In the 2010 elections the Iraqiya party, led by ex-Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, won 91 seats in parliament, current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition got 89 seats, the national coalition (National Iraqi Alliance) ended up with 70 seats, and the Kurdistan List received 40 seats. What lessons has Iraq learned from this parliamentary campaign, the second one after the overthrow of Saddam’s regime? Has the world financial crisis had an impact on
the cooperation between Iraq and Ukraine? More on this in the following interview with Khalid Jasim AL-SHAMARI, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iraq to Ukraine.
Al-Shamari: “First of all, I would like to point out that the latest parliamentary elections in Iraq reflected the democratic course adopted by our country. Without doubt, these elections were a new experience for our country, and they helped enhance the awareness of the Iraqi people that fought to rid itself of the dictatorial totalitarian regime.
“Doubtlessly, none of these political forces can form a government single-handedly — this is precisely the reason why it is necessary for two or more political blocs to combine their efforts to receive half of the votes plus one in parliament, a total of 163 votes. These political forces have already negotiated the formation of the future coalition, relying on a program that will satisfy all sides.
“As for the positive results of these elections, let me point out the fact that Iraqi women received 82 seats in parliament, which is more than 25 percent of the total number of seats.
“Negotiations among the political forces in parliament may continue for about a month, possibly two or three months. Their result will be the formation of a national government that will act in accordance with the programs stated by these political forces and parties in the course of the parliamentary campaign. These programs will be free of any confessional or party persuasions.”
Doesn’t the Constitution of Iraq provide for restrictions when forming the ruling coalition and government?
“It does have such a restriction. After the Iraqi Parliament elects the president, the latter must require from the political bloc with the majority of seats to form the government within a month. Failing this, the president will require the next bloc to form the government.”
Mr. Ambassador, in developing Iraq, will the new government follow in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates, which considers itself a model Arab country, or the advanced Western capitalist democracies?
“The programs of all political parties rest on the national foundation, without any confessional or party slogans. The principles of their operation are based on what is best for our country. At the same time, I would like to stress that the Constitution of the Republic of Iraq reads that Iraq is a democratic, federal, united country. This is precisely the venue in which all these parties will develop our state.
“Iraq is happy to witness any country show progress in the sphere of civilization. At the same time, our country has sufficient manpower and financial resources to carry out colossal projects. We possess tremendous national wealth and will do our best to give our people what they lost under the past regime that waged wars on neighboring countries and embezzled national wealth. This is precisely why Iraq has all the necessary conditions to commence work aimed at the construction of great projects.
“We respect the choice made by countries across the world over which they consider suitable in developing themselves and helping, supporting, and protecting their people. Therefore, we expect other countries to respect our way of developing our state.”
There are media reports to the effect that Iraq has stopped buying oil products this year. Does this mean that there are actual opportunities of exporting Iraqi oil, perhaps even to Ukraine, or to Europe through the territory of Ukraine?
“It is true that Iraq has succeeded in meeting its domestic needs and starting to export oil products after reviving our oil refineries that were in a state of considerable decay after the events of 2003. Iraq continues exporting oil to many countries, particularly through the oil pipelines to the Turkish port city of Ceyhan and to other countries. Oil from the southern fields is delivered to Persian Gulf ports. We extract a total of 2.5 million [barrels] of oil every day. The Iraqi government has a special plan aimed at increasing the extraction rate, owing to a series of prospecting and development contracts signed with world oil companies. From what I know, Ukraine imported some oil from the northern Iraqi fields.”
Media reported that Russian Lukoil would take part in Iraqi oil extraction projects. How about Ukrainian companies, particularly Naftohaz Ukrainy — in other words, how about using Ukrainian prospecting and development experience in Iraq?
“It is true that in light of its good relations with Ukraine Iraq is open for cooperation with Ukrainian companies, also considering that these companies worked in Iraq and have experience. Iraq remembers the assistance provided by the Ukrainian peacekeepers as part of the multinational peacekeeping contingent in establishing peace and stability in our country. That is why the Iraqi government treats Ukrainian companies in a special way.”
This must have been one of the reasons behind the signing by our countries of a large arms supply contract last year.
“As I have mentioned previously, Iraq is interested in the development of trade relations with Ukraine. Statements to this effect have been made by a number of ranking Iraqi officials. Iraq must advance its infrastructure and meet the domestic national needs.”
And the military ones?
“All the needs, because Iraq must develop its skills at protecting its borders and securing national stability.”
How is the military and technological cooperation between our countries faring? From what I know, Iraq is interested in enlisting Ukrainian experience of training servicemen and policemen.
“We welcome the efforts of all countries aimed at preparing our security forces and army units. This is what we really need. Indeed, all Iraqi officials have expressed this stand.”
Mr. Ambassador, would you care to assess the status of cooperation between our countries? Has the world financial crisis affected it in any way?
“During my meetings with ranking Ukrainian officials and my visits to a number of Ukrainian oblasts I have always encouraged Ukrainian companies to cooperate with Iraq and to expand their contribution to the development of our country and meeting the needs of the Iraqi market. Iraq is undergoing reconstruction, and we need to expand our infrastructure; we’re carrying out quite a few projects in various spheres and industries, so we need Ukrainian companies to take part in these projects.
“As regards the trade turnover between our countries, as far as I know it has increased by 136 percent compared to last year. Indeed, the world crisis has affected most countries, but this does not apply to Iraq. It has continued exporting oil and developing its projects. Iraqi oil exports are one of the major national budget income items. Its percentage has continued to increase regardless of the crisis.”
What does Iraq expect from the new Ukrainian government?
“I am very optimistic and expect the relations between Ukraine and Iraq to strengthen and develop in the next couple of years. I would like to note that in 2004 the current President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, then Prime Minister, paid a visit to our country. I believe that this visit will help develop our bilateral relations. As for the Iraqi side, Baghdad is prepared and willing to cooperate with Ukraine. As you know, the trade component of any relationships helps develop political relations.”
In one of its articles The New Republic analyzes the situation in your country after the elections and suggests that of the two candidates, Allawi and al-Maliki, the former could better suit the Obama administration. In conclusion this article reads that Iraq is, regrettably, an unlucky place. Could you comment on this?
“I believe that Iraq deserves the national wealth it has, along with its ancient civilizational heritage. The Iraqi people is making every effort to build a stable, beautiful, and prosperous country. Recently we also acquired some democratic experience, so I would like to point out that a number of countries are expressing support of the democratic process in Iraq. The international community of nations has also highly valued the latest elections in Iraq.
“Let me stress that Iraq will follow its democratic course. The Iraqi people came to the polling stations to elect their government. This was very good and democratic. Our spirit will not be broken. We are no longer afraid of any military coups and cessation of the democratic process. We aren’t afraid, so we want to build a new democratic country. We have good natural resources, large oil and gas fields. Most importantly, we have experience. In view of everything stated above, our country will have a happy future.”
