by Pierre Balanian

Exclusive interview with Sheik Al Shammari, Sunni religious leader

Baghdad (AsiaNews) -- The Sunni Iman, Sheik Ahmad El Shammari, is related to the new Iraqi president.  A moderate religious leader and very active in Islamic-Christian inter-religious dialogue, he hopes that abductions and hostage-takings have come to "a definitive end".  He has been one of the most active mediators in the Council of Islamic Ulema in the last two months and on various occasions condemned the abduction of innocents: "I am very pleased by this good news that rewards the efforts made by so many of us".  He tells AsiaNews about the contacts established in favour of the hostages with the participation of the Chaldean Catholic Bishop of Baghdad, Shlemon Warduni.  A member of the same clan as the first post-Saddam president, Sheik Ahmad thinks that the only way to weed out hatred "against Westerners is to improve living conditions of Iraqis".  There will no longer be kidnappers " if the causes that led to abduction and hostage-taking disappear," he adds, affirming that the kidnappers "were not true believers" as they did not heed the calls of religious personalities.   Eccellency, you were one of the parties taking an interest in the release of the Italian hostages; how did you receive the news, today, of their liberation?   With great joy and relief.  I took part, along with Iraqi Catholic Bishop Shlemon Warduni and other religious figures, in efforts for their release and I condemned such practices various times.  I had personally contacted the Zauba'a clan (Editor's note: Sunni tribe from the central-southern area of Iraq known as the Sunni Triangle), which is very powerful and influential in Ramadi and Falluja.  The Council of Islamic Ulema (C.I.U.) had also made repeated and insistent appeals, among which an appeal by Muthana Hareth Al-Dari (Editor's note: a member of the C.I.U.).  Today I can say that the kidnappers were not true Muslims: Sunni movements follow the dictates of their clerics.  These people did not respect our calls because they are not true believers.  In any case, I am very pleased by this good news that rewards the efforts made by many of us.   In fact, the hostages were liberated not released.   I could not say what happened exactly.  Two days ago, on June 6th, I was at lunch with the head of the Zauba'a clan, who had assured me that the case was closed and the hostages would be handed over, that it was a question of hours.  I immediately called the Catholic Bishop Shlimon Warduni and gave him the news, saying that he needn't worry as the hostage question was resolved and advising him to let the Apostolic Nuncio know also.   Do you think that the kidnappings will continue?   We've discussed the matter extensively at the meetings of the Council of Islamic Ulema.  What is urgently needed is an effective economic plan that allows for the reconstruction of Iraq.  Unemployment must be fought and infrastructures restored.  A safer and more normal existence will lessen hatred for Americans; the only way is to improve the living conditions of Iraqis.  People are discouraged and insecure, tired of so many problems, demoralized.  The past errors of the Americans have caused errors on the part of the Iraqis as well.  If the causes disappear, so will the reactions that have led to abductions and hostage-takings.  I've asked people in Falluja what was the reason that brought to this practice.  They answered with an Iraqi proverb "someone who is drowning will even grab onto a snake", meaning that person is prepared to do anything.   You are a part of the clan of the new president, Al-Yawar:  what do you think of the interim government?   We are full of trust and hope.  Our country is very weak and needs to get back on its feet.  Everything needs rebuilding: we must be patient and act without letting ourselves get discouraged.  

• iraq
• italy
• islam
• fundamentalism
• shia
• sunni
• hostages
• rescue
• liberation