the implementation of the Compact."
Under the Compact, the government will work to meet basic needs, protect the rights of all citizens and ensure the optimal use of the country's resources for the common good and the country's international partners are committed to providing financial, technical and political support.
The 74 delegations unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming their shared commitment to a secure and stable Iraq and emphasising the need for improved governance, anti-corruption measures, equal protection for all Iraqis and an institutional framework based on the rule of law.
UN Secretary General Ban, in a press conference following the adoption of the resolution, said he was pleased that a number of countries have already made concrete commitments, estimated at over US$30 billion. "This includes commitments of debt relief on the Paris Club terms, from Bulgaria, China, Saudi Arabia and Greece. It also includes financial commitments from the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, China, Denmark and Korea, and other key participants," he said.
"Today's meeting demonstrated that there is broad support for the people and government of Iraq in overcoming current challenges," Ban said. "This is not an easy task, and we will face numerous obstacles." He pledged the world body's full support. "The United Nations stands ready to assist the government of Iraq in the implementation of the Compact."
Under the Compact, the government will work to meet basic needs, protect the rights of all citizens and ensure the optimal use of the country's resources for the common good and the country's international partners are committed to providing financial, technical and political support.
Labels: International Compact with Iraq, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Sharm el-Sheikh
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Arab countries asked to support Iraq security handover
Conference, International
(Gulf News) - The final statement of a conference on Iraq urged all participants yesterday to support the transfer of security responsibilities in the country from US-led to Iraqi forces. "The participants agreed to ... welcome offers by Arab and other countries to support the development of the professional capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces," said the statement, a copy of which was obtained by AFP.
Iraq's neighbours and key international players meeting in the Egyptian resort of Sharm Al Shaikh called for the speedy transfer of security responsibilities but did not call for a withdrawal timetable. The participants pledged to "renew their support for the government of Iraq's efforts to accelerate the preparedness of its armed forces to assume full security and defence responsibilities in their country."
The communique added that such a process "will pave the way for the conclusion of the mandate of the multinational forces, whose presence will not be open-ended." It added that ending the coalition forces' presence in Iraq would come "upon the request of and in accordance with timing to be agreed by the government of Iraq."
Several Arab countries have repeatedly demanded a deadline for a US troop pull-out, something both the Baghdad government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki and Washington have always refused to set. Commenting on the final statement during a news conference, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul Gaith said: "To have unanimity... this was the maximum."
Iraq urged its neighbours to stop militants sneaking into Iraq and is expected to ask the Arab League to hold a conference on national reconciliation. Iraq made the call to its six neighbouring states that also brought together the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the European Union and the Group of Eight leading industrialised countries.
The talks are due to focus on border security, Iraqi refugees and political reconciliation between Iraqi factions and ethnic and religious communities. Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa said a draft final communique from the conference was expected to call on the Arab League to convene a national reconciliation conference for Iraq.
"We are ready for this. We are ready to host Iraqi national reconciliation," he said. "Now is not the time to exchange accusations but is the time to work together." Mousa gave no time frame as to when such a meeting could take place, nor did he say where it would be held. The 22-member Arab League is based in Cairo.
Iraq's neighbours and key international players meeting in the Egyptian resort of Sharm Al Shaikh called for the speedy transfer of security responsibilities but did not call for a withdrawal timetable. The participants pledged to "renew their support for the government of Iraq's efforts to accelerate the preparedness of its armed forces to assume full security and defence responsibilities in their country."
The communique added that such a process "will pave the way for the conclusion of the mandate of the multinational forces, whose presence will not be open-ended." It added that ending the coalition forces' presence in Iraq would come "upon the request of and in accordance with timing to be agreed by the government of Iraq."
Several Arab countries have repeatedly demanded a deadline for a US troop pull-out, something both the Baghdad government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki and Washington have always refused to set. Commenting on the final statement during a news conference, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abul Gaith said: "To have unanimity... this was the maximum."
Iraq urged its neighbours to stop militants sneaking into Iraq and is expected to ask the Arab League to hold a conference on national reconciliation. Iraq made the call to its six neighbouring states that also brought together the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the European Union and the Group of Eight leading industrialised countries.
The talks are due to focus on border security, Iraqi refugees and political reconciliation between Iraqi factions and ethnic and religious communities. Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa said a draft final communique from the conference was expected to call on the Arab League to convene a national reconciliation conference for Iraq.
"We are ready for this. We are ready to host Iraqi national reconciliation," he said. "Now is not the time to exchange accusations but is the time to work together." Mousa gave no time frame as to when such a meeting could take place, nor did he say where it would be held. The 22-member Arab League is based in Cairo.
Labels: Amr Mousa, Arab League, Iraq, security handover, Sharm el-Sheikh
Iraqi Shia MP says 'misunderstanding' between Iraq and Saudi
Conference, International
(DPA) - In the wake of the so-called “neighbours-plus” conference, a member of the ruling coalition in the Iraqi national assembly said there is “a misunderstanding” between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments. In response to remarks made by Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al- Faisal during and after the key conference, Abbas al-Biaty, an MP belonging to the ruling United Iraqi alliance, said that there are differences in views between the two countries, and misunderstanding.
“This we cannot hide,” he added. Al-Faisal, who was considered one of the key players in the Egypt- based conference, told al-Hayat newspaper’s Saturday edition that ”the situation in Iraq is only getting worse” and added: “We fear that the situation will deteriorate into a civil war.” The comments were considered an “exaggeration” by al-Biaty who vehemently denied the possibility of a war based on confessional differences. He said that this and such statements by neighbouring states give “a wrong message” to the Iraqi people.
“These countries should open up their embassies, and send delegations into Iraq in order to receive reports that correctly mirror the situation in Iraq,” he said. “The brothers (in neighbouring states) have incorrect information.”
During the conference, reports even circulated that al-Faisal had refused to meet with al-Maliki. I this were true it could imply the lack of Saudi support for the Shia premier. Such reports have not been confirmed, but al-Biaty said that Al Maliki was “promised a visit to Saudi Arabia. And this visit never happened.” When asked by al-Hayat if the Saudi government was willing to back A lMaliki’s cabinet, al-Faisal said: “We do not interfere in the internal matters of Iraq or any other country. This is up to the Iraqis.”
He added that al-Maliki’s government has an important role in ”convincing” participants in the upcoming and much-anticipated Iraqi national reconciliation meeting “that (the Iraqi government) is the side that they should trust.” He also said that it is up to the Iraqi government to end the troubles of “all Iraqis.” Concerning Iraq’s armed militias, who are said to have infiltrated army, police and government ranks, al-Faisal said: “Is it acceptable that militias are part of a legitimate government now?”
In response, al-Biaty said that Saudi support is indeed needed as his country is embracing a new democracy project. But he added that ”Iraq will not accept ready-made recipes (for reconciliation) from either friendly nations or neighbouring ones.” He also said that Riyadh should facilitate a “direct meeting” between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments. “But it is important that (no country) sides with another regional party or one of the concerned factions,” he added. Saudi Arabia is a strict Sunni state, and in recent statements the Saudi leadership has underlined the importance of incorporating all factions in the Iraqi political arena.
“This we cannot hide,” he added. Al-Faisal, who was considered one of the key players in the Egypt- based conference, told al-Hayat newspaper’s Saturday edition that ”the situation in Iraq is only getting worse” and added: “We fear that the situation will deteriorate into a civil war.” The comments were considered an “exaggeration” by al-Biaty who vehemently denied the possibility of a war based on confessional differences. He said that this and such statements by neighbouring states give “a wrong message” to the Iraqi people.
“These countries should open up their embassies, and send delegations into Iraq in order to receive reports that correctly mirror the situation in Iraq,” he said. “The brothers (in neighbouring states) have incorrect information.”
During the conference, reports even circulated that al-Faisal had refused to meet with al-Maliki. I this were true it could imply the lack of Saudi support for the Shia premier. Such reports have not been confirmed, but al-Biaty said that Al Maliki was “promised a visit to Saudi Arabia. And this visit never happened.” When asked by al-Hayat if the Saudi government was willing to back A lMaliki’s cabinet, al-Faisal said: “We do not interfere in the internal matters of Iraq or any other country. This is up to the Iraqis.”
He added that al-Maliki’s government has an important role in ”convincing” participants in the upcoming and much-anticipated Iraqi national reconciliation meeting “that (the Iraqi government) is the side that they should trust.” He also said that it is up to the Iraqi government to end the troubles of “all Iraqis.” Concerning Iraq’s armed militias, who are said to have infiltrated army, police and government ranks, al-Faisal said: “Is it acceptable that militias are part of a legitimate government now?”
In response, al-Biaty said that Saudi support is indeed needed as his country is embracing a new democracy project. But he added that ”Iraq will not accept ready-made recipes (for reconciliation) from either friendly nations or neighbouring ones.” He also said that Riyadh should facilitate a “direct meeting” between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments. “But it is important that (no country) sides with another regional party or one of the concerned factions,” he added. Saudi Arabia is a strict Sunni state, and in recent statements the Saudi leadership has underlined the importance of incorporating all factions in the Iraqi political arena.
Labels: Abbas al-Biaty, Saud al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia, Sharm el-Sheikh
International Iraq conference ends on mixed note
Conference, International
(Arabian Business) - Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister has described a conference dedicated to stabilising and rebuilding his war-torn country as a major success. At the conclusion of the four day conference in Egypt, he called it "a historic day for Iraq," adding: "We go back to Baghdad with a message of hope, reinvigorated and feeling much more confident about the future. However, hopes that Iraq would secure commitments to write-off billions of dollars of debts were not fully realised.
Saudi Arabia said it is still negotiating with Iraq over writing off billions of dollars owed it by the war-torn country, and major creditors Kuwait and Russia failed to offer immediate debt relief. More than 60 countries and international organisations gathered for the conference, and managed to agree a blueprint for the stabilisation of Iraq that they called the International Compact. The agreement sets benchmarks to achieve a stable, united, democratic Iraq within five years. It defines international help for Iraq - including debt relief - but also sets conditions for the Baghdad government, particularly carrying out reforms aimed at giving Iraq's Sunni Arabs a greater role in the political process.
Saudi Arabia said it is still negotiating with Iraq over writing off billions of dollars owed it by the war-torn country, and major creditors Kuwait and Russia failed to offer immediate debt relief. More than 60 countries and international organisations gathered for the conference, and managed to agree a blueprint for the stabilisation of Iraq that they called the International Compact. The agreement sets benchmarks to achieve a stable, united, democratic Iraq within five years. It defines international help for Iraq - including debt relief - but also sets conditions for the Baghdad government, particularly carrying out reforms aimed at giving Iraq's Sunni Arabs a greater role in the political process.
Although the conference ended on a positive note, it also ended with issue of debt relief largely unconcluded. The Paris Club of affluent lender nations has already written off $100 billion of Iraq's debt, but the government still owes other countries over $50 billion; possibly as much as $62 billion. Saudi Arabia was expected to make a formal announcement to wipe out Iraq's debut, but its Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal said only that his country was in talks with Iraq "to have an appropriate solution to debts in line with rules of the Paris Club." The Paris Club had pledged to write-off only 80 percent of Iraq's debts.
A lack of accurate records could prove a sticking point in the negotiations. Saudi Arabia is reported by the United Nations as believing the debt to be anything between $15 billion and $18 billion. Throughout the final day of the conference, Arab diplomats underlined their demands that al-Maliki do more to embrace Sunni Arabs, including changing the constitution and ending a purge of former members of Saddam's ousted Baath party. Al-Maliki promised Baghdad would fulfill its side of the bargain, acknowledging "the international compact cannot take its natural path" unless the Iraqis do their part to achieve national reconciliation.
Labels: conference, International Compact with Iraq, Iraq, Paris Club, Sharm el-Sheikh
Friday, May 04, 2007
Creditor nations waive $30 bn of Iraqi debt
International, Conference
(Financial Times) - Creditor nations including the UK, Saudi Arabia and China have pledged to waive $30bn (£15.1bn) of Iraqi debt, about 60 per cent of what Baghdad estimates it owes other countries, Ban Ki-moon, United Nations secretary-general, said yesterday. Mr Ban was speaking at the end of the first day of a two-day conference in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el Sheikh dealing with the UN-sponsored International Compact with Iraq, which aims at winning support to stabilise and rebuild the country.
"A number of countries have made concrete commitments under the compact today. In particular, there was broad support for the terms of the Paris Club on Iraq's outstanding debt," said Mr Ban, referring to the decision by the international creditors' group to forgive 80 per cent of Iraq's debt. "Specific financial commitments made by particular countries are estimated at over $30bn," he told a news conference.
The figure included commitments by Bulgaria, China, Saudi Arabia, Greece and new commitments by the UK, Australia, Spain, Denmark and South Korea. Few could expect Iraq's creditors to collect anything more than a small fraction of what they owe, much of which was run up under the rule of Saddam Hussein.
"A number of countries have made concrete commitments under the compact today. In particular, there was broad support for the terms of the Paris Club on Iraq's outstanding debt," said Mr Ban, referring to the decision by the international creditors' group to forgive 80 per cent of Iraq's debt. "Specific financial commitments made by particular countries are estimated at over $30bn," he told a news conference.
The figure included commitments by Bulgaria, China, Saudi Arabia, Greece and new commitments by the UK, Australia, Spain, Denmark and South Korea. Few could expect Iraq's creditors to collect anything more than a small fraction of what they owe, much of which was run up under the rule of Saddam Hussein.
Labels: International Compact with Iraq, Iraqi debt, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Sharm el-Sheikh
Rice meets with Syrian Foreign Minister over Iraq
Conference, International
(Reuters) - Iraq held talks with its neighbors and ministers from rich and powerful nations on Friday to find ways to stem bloodshed in Iraq, and diplomats said Baghdad was pushing for U.S.-Iranian talks. The one-day conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh brought together Iraq's six neighbors, the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, the European Union and the Group of Eight industrialized countries.
They are due to focus on border security, Iraqi refugees and political reconciliation between Iraqi factions and ethnic and religious communities. Baghdad is dependent on U.S. military support in its drive to halt a slide into all-out civil war by stamping out sectarian violence and defeating insurgents who draw support from the Sunni Arab minority once-dominant under Saddam Hussein. But the diplomats, who declined to be named, said Iran was holding out against substantial contacts with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Rice and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki exchanged pleasantries over lunch on Thursday, but a U.S. official said a bilateral meeting was not planned for Friday. "We'll see if any other kind of interaction occurs," the official added.
Rice's encounter with Mottaki and talks with Syria's foreign minister on Thursday marked a shift in U.S. President George W. Bush's once resolute opposition to high-level contacts with Iran and Syria. Baghdad's interest in seeing a Rice-Mottaki meeting is clear as it is widely acknowledged that Shi'ite Muslim Iran is an influential force on Iraq, both as a neighbor and because of its links with elements in the Shi'ite-led Iraqi government. The U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, did not rule out a meeting between Rice and Mottaki.
In Sharm el-Sheikh on Thursday Rice had a 30-minute meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem -- Washington's highest-level contact with Syria in more than two years. She described the talks as "professional and business-like" and said she had urged Syria to stop foreign fighters entering Iraq. Moualem said the talks were "frank and constructive". "I didn't lecture him, he didn't lecture me," said Rice.
They are due to focus on border security, Iraqi refugees and political reconciliation between Iraqi factions and ethnic and religious communities. Baghdad is dependent on U.S. military support in its drive to halt a slide into all-out civil war by stamping out sectarian violence and defeating insurgents who draw support from the Sunni Arab minority once-dominant under Saddam Hussein. But the diplomats, who declined to be named, said Iran was holding out against substantial contacts with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Rice and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki exchanged pleasantries over lunch on Thursday, but a U.S. official said a bilateral meeting was not planned for Friday. "We'll see if any other kind of interaction occurs," the official added.
Rice's encounter with Mottaki and talks with Syria's foreign minister on Thursday marked a shift in U.S. President George W. Bush's once resolute opposition to high-level contacts with Iran and Syria. Baghdad's interest in seeing a Rice-Mottaki meeting is clear as it is widely acknowledged that Shi'ite Muslim Iran is an influential force on Iraq, both as a neighbor and because of its links with elements in the Shi'ite-led Iraqi government. The U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, did not rule out a meeting between Rice and Mottaki.
In Sharm el-Sheikh on Thursday Rice had a 30-minute meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem -- Washington's highest-level contact with Syria in more than two years. She described the talks as "professional and business-like" and said she had urged Syria to stop foreign fighters entering Iraq. Moualem said the talks were "frank and constructive". "I didn't lecture him, he didn't lecture me," said Rice.
Labels: Condoleezza Rice, Iran, Iraq, Manouchehr Mottaki, Sharm el-Sheikh, Syria
Arab League may hold Iraq national reconciliation conference
Conference, International
(Reuters) - Iraq urged its neighbors on Friday to stop militants sneaking into Iraq and, at talks in Egypt on stemming bloodshed, is expected to ask the Arab League to hold a conference on national reconciliation. Iraq made the call to its six neighboring states at a conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh that also brought together the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, the European Union and the Group of Eight leading industrialized countries.
"We will not allow terrorist organizations to use Iraqi territory as a safe haven," Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told an opening session of the one-day conference. "That is what drives us to call on the regional neighbors to prevent the infiltration of terrorist groups into Iraq and to stop them obtaining material support and political and media support." The talks are due to focus on border security, Iraqi refugees and political reconciliation between Iraqi factions and ethnic and religious communities.
Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said a draft final communique from the conference was expected to call on the Arab League to convene a national reconciliation conference for Iraq. "We are ready for this. We are ready to host Iraqi national reconciliation," he said. "Now is not the time to exchange accusations but is the time to work together." Moussa gave no time frame as to when such a meeting could take place, nor did he say where it would be held. The 22-member Arab League is based in Cairo.
"We will not allow terrorist organizations to use Iraqi territory as a safe haven," Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told an opening session of the one-day conference. "That is what drives us to call on the regional neighbors to prevent the infiltration of terrorist groups into Iraq and to stop them obtaining material support and political and media support." The talks are due to focus on border security, Iraqi refugees and political reconciliation between Iraqi factions and ethnic and religious communities.
Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said a draft final communique from the conference was expected to call on the Arab League to convene a national reconciliation conference for Iraq. "We are ready for this. We are ready to host Iraqi national reconciliation," he said. "Now is not the time to exchange accusations but is the time to work together." Moussa gave no time frame as to when such a meeting could take place, nor did he say where it would be held. The 22-member Arab League is based in Cairo.
Labels: Amr Mousa, Arab League, borders, Iraq, national reconciliation, Sharm el-Sheikh
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Some governments baulk at Iraq contract
Region, Conference, Economy
(AP) - Some governments key to Iraq's future are balking at entering into an ambitious contract with the country that commits them to substantial aid in exchange for a promise of unity in Iraq within five years. The International Compact with Iraq, which is being launched Thursday at a conference in this Red Sea resort, was unveiled soon after Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki took office in June 2006.
Strongly backed by the United Nations, it aims to strengthen the role of the international community in stabilizing Iraq. But as the government struggles to stem the violence, Sunni-dominated Arab countries and several major European and Asian countries have indicated an unwillingness to spend more on Iraq.
The United States, the U.N. chief and the Iraq prime minister have been actively seeking support for the five-year compact. Al-Maliki went on a Mideast tour last week to push the compact, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent his special adviser on the compact to several countries in Europe and the Mideast. The Bush administration also has been trying hard to persuade other countries to follow the its lead and write off Iraq's huge debt.
Said Arikat, spokesman for the U.N. mission in Iraq, said Tuesday that about 50 countries have said they will attend Thursday's gathering. In return, the international community would accept that reforms can only be achieved with cooperation and investment. Such assistance "can include the granting of 100 percent debt relief" and financial and technical assistance, the compact says.
In an interview last week, Ban urged the world to be generous, expressing hope that international support would spur the Iraqi people to promote national reconciliation. The 42-page compact says the police and military must be "depoliticized, impartial, accountable, transparent, and professional." It also says the government will seek support from all parties to dissolve militias and reintegrate their members.
But Sunni-dominated Arab countries are not convinced that Iraq's Shiite-led government will live up to those goals, complicating efforts to generate wide support for the compact. Several major European and Asian countries, meanwhile, have let it be known they don't have extra money to help Iraq.
The compact projects economic growth jumping from 3 percent in 2006 to 15.4 percent in 2007 and then slowing to 5.3 percent in 2011 _ the last year of the compact. It also projects oil production increasing from 1.97 million barrels per day in 2006 to 2.35 million barrels daily in 2007 and 3.5 million barrels per day in 2011. The compact requires the government to establish a human rights commission, enforce the rule of law in police operations, courts and prisons, develop anti-corruption plans and reform the civil service. It provides for an oil-profit sharing law and a fully funded budget for 2007.
Strongly backed by the United Nations, it aims to strengthen the role of the international community in stabilizing Iraq. But as the government struggles to stem the violence, Sunni-dominated Arab countries and several major European and Asian countries have indicated an unwillingness to spend more on Iraq.
The United States, the U.N. chief and the Iraq prime minister have been actively seeking support for the five-year compact. Al-Maliki went on a Mideast tour last week to push the compact, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent his special adviser on the compact to several countries in Europe and the Mideast. The Bush administration also has been trying hard to persuade other countries to follow the its lead and write off Iraq's huge debt.
Said Arikat, spokesman for the U.N. mission in Iraq, said Tuesday that about 50 countries have said they will attend Thursday's gathering. In return, the international community would accept that reforms can only be achieved with cooperation and investment. Such assistance "can include the granting of 100 percent debt relief" and financial and technical assistance, the compact says.
In an interview last week, Ban urged the world to be generous, expressing hope that international support would spur the Iraqi people to promote national reconciliation. The 42-page compact says the police and military must be "depoliticized, impartial, accountable, transparent, and professional." It also says the government will seek support from all parties to dissolve militias and reintegrate their members.
But Sunni-dominated Arab countries are not convinced that Iraq's Shiite-led government will live up to those goals, complicating efforts to generate wide support for the compact. Several major European and Asian countries, meanwhile, have let it be known they don't have extra money to help Iraq.
The compact projects economic growth jumping from 3 percent in 2006 to 15.4 percent in 2007 and then slowing to 5.3 percent in 2011 _ the last year of the compact. It also projects oil production increasing from 1.97 million barrels per day in 2006 to 2.35 million barrels daily in 2007 and 3.5 million barrels per day in 2011. The compact requires the government to establish a human rights commission, enforce the rule of law in police operations, courts and prisons, develop anti-corruption plans and reform the civil service. It provides for an oil-profit sharing law and a fully funded budget for 2007.
Labels: International Compact with Iraq, Iraq, Sharm el-Sheikh
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Iran to consider taking part in Sharm el-Sheikh conference after speaking to Iraq
Politics, Iran
(ISNA) - The foreign ministers of Iran and Iraq, Manuchehr Mottaki and Hoshyar Zebari, met in Tehran on April 25, ISNA reported. Mottaki said afterward that Iran will consider taking part in an Iraq-related summit at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, scheduled for May 3-4, ISNA reported. The conference is to be attended by Iraq's neighbors and Egypt, Bahrain, and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Mottaki said Iran's presence would show its "serious resolve" to help bring "stability and security" to Iraq. He said Zebari gave him explanations about certain "decisions" that had provoked "doubts" on earlier agreements between Iran and Iraq over an unspecified "course of affairs." He did not elaborate. Iran, he added, will announce its decision in light of Zebari's explanations, ISNA reported. Zebari said he brought Iran a "message" and that Iraq understands Iran's position on the conference. He stressed that "Iraq needs the participation of all neighboring states, especially Iran, in this conference." He said "we are optimistic" that five Iranians arrested in Irbil last January by U.S. forces will be released "soon."
Labels: Hoshyar Zibari, Iran, Manouchehr Mottaki, Sharm el-Sheikh
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Iraqi foreign minister leaves for Tehran to persuade Iranians to participate in Sharm el-Sheikh conference
Politics, Iran
(VOI) – Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari on Wednesday left Baghdad heading for Tehran to urge Iranians participate in the ministerial meeting on Iraq scheduled in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt, in early May, the foreign ministry said. "Zibari left Baghdad to Tehran where he is expected to meet the Iranian president and foreign minister on the participation of Iran in the upcoming international conference on Iraq in early May," the ministry said in a statement received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI). The statement added "Zibari will also visit Turkey as soon as he would wrap up his visit to Iran to acquaint his Turkish counterpart on Sharm al-Sheikh conference on Iraq." The Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh will host the international conference on Iraq from May 4-5.
Labels: Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Iran, Sharm el-Sheikh, Turkey
Draft document for Sharm el-Sheikh requires Iraq to meet benchmarks
Politics, Region
(AP) - Arab countries will demand that Iraq do more to reach out to its own disgruntled Sunni Arabs, before they pledge substantial aid to the troubled nation, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press. The festering tensions between Iraq and its neighbors are complicating U.S. efforts to round up key aid, including debt relief, before a summit on May 3-4 in Egypt.
Iraq's prime minister, on a Mideast tour, said this week that his country would not tolerate other Arab countries setting conditions on Iraq. He also accused some Arab countries of still harboring extremists who infiltrate Iraq to launch attacks. But according to the draft document at the summit's core, the size and form of international aid to Iraq would be contingent on the Iraqi government's success at reaching certain benchmarks.
"The initiative is based on the pledge of the Iraqi government to implement a patch of political, security and economic commitments," states the document. "The size and the form of the international aid will be decided according to these (steps)." Arab diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said al-Maliki had been told during his travels that Arab countries would link their support to a package of demands before they gave substantial help to his government.
U.S. officials would not comment on the document to be presented at the summit. But an Arab official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media, said there were some disagreements over what it would say and that key participants were meeting to try to resolve them.
The key issue for Arab countries is greater Iraqi government outreach to disgruntled Sunnis in Iraq. The Sunni-led governments of the Arab world have long been suspicious of Iraq's new Shiite leadership, blaming it for fueling violence by discriminating against Sunnis. They also accuse al-Maliki's government of helping Shiite Iran extend its influence in the Middle East. At a meeting last month in Saudi Arabia, Arab states demanded Iraq change its constitution and its military to include more Sunnis and end the program that uprooted former members of Saddam Hussein's regime.
In June, al-Maliki announced a national reconciliation program that offers amnesty to members of the Sunni-led insurgency who are not involved in "terrorist activities," and amends a law that had removed senior members of Saddam's Baath Party from their jobs. But Arab countries say those steps were incomplete and never implemented.
Armed Sunni groups in Iraq and some insurgent groups have said they would not join any Iraqi political process until the current al-Maliki government falls. Other signs of Arab-Iraqi tension have arisen as the summit nears. Kuwait has been unable to muster the support in its parliament to agree to an al-Maliki request to forgive Iraq's $15 billion debt to it. Al-Maliki's claim that Arab countries are harboring extremists is another point of tension.
The Syrian official retorted that countries in the region were worried about the presence of 150,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, and said those killing Iraqi intellectuals in militant attacks are "not al-Qaida but other political sides." Iran said Wednesday it has still not decided whether to attend, despite urgings from its ally, the Shiite-led Iraqi government.
Iraq's prime minister, on a Mideast tour, said this week that his country would not tolerate other Arab countries setting conditions on Iraq. He also accused some Arab countries of still harboring extremists who infiltrate Iraq to launch attacks. But according to the draft document at the summit's core, the size and form of international aid to Iraq would be contingent on the Iraqi government's success at reaching certain benchmarks.
"The initiative is based on the pledge of the Iraqi government to implement a patch of political, security and economic commitments," states the document. "The size and the form of the international aid will be decided according to these (steps)." Arab diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said al-Maliki had been told during his travels that Arab countries would link their support to a package of demands before they gave substantial help to his government.
U.S. officials would not comment on the document to be presented at the summit. But an Arab official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media, said there were some disagreements over what it would say and that key participants were meeting to try to resolve them.
The key issue for Arab countries is greater Iraqi government outreach to disgruntled Sunnis in Iraq. The Sunni-led governments of the Arab world have long been suspicious of Iraq's new Shiite leadership, blaming it for fueling violence by discriminating against Sunnis. They also accuse al-Maliki's government of helping Shiite Iran extend its influence in the Middle East. At a meeting last month in Saudi Arabia, Arab states demanded Iraq change its constitution and its military to include more Sunnis and end the program that uprooted former members of Saddam Hussein's regime.
In June, al-Maliki announced a national reconciliation program that offers amnesty to members of the Sunni-led insurgency who are not involved in "terrorist activities," and amends a law that had removed senior members of Saddam's Baath Party from their jobs. But Arab countries say those steps were incomplete and never implemented.
Armed Sunni groups in Iraq and some insurgent groups have said they would not join any Iraqi political process until the current al-Maliki government falls. Other signs of Arab-Iraqi tension have arisen as the summit nears. Kuwait has been unable to muster the support in its parliament to agree to an al-Maliki request to forgive Iraq's $15 billion debt to it. Al-Maliki's claim that Arab countries are harboring extremists is another point of tension.
The Syrian official retorted that countries in the region were worried about the presence of 150,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, and said those killing Iraqi intellectuals in militant attacks are "not al-Qaida but other political sides." Iran said Wednesday it has still not decided whether to attend, despite urgings from its ally, the Shiite-led Iraqi government.
Labels: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Nouri Al-Maliki, region, Sharm el-Sheikh, Syria
Monday, April 23, 2007
Al-Maliki drums up support from region's Sunni-led governments
Security, Region
(AP) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki got a strong endorsement from the Egyptian leadership as he began a tour to drum up support from fellow Arab nations for his government and its efforts to reduce widespread sectarian violence. Al-Maliki, making his first visit as prime minister to Egypt, the Arab world's most populous nation, met with President Hosni Mubarak for about 45 minutes Sunday and later held talks with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Nazif.
Al-Maliki's visit came 10 days before two conferences on Iraq will be held in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik. They will be attended by Iraq's neighbors as well as Bahrain and Egypt, and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - and other members of the Group of Eight industrialized nations.
Al-Maliki won't attend those meetings but is lobbying for more help from the mostly Sunni-led governments of the Arab world in stopping violence in Iraq. Nazif said they discussed the situation in Iraq and international efforts to help the embattled Arab nation. "Egypt stands by Iraq and we affirm our support to the Iraqi government's efforts for reconciliation between all parts of the Iraqi society and we condemn terrorism that does not differentiate between anyone," Nazif added.
Al-Maliki planned to travel next to Kuwait and aides said the United Arab Emirates and Oman might be added to his agenda. The Iraqi leader also said "there are efforts to release" five Iranians who were captured by U.S. forces on Jan. 11 in the northern city of Irbil in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq, 220 miles north of Baghdad. U.S. authorities said the five detained Iranians included the operations chief and other members of Iran's elite Quds Force, which is accused of arming and training Iraqi militants.
On Tuesday, he said his Iraqi government is holding talks with some insurgent groups, including members of Saddam Hussein's former regime, as part of a reconciliation plan aimed at reducing fighting and terrorist attacks that have left thousands of people dead in Iraq in the past few years . Al-Maliki did not identify the groups his government is in contact with, but said that when the Sharm el-Sheik conference takes place on May 3-4, "we will have good chances for reconciliation."
In June, al-Maliki announced a 24-point national reconciliation program that offers amnesty to members of the Sunni-led insurgency who were not involved in "terrorist activities," and amends a law that had removed senior members of Saddam's Baath Party from their jobs. Earlier this month, the prime minister visited Japan and South Korea, members of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.
Al-Maliki's visit came 10 days before two conferences on Iraq will be held in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik. They will be attended by Iraq's neighbors as well as Bahrain and Egypt, and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - and other members of the Group of Eight industrialized nations.
Al-Maliki won't attend those meetings but is lobbying for more help from the mostly Sunni-led governments of the Arab world in stopping violence in Iraq. Nazif said they discussed the situation in Iraq and international efforts to help the embattled Arab nation. "Egypt stands by Iraq and we affirm our support to the Iraqi government's efforts for reconciliation between all parts of the Iraqi society and we condemn terrorism that does not differentiate between anyone," Nazif added.
Al-Maliki planned to travel next to Kuwait and aides said the United Arab Emirates and Oman might be added to his agenda. The Iraqi leader also said "there are efforts to release" five Iranians who were captured by U.S. forces on Jan. 11 in the northern city of Irbil in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq, 220 miles north of Baghdad. U.S. authorities said the five detained Iranians included the operations chief and other members of Iran's elite Quds Force, which is accused of arming and training Iraqi militants.
On Tuesday, he said his Iraqi government is holding talks with some insurgent groups, including members of Saddam Hussein's former regime, as part of a reconciliation plan aimed at reducing fighting and terrorist attacks that have left thousands of people dead in Iraq in the past few years . Al-Maliki did not identify the groups his government is in contact with, but said that when the Sharm el-Sheik conference takes place on May 3-4, "we will have good chances for reconciliation."
In June, al-Maliki announced a 24-point national reconciliation program that offers amnesty to members of the Sunni-led insurgency who were not involved in "terrorist activities," and amends a law that had removed senior members of Saddam's Baath Party from their jobs. Earlier this month, the prime minister visited Japan and South Korea, members of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.
Labels: Ahmed Nazif, Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, insurgent groups, Kuwait, Nouri Al-Maliki, Oman, Sharm el-Sheikh, UAE
Rice urges Iran to participate in Sharm el-Sheikh Iraq conference
Security, Conference, International
(Financial Times) - Condoleezza Rice is urging Iran to join her at a high-level conference on the future of Iraq next week, signalling that Washington is now ready for a serious exchange of views with Tehran after several months of resisting Iran’s advances in the region. In an interview with the Financial Times, the US secretary of state said it would be a “missed opportunity” if Manouchehr Mottaki, Iran’s foreign minister, did not attend the minister-level meeting to be hosted by Egypt.
Ms Rice denied that the Bush administration’s Iran policy had ever been directed at regime change, insisting that the aim was to “have a change in regime behaviour”. Washington’s need to secure the right regional environment for its eventual withdrawal from Iraq is growing ever more acute as its “surge” of extra troops is failing to contain the violence. Last Wednesday alone nearly 200 people died in bombings, and on Sunday 17 Iraqis were killed.
That “hostile forces” would respond to the US security plan was to be expected, Ms Rice said, blaming al Qaeda, not Iran, for the suicide bombings. She said two more US brigades were still to be deployed, adding the US needed “a little time” to judge the “trend lines”. Ms Rice’s attempts to draw Iran into the conference – which will include Iraq’s neighbours as well as the permanent members of the UN security council and the G8 industrialised nations – contrasted with her previous resistance to such talks.
Since then there had been a “rebalancing”, she said, particularly after President George W. Bush’s speech on January 10 announcing the extra troops and a more aggressive response to Iran’s perceived role in arming and training Iraqi Shia militia. Analysts said it remained to be seen whether the US had achieved what Robert Gates, the defence secretary, said in January was the “leverage” it needed before engaging Iran.
Iran says it will decide on its attendance at the May 3-4 conference after meeting Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq’s foreign minister, this week. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman on Sunday noted a “softening” in Ms Rice’s rhetoric. But he added that any “shift” should be put into practice.
Ms Rice denied that the Bush administration’s Iran policy had ever been directed at regime change, insisting that the aim was to “have a change in regime behaviour”. Washington’s need to secure the right regional environment for its eventual withdrawal from Iraq is growing ever more acute as its “surge” of extra troops is failing to contain the violence. Last Wednesday alone nearly 200 people died in bombings, and on Sunday 17 Iraqis were killed.
That “hostile forces” would respond to the US security plan was to be expected, Ms Rice said, blaming al Qaeda, not Iran, for the suicide bombings. She said two more US brigades were still to be deployed, adding the US needed “a little time” to judge the “trend lines”. Ms Rice’s attempts to draw Iran into the conference – which will include Iraq’s neighbours as well as the permanent members of the UN security council and the G8 industrialised nations – contrasted with her previous resistance to such talks.
Since then there had been a “rebalancing”, she said, particularly after President George W. Bush’s speech on January 10 announcing the extra troops and a more aggressive response to Iran’s perceived role in arming and training Iraqi Shia militia. Analysts said it remained to be seen whether the US had achieved what Robert Gates, the defence secretary, said in January was the “leverage” it needed before engaging Iran.
Iran says it will decide on its attendance at the May 3-4 conference after meeting Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq’s foreign minister, this week. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman on Sunday noted a “softening” in Ms Rice’s rhetoric. But he added that any “shift” should be put into practice.
Labels: Condoleezza Rice, conference, Iran, Iraq, Manouchehr Mottaki, security, Sharm el-Sheikh
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Ban Ki-moon announces International Compact for Iraq
International, Development
(UN) - The United Nations-sponsored International Compact for Iraq (ICI), which seeks to consolidate peace in the war-torn country and pursue political, economic and social development over the next five years, will be launched in Egypt early next month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said last night. Speaking to reporters in Bern, Switzerland, during a joint press conference with that country’s President Micheline Calmy-Rey, Mr. Ban said he and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki would attend the launch in Sharm el-Sheikh on 3 May.
The launch marks the culmination of a preparatory process that began last July and was initiated by the Iraqi Government to establish a new partnership with the international community. The Compact is a five-year national plan that includes benchmarks and mutual commitments from both Iraq and the international community, all with the aim of helping Iraq on the path towards peace, sound governance and economic reconstruction.
The UN – through its Special Adviser on the ICI and Other Political Issues, Ibrahim Gambari – and Iraq have been co-chairs of the preparatory process, which has also had the support of the World Bank. After his talks in Bern, Mr. Ban headed to Geneva today, where he attended his first meeting of the Chief Executives Board (CEB), which brings together top officials from across the UN system.
During the opening session of the two-day meeting, participants discussed system-wide coherence across the UN and how to better coordinate their efforts to achieve “aid for trade,” a strategy to enable developing countries to take a greater role in the international trade system. Mr. Ban also spoke with UN staff at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, and attended a working breakfast with the State Council of Geneva, where he voiced appreciation for the city and region’s commitment to the UN by hosting so many international organizations and civil servants and their families.
On Sunday the Secretary-General is scheduled to wrap up the Swiss leg of his four-nation official trip, before heading to Doha, Qatar, for the Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade. His last stop will be the Syrian capital, Damascus, where meetings with senior Government officials, including President Bashar Assad, are expected.
The launch marks the culmination of a preparatory process that began last July and was initiated by the Iraqi Government to establish a new partnership with the international community. The Compact is a five-year national plan that includes benchmarks and mutual commitments from both Iraq and the international community, all with the aim of helping Iraq on the path towards peace, sound governance and economic reconstruction.
The UN – through its Special Adviser on the ICI and Other Political Issues, Ibrahim Gambari – and Iraq have been co-chairs of the preparatory process, which has also had the support of the World Bank. After his talks in Bern, Mr. Ban headed to Geneva today, where he attended his first meeting of the Chief Executives Board (CEB), which brings together top officials from across the UN system.
During the opening session of the two-day meeting, participants discussed system-wide coherence across the UN and how to better coordinate their efforts to achieve “aid for trade,” a strategy to enable developing countries to take a greater role in the international trade system. Mr. Ban also spoke with UN staff at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, and attended a working breakfast with the State Council of Geneva, where he voiced appreciation for the city and region’s commitment to the UN by hosting so many international organizations and civil servants and their families.
On Sunday the Secretary-General is scheduled to wrap up the Swiss leg of his four-nation official trip, before heading to Doha, Qatar, for the Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade. His last stop will be the Syrian capital, Damascus, where meetings with senior Government officials, including President Bashar Assad, are expected.
Labels: Ibrahim Gambari, ICI, International Compact for Iraq, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Sharm el-Sheikh
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Agenda announced for Sharm el-Sheikh conference as Iran ponders participation
Security, International
(RFE/RL) - Iran is still considering whether it will attend the next meeting of foreign ministers of Iraq's neighboring countries, Iranian media reported on April 12. Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki said it is "not definite" that Iran will attend the meeting, which will be held in Cairo. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu al-Ghayt said some 50 countries are slated to take part in the May 3-4 meeting, which will be held in the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, MENA reported on April 12.
The Sharm el-Sheikh conference will focus on nine key points, "Al-Sabah" reported on April 12. In the political sphere, the conference will discuss support for national reconciliation, expanding political participation, revising constitutional issues, ending political and sectarian tension, and guaranteeing a fair distribution of wealth. Four subjects related to the security file will be addressed: supporting the law enforcement plan, speeding up the training and rehabilitation of the security forces, addressing the issue of militias and armed groups, and ending foreign interference in Iraq's domestic affairs.
The Sharm el-Sheikh conference will focus on nine key points, "Al-Sabah" reported on April 12. In the political sphere, the conference will discuss support for national reconciliation, expanding political participation, revising constitutional issues, ending political and sectarian tension, and guaranteeing a fair distribution of wealth. Four subjects related to the security file will be addressed: supporting the law enforcement plan, speeding up the training and rehabilitation of the security forces, addressing the issue of militias and armed groups, and ending foreign interference in Iraq's domestic affairs.
Labels: international security conference, Iran, Manouchehr Mottaki, Sharm el-Sheikh
