Bishop and Kurdish leader on Iraq conference: "A crucial step forward, but words must become reality
The Kurdish representative to the European Union and the auxiliary bishop of Chaldean Catholics in Baghdad stress the importance of the international community's support, but doubt that the will to bring peace to Iraq is unanimous.
Baghdad (AsiaNews) "The international community's support is fundamental to giving new life to Iraq" and "the Allawi government has been strengthened by the Sharm El Sheik conference", but there are still uncertainties and doubts about the existence of a truly unanimous will to work for peace in Iraq. These are the contradictions that emerge in the reflections offered to AsiaNews by Mr Burham Jaf, Kurdish representative to the European Union and Monsignor Shlemon Warduni, Auxiliary Bishop of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Baghdad.
The Iraq conference's final document flatly condemns terrorism, and calls for a greater United Nations involvement. It also foresees financial help and political assistance toward bringing the country back to new life. The final declaration consists in 14 points and sets the stage for the creation of "peace and unity" but "security and stability are still distant objectives": the general public continues to "live in fear".
Here is what Mr Burham Jaf and Msgr Warduni told AsiaNews:
"That this international conference has taken place, the first of its kind for Iraq, is already a significant accomplishment, especially considering the participation of Turkey, Syria and Iran, as well as other Arab countries: it is indeed an historic event," Burham Jaf said. The Allawi government has thus gained the full recognition of the world's diplomatic leaders which is a further step toward guaranteeing its legitimacy, according to the Kurdish leader.
He stresses the importance of the final document, which reiterates the intention of holding elections in Iraq. "We all hope to be able to vote freely and we will not let ourselves be intimidated by attacks or episodes of violence". Voter registration has already begun and in some parts of the country the situation is relatively calm. For Burham Jaf, "neither northern nor southern Iraq poses a problem. Instead, large urban centres like Baghdad, Mosul and Fallujah are a source of danger: security is lacking there and people could face intimidation: all the more reason to go and vote".
He hopes that there will be no "external interference on the part of Syria or Iran; the role of the international community and the Allawi government will be crucial on this point: they will have to counteract violence and external pressure. A strong position must also be taken against the efforts within the country of certain Sunni figures who are trying to scuttle the vote."
Syria, Turkey and Iran have offered to help control borders in order to prevent the transit of terrorists to and from Iraq: this is a "truly significant" development, according to the Kurdish leader, "but efforts to maintain this commitment must be verified."
Elections are of vital importance for also the Kurdish population, which has been pushing for a federal Iraq in which all communities (including non-Arab ones) are respected. "Kurds will go to the polls in full force," the Kurdish representative to the European Union says in conclusion. "This is the first step toward the creation of a final constitution, a charter that must recognize the country's plurality. Furthermore, Kurds will vote for their regional parliament, therefore voter turnout will be strong.
Bishop Shlemon Warduni, Chaldean Catholic prelate of Baghdad, also stresses the importance of "each step that brings Iraq closer to safety. Such steps are blessed by God and are desired by Iraq's people, as peace and security are top priorities". Iraqis are in favour of intervention by the international community and hope that such efforts are truly "a guarantee of stability in a country that is fed up with violence and conflict". "People are frightened and want to leave the country," the Chaldean Catholic Bishop says, "but they stay in the hopes of building their future here".
Msgr Warduni is in favour of the decision to cut 80% of Iraq's foreign debt and hopes that "these funds will be used to the benefit of the general public in relaunching the economy and for the common good".
Bishop Warduni's hope is that the final document of the Sharm El Sheik conference translates into tangible results: "I hope that it is more than just nice words and intentions. The decisions that have been taken must become concrete actions: this is our hope".
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28/01/2005
