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Zebari: our interests and our aim is to make Iraq the heart of the region politically and economically
Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari
PUKmedia 10:58:18 2012-01-08
Alarm bells ringing, lights red lights, moments of impending danger was not long a lot, hours after he turned the page of the U.S. presence Baghdad exploded as a severe political crisis between the poles of power in Iraq against the backdrop of a warrant against Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi , accused of involvement in terrorist operations carried out in the country.
The crisis is open to all possibilities, which requires rapid development of quick solutions governed by the Constitution and the higher national interests, and to chart a road map for Iraq after the withdrawal, Al-Ahram lived the hottest events and met with Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in his office in Baghdad, is one of the most important pillars of the Iraqi regime formulates relations Foreign experience and expertise is high, occurring in all transparency and clarity in the dialogue that lasted more than two hours and was as follows:
- How do you see the Iraqi scene?
Zebari: Iraq stands on the threshold of a major shift and enter a new phase after phase of the system antiquated and establish a free and democratic society, and will have a chance to start a new chapter after the departure of U.S. forces to promote freedom and independence, sovereignty, and control the decision, and work to build an independent homeland, and the establishment of a modern state , we seek to establish a new Iraq can become a model and an example in the region, and aim to Iraq to be the heart of the region politically, economically and socially, and plays a positive and cooperative with neighboring countries and other countries, to maintain regional security, stability and prosperity.
- But efforts to build stability and democratic development of Iraq's new on the right path facing significant challenges?
Zebari: Yes, the challenges are great and most important security challenges, regional, political, and still the political process and the relations between the various political parties in the process of evolution, there are fundamental differences still surrounding the composition of the political state of Iraq, there are those who seek to destroy the democratic process in Iraq, specifically the remnants of the outlawed Baath Party according to the Constitution .
Then there is another factor detrimental to the stability of Iraq, the activity of foreign powers, Iraq is a sovereign country and our foreign policy derives from the fact that we prevent ourselves to intervene in the affairs of other countries and then we are opposed to foreign interference in Iraqi affairs.
- Let's start from the first point is the security challenge, with the exit of American forces began terrorist operations back again .. Are Iraqi forces capable of protecting the security .. Are not you afraid of the possible return of sectarian violence that nearly tearing the country apart in 2006 and 2007?
Zebari: Iraq is ready today to take responsibility of security, and Iraqi forces that had happened to her qualitative and quantitative evolution is able to respond to any terrorist threat, we do not have any concerns about the possible return of sectarian violence, because what happened was expected during the last few days that the situation will witness an escalation of security to several considerations, including the benefits the security agreement between Iraq and America, and the end of the last stage of it, any full withdrawal to send terrorists through which messages to the citizens questioned our abilities national file management security, our troops, able to face the major challenges standing all sects and components of the Iraqi people with it.
- Talks about the withdrawal of U.S. troops in full, you have already been completely withdraw .. Is there not to have rules in Basra .. There are not large numbers inside the U.S. embassy in Baghdad?
Zebari: to hand over American base of the Imam Ali Air west of Nasiriyah had violated all the rules that were occupied by their forces for the past nine years, there are no U.S. bases in Basra, these allegations are true, and delivery process has been open, all that remains for them in Basra is the seat of the consular at the airport, like the British Consulate, and the subject advertiser is not a secret, all U.S. troops withdrew from Iraqi territory, there are only trained technicians and experts will be the crew the American embassy, and not in the military bases and do not have any legal immunities, and they are present the willingness of Iraq, because of the cooperation agreement Strategic between Baghdad and Washington is not limited to the security aspect, but rather deals with various fields such as education, health and investment, agriculture, industry and others, and these areas needs to Iraq.
- Let's get to the second challenge, and I mean the political crisis that exploded against the backdrop of recent prosecutions against Tareq al-Hashemi, Vice President of the Republic because of being accused of the bombing of the management of operations and assassinations .. How do you see the repercussions of the crisis?
Zebari: the crisis came at an inconvenient time for Iraq, which coincided with the withdrawal of the last U.S. troops, and the issue of al-Hashemi has been exaggerated in the media, while it should be handled quietly among Iraqi political leaders, and must be on the Iraqi people to preserve the achievements of national unity of the class, aside differences for the safety of home.
To be the need to calm the situation, and mitigation of media statements and call for dialogue, honest and transparent among all political leaders for the house in order, so that Iraq vulnerable to further intervention in its affairs, and I think that the political consensus is the biggest threat facing Iraq and if we succeed in passing, we have crossed to safety.
- Do you think that there is already a dialogue between the spectrum of Iraqi society under the spacing variation and the different views and the resignation of the ministers and others to freeze .. Do you see that such an environment supportive of terrorism, how is the size of terrorism in Iraq now?
Zebari: Yes, there is dialogue and consultation and communication and understanding the problems and issues and crisis resolved the debate and coordination, cooperation and understanding, not by force, violence and weapons and the abolition of the other, we have delayed our government in the formation 9 months, but we agreed in the coalition government, and most of those who were complaining of the dialogue are now participants in the government and parliament and power, ask me about terrorism, said he last throes, a few years ago, they controlled many areas and cities in the provinces of Iraq, now they no longer have any influence publicly in any region, turned to the secret cells operating under the earth in a way car bombs and time bombs on their way to extinction .
- You fear the interference of others in the internal affairs of Iraq, some believe that the reckless and the protection and the ignorance of the U.S. administration provided by your country on a silver platter to Tehran .. Is the Iraq after the withdrawal of U.S. military arena Iranian sphere of influence?
Zebari: the truth of these perceptions is accurate at all and simplification of the situation, and simplification is always jumping on the reality of field conditions, and the United States when it decided to topple Saddam Hussein and liberate the Iraqi people from dictatorship did not negotiate or consult Iran on this subject, perhaps Tehran Ohtr than others, and found the changes coming and tried to take advantage of them, we extend our hand to all brotherly and friendly countries, especially neighboring countries, and invite them to establish better relations on the basis of good neighborliness and mutual respect, there are geographical realities we share with Iran and with Turkey, Syria and other neighboring countries, there is exchange of interest and widespread in various fields.
- But there is a historical relationship with Iran bring you mutual hostility was entitled to long periods of time .. Are not you afraid of the Iranian nuclear file that makes you a follower or in the pocket of Tehran?
Zebari: our history and our civilization and our culture and our identity and our interests, and put us in our regional, Arab, Islamic and international levels, and history, which says it is impossible for Iraq to be a follower of another State, whether Iran or others, what is perceived by some people is just wrong, Iraq is a country have a vision and independence, we will not be in the pocket of Iran , and we are not a stone in the game of others, we are perhaps the most-sensitive on the issue of Iran's nuclear file As an immediate neighbor will be affected immediately of any changes, especially that we have a history of strained relations earlier by many of the problems, wars, our position is clear and the advertiser is the Middle East and Persian Gulf The demilitarized zone free of nuclear weapons.
- Let's get to the Arab spring events-large and to the Syrian bloody and painful .. Do you think the Iraqi position was ambivalent, confused, vague and not clear to the Syrian crisis file?
Zebari: It was not Iraq's position uncertain or confused contrary, it was pointed out situations in meetings of the Council of the League of Arab States, where there were consultations aimed at activating the Arab position and provide solutions and initiatives to develop the right solution for what is happening in Syria, and it is not permissible to talk to the world about the humanitarian situation the tragic and difficult security and remains the university without a position, put forward a long list of demands and proposals rejected 3 cases, the first not to outside interference, and the second not to freeze the membership of Syria, because the move does not serve the diplomatic efforts, and Syria is a state institution at the university, and also a pivotal state, The third issue is that it is not to impose any sanctions on Syria, and this was the situation of Iraq and we talked about the importance of activating the Arab peace initiative and a ministerial committee to follow up and also try to make a genuine national dialogue between the opponents inside and outside the Syrian government.
- Where and how is the dialogue in the light of further violence and bloodshed .. Some considered based on your position to the dictates of external, and some considered the interests of the two .. What is your vision in the event of failure of the Commission to continue?
Zebari: We suggested that dialogue should be at the headquarters of the Arab League as the house of the Arabs and impartial body does not have a particular interest, there is the experience of Iraq took place in the past for National Dialogue, hosted by the Arab League, and the results were positive.
Iraq's position was sound, independent and bold in the midst of Iraq's relations with international, regional and Arab, a decision which in itself was not taken as a result of fear or hesitation, Iraq takes its decisions independently and there is no external dictates.
Syria is a state of brotherly and important neighbor in the region, and we have relations with historical and economic characteristics and hosted hundreds of thousands of Iraqis in difficult circumstances, and if the committee has failed to follow-up, the situation will spiral out of control, especially under Western pressure and the U.S. is growing about Syria.
- Iraqi position seemed to some that the language of interests envelope, which beat on the values of principles .. Do you fear the capital of the Abbasids, ruled by Shiite ideology of the Sunni-dominated government in the capital of the Umayyads, which confuses the regional balance for Iraq?
Zebari: We stand by what is happening in the area of popular demands towards freedom and change, and we see that the right of peoples to get their rights of being persecuted for long periods, we believe that there are mistakes committed by the Syrian government we do not support the Syrian regime and with the freedom and dignity of the Syrian people and with their legitimate rights in the selection of a political system that wants, Iraq may have been the first Arab country warned the brothers in Syria that the time of the one-party is over, we want to build an independent policy, and take into account the interests of Iraq.
The second part of the question, everyone knows that the Iraqi government elected by all the spectra and not in the interest of the Shiites in Iraq that are hostile to any system is coming, especially as we live together in the same area, but I emphasize that the Iraqi position is not based on a sectarian basis, Iraq may have been more state suffered from the Syrian regime and the opposition are still operating from the Iraqi Baathist Syria to undermine our system.
- But your attitude towards the crisis in Bahrain did not like your position in the Syrian file .. Are you are supporting the opposition in Bahrain and what are the dimensions of relations between Baghdad and Manama?
Zebari: good relations went through an atmosphere of tension because of the government's position of the events of Bahrain, and the issuance of statements to the media after the island's defense forces to Bahrain, we tried to moisten and cool the atmosphere, can not for the new Iraq to support the opposition to any system, and we are assured that we are open to the Arab world, the whole as a priority in our foreign policy, but a recent report of the Independent Inquiry Committee confirmed the fears that were in some countries including the Gulf and even in Bahrainis, we respect everyone we do not interfere in the affairs of others and we have special relations with Bahrain and the popularity of formal and social.
- What are the relationships with the state of neighboring enemies of yesterday .. Do you still clouds hanging over the air because of several problems, most notably the Port Mubarak Do you see that the vision of the Gulf Cooperation Council to look for a partnership on the Atlantic Ocean appeal to you? When you come out of the provisions of Chapter VII?
Zebari: relations with Kuwait are good, and was supposed to visit the Prime Minister of Kuwait, but the visit was postponed due to the resignation of the Kuwaiti government, there is a continuous dialogue with Kuwait, and we believe that dialogue is the closest to resolve problems and address the difficulties rather than escalation and friction, the port part of this dialogue, I went to Two intergovernmental from Iraq, and have made their report to the government and parliament to confirm that the effect of this port on the navigation Iraq is limited, the subject has been politicized, had been treated professionally and technically, we know that there are international obligations imposed on Iraq, and must meet under the provisions of Chapter VII , and must also get rid of the provisions of Chapter VII to address the remaining issues with Kuwait, certainly as much as Iraq's geographical and overlooking the bay make it the closest geographically, historically and politically, culturally and strategically, but we did not ask to join the Council, we have special relations with the Gulf countries, whether collectively or on a bilateral level , we are to succeed in Iraq, a merger with its regional, Arab and international levels.
- Is the upcoming Arab summit will be held on schedule in Baghdad?
Zebari: Arab Summit in a timely manner represents a historic achievement will contribute to the restoration of Iraq's influential role in the region, we will take all the preparations for the logistical and technical requirements for holding the summit in Baghdad, and that the capital's hotels and facilities are ready for the reception of delegations, no intention to delay either the Iraqi or Arab, The importance of hosting them for Baghdad carries an important message for closer ties between Iraq and the Arab world, as well as the importance of stimulating and activating the work of the Arab League in dealing with various issues to reduce the impact of external files in various Arab.
- How do you see the dimensions of the Egyptian-Iraqi relations?
Zebari: Egypt is a key and pivotal, the largest and most important Arab country, is the beating heart of Arabism and big sister, and their role pivotal role politically and culturally, historically, and coordination of the Egyptian-Iraqi-Syrian is the pillar of joint Arab action, the Secretariat and the history, the relations even under the regime of former Egyptian was good, and President Hosni Mubarak responsive to refining and developing these relations on all levels, there are some issues unresolved most notably the so-called hawala yellow, and some problems of Egyptian workers, was the origin of religion on the Iraqi government $ 428 million, has agreed to pay the original debt and the postponement of the amount benefits or transferred to investments, things were going in this direction, but that the revolution has in Egypt, and became the Egyptian side is busy to a certain extent, but we do not have any obstacles in the development and improve relations, and these constants of the Iraqi people and the Government and all political blocs, we welcome that relations are in the best case we call the Egyptian companies to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq, take care of the Egyptian presence in our country, because it is closest to us, and we hope to prevail stability and prosperity and security of Egypt in the fastest time, even back to its natural place.
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Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari
PUKmedia 10:58:18 2012-01-08
Alarm bells ringing, lights red lights, moments of impending danger was not long a lot, hours after he turned the page of the U.S. presence Baghdad exploded as a severe political crisis between the poles of power in Iraq against the backdrop of a warrant against Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi , accused of involvement in terrorist operations carried out in the country.
The crisis is open to all possibilities, which requires rapid development of quick solutions governed by the Constitution and the higher national interests, and to chart a road map for Iraq after the withdrawal, Al-Ahram lived the hottest events and met with Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in his office in Baghdad, is one of the most important pillars of the Iraqi regime formulates relations Foreign experience and expertise is high, occurring in all transparency and clarity in the dialogue that lasted more than two hours and was as follows:
- How do you see the Iraqi scene?
Zebari: Iraq stands on the threshold of a major shift and enter a new phase after phase of the system antiquated and establish a free and democratic society, and will have a chance to start a new chapter after the departure of U.S. forces to promote freedom and independence, sovereignty, and control the decision, and work to build an independent homeland, and the establishment of a modern state , we seek to establish a new Iraq can become a model and an example in the region, and aim to Iraq to be the heart of the region politically, economically and socially, and plays a positive and cooperative with neighboring countries and other countries, to maintain regional security, stability and prosperity.
- But efforts to build stability and democratic development of Iraq's new on the right path facing significant challenges?
Zebari: Yes, the challenges are great and most important security challenges, regional, political, and still the political process and the relations between the various political parties in the process of evolution, there are fundamental differences still surrounding the composition of the political state of Iraq, there are those who seek to destroy the democratic process in Iraq, specifically the remnants of the outlawed Baath Party according to the Constitution .
Then there is another factor detrimental to the stability of Iraq, the activity of foreign powers, Iraq is a sovereign country and our foreign policy derives from the fact that we prevent ourselves to intervene in the affairs of other countries and then we are opposed to foreign interference in Iraqi affairs.
- Let's start from the first point is the security challenge, with the exit of American forces began terrorist operations back again .. Are Iraqi forces capable of protecting the security .. Are not you afraid of the possible return of sectarian violence that nearly tearing the country apart in 2006 and 2007?
Zebari: Iraq is ready today to take responsibility of security, and Iraqi forces that had happened to her qualitative and quantitative evolution is able to respond to any terrorist threat, we do not have any concerns about the possible return of sectarian violence, because what happened was expected during the last few days that the situation will witness an escalation of security to several considerations, including the benefits the security agreement between Iraq and America, and the end of the last stage of it, any full withdrawal to send terrorists through which messages to the citizens questioned our abilities national file management security, our troops, able to face the major challenges standing all sects and components of the Iraqi people with it.
- Talks about the withdrawal of U.S. troops in full, you have already been completely withdraw .. Is there not to have rules in Basra .. There are not large numbers inside the U.S. embassy in Baghdad?
Zebari: to hand over American base of the Imam Ali Air west of Nasiriyah had violated all the rules that were occupied by their forces for the past nine years, there are no U.S. bases in Basra, these allegations are true, and delivery process has been open, all that remains for them in Basra is the seat of the consular at the airport, like the British Consulate, and the subject advertiser is not a secret, all U.S. troops withdrew from Iraqi territory, there are only trained technicians and experts will be the crew the American embassy, and not in the military bases and do not have any legal immunities, and they are present the willingness of Iraq, because of the cooperation agreement Strategic between Baghdad and Washington is not limited to the security aspect, but rather deals with various fields such as education, health and investment, agriculture, industry and others, and these areas needs to Iraq.
- Let's get to the second challenge, and I mean the political crisis that exploded against the backdrop of recent prosecutions against Tareq al-Hashemi, Vice President of the Republic because of being accused of the bombing of the management of operations and assassinations .. How do you see the repercussions of the crisis?
Zebari: the crisis came at an inconvenient time for Iraq, which coincided with the withdrawal of the last U.S. troops, and the issue of al-Hashemi has been exaggerated in the media, while it should be handled quietly among Iraqi political leaders, and must be on the Iraqi people to preserve the achievements of national unity of the class, aside differences for the safety of home.
To be the need to calm the situation, and mitigation of media statements and call for dialogue, honest and transparent among all political leaders for the house in order, so that Iraq vulnerable to further intervention in its affairs, and I think that the political consensus is the biggest threat facing Iraq and if we succeed in passing, we have crossed to safety.
- Do you think that there is already a dialogue between the spectrum of Iraqi society under the spacing variation and the different views and the resignation of the ministers and others to freeze .. Do you see that such an environment supportive of terrorism, how is the size of terrorism in Iraq now?
Zebari: Yes, there is dialogue and consultation and communication and understanding the problems and issues and crisis resolved the debate and coordination, cooperation and understanding, not by force, violence and weapons and the abolition of the other, we have delayed our government in the formation 9 months, but we agreed in the coalition government, and most of those who were complaining of the dialogue are now participants in the government and parliament and power, ask me about terrorism, said he last throes, a few years ago, they controlled many areas and cities in the provinces of Iraq, now they no longer have any influence publicly in any region, turned to the secret cells operating under the earth in a way car bombs and time bombs on their way to extinction .
- You fear the interference of others in the internal affairs of Iraq, some believe that the reckless and the protection and the ignorance of the U.S. administration provided by your country on a silver platter to Tehran .. Is the Iraq after the withdrawal of U.S. military arena Iranian sphere of influence?
Zebari: the truth of these perceptions is accurate at all and simplification of the situation, and simplification is always jumping on the reality of field conditions, and the United States when it decided to topple Saddam Hussein and liberate the Iraqi people from dictatorship did not negotiate or consult Iran on this subject, perhaps Tehran Ohtr than others, and found the changes coming and tried to take advantage of them, we extend our hand to all brotherly and friendly countries, especially neighboring countries, and invite them to establish better relations on the basis of good neighborliness and mutual respect, there are geographical realities we share with Iran and with Turkey, Syria and other neighboring countries, there is exchange of interest and widespread in various fields.
- But there is a historical relationship with Iran bring you mutual hostility was entitled to long periods of time .. Are not you afraid of the Iranian nuclear file that makes you a follower or in the pocket of Tehran?
Zebari: our history and our civilization and our culture and our identity and our interests, and put us in our regional, Arab, Islamic and international levels, and history, which says it is impossible for Iraq to be a follower of another State, whether Iran or others, what is perceived by some people is just wrong, Iraq is a country have a vision and independence, we will not be in the pocket of Iran , and we are not a stone in the game of others, we are perhaps the most-sensitive on the issue of Iran's nuclear file As an immediate neighbor will be affected immediately of any changes, especially that we have a history of strained relations earlier by many of the problems, wars, our position is clear and the advertiser is the Middle East and Persian Gulf The demilitarized zone free of nuclear weapons.
- Let's get to the Arab spring events-large and to the Syrian bloody and painful .. Do you think the Iraqi position was ambivalent, confused, vague and not clear to the Syrian crisis file?
Zebari: It was not Iraq's position uncertain or confused contrary, it was pointed out situations in meetings of the Council of the League of Arab States, where there were consultations aimed at activating the Arab position and provide solutions and initiatives to develop the right solution for what is happening in Syria, and it is not permissible to talk to the world about the humanitarian situation the tragic and difficult security and remains the university without a position, put forward a long list of demands and proposals rejected 3 cases, the first not to outside interference, and the second not to freeze the membership of Syria, because the move does not serve the diplomatic efforts, and Syria is a state institution at the university, and also a pivotal state, The third issue is that it is not to impose any sanctions on Syria, and this was the situation of Iraq and we talked about the importance of activating the Arab peace initiative and a ministerial committee to follow up and also try to make a genuine national dialogue between the opponents inside and outside the Syrian government.
- Where and how is the dialogue in the light of further violence and bloodshed .. Some considered based on your position to the dictates of external, and some considered the interests of the two .. What is your vision in the event of failure of the Commission to continue?
Zebari: We suggested that dialogue should be at the headquarters of the Arab League as the house of the Arabs and impartial body does not have a particular interest, there is the experience of Iraq took place in the past for National Dialogue, hosted by the Arab League, and the results were positive.
Iraq's position was sound, independent and bold in the midst of Iraq's relations with international, regional and Arab, a decision which in itself was not taken as a result of fear or hesitation, Iraq takes its decisions independently and there is no external dictates.
Syria is a state of brotherly and important neighbor in the region, and we have relations with historical and economic characteristics and hosted hundreds of thousands of Iraqis in difficult circumstances, and if the committee has failed to follow-up, the situation will spiral out of control, especially under Western pressure and the U.S. is growing about Syria.
- Iraqi position seemed to some that the language of interests envelope, which beat on the values of principles .. Do you fear the capital of the Abbasids, ruled by Shiite ideology of the Sunni-dominated government in the capital of the Umayyads, which confuses the regional balance for Iraq?
Zebari: We stand by what is happening in the area of popular demands towards freedom and change, and we see that the right of peoples to get their rights of being persecuted for long periods, we believe that there are mistakes committed by the Syrian government we do not support the Syrian regime and with the freedom and dignity of the Syrian people and with their legitimate rights in the selection of a political system that wants, Iraq may have been the first Arab country warned the brothers in Syria that the time of the one-party is over, we want to build an independent policy, and take into account the interests of Iraq.
The second part of the question, everyone knows that the Iraqi government elected by all the spectra and not in the interest of the Shiites in Iraq that are hostile to any system is coming, especially as we live together in the same area, but I emphasize that the Iraqi position is not based on a sectarian basis, Iraq may have been more state suffered from the Syrian regime and the opposition are still operating from the Iraqi Baathist Syria to undermine our system.
- But your attitude towards the crisis in Bahrain did not like your position in the Syrian file .. Are you are supporting the opposition in Bahrain and what are the dimensions of relations between Baghdad and Manama?
Zebari: good relations went through an atmosphere of tension because of the government's position of the events of Bahrain, and the issuance of statements to the media after the island's defense forces to Bahrain, we tried to moisten and cool the atmosphere, can not for the new Iraq to support the opposition to any system, and we are assured that we are open to the Arab world, the whole as a priority in our foreign policy, but a recent report of the Independent Inquiry Committee confirmed the fears that were in some countries including the Gulf and even in Bahrainis, we respect everyone we do not interfere in the affairs of others and we have special relations with Bahrain and the popularity of formal and social.
- What are the relationships with the state of neighboring enemies of yesterday .. Do you still clouds hanging over the air because of several problems, most notably the Port Mubarak Do you see that the vision of the Gulf Cooperation Council to look for a partnership on the Atlantic Ocean appeal to you? When you come out of the provisions of Chapter VII?
Zebari: relations with Kuwait are good, and was supposed to visit the Prime Minister of Kuwait, but the visit was postponed due to the resignation of the Kuwaiti government, there is a continuous dialogue with Kuwait, and we believe that dialogue is the closest to resolve problems and address the difficulties rather than escalation and friction, the port part of this dialogue, I went to Two intergovernmental from Iraq, and have made their report to the government and parliament to confirm that the effect of this port on the navigation Iraq is limited, the subject has been politicized, had been treated professionally and technically, we know that there are international obligations imposed on Iraq, and must meet under the provisions of Chapter VII , and must also get rid of the provisions of Chapter VII to address the remaining issues with Kuwait, certainly as much as Iraq's geographical and overlooking the bay make it the closest geographically, historically and politically, culturally and strategically, but we did not ask to join the Council, we have special relations with the Gulf countries, whether collectively or on a bilateral level , we are to succeed in Iraq, a merger with its regional, Arab and international levels.
- Is the upcoming Arab summit will be held on schedule in Baghdad?
Zebari: Arab Summit in a timely manner represents a historic achievement will contribute to the restoration of Iraq's influential role in the region, we will take all the preparations for the logistical and technical requirements for holding the summit in Baghdad, and that the capital's hotels and facilities are ready for the reception of delegations, no intention to delay either the Iraqi or Arab, The importance of hosting them for Baghdad carries an important message for closer ties between Iraq and the Arab world, as well as the importance of stimulating and activating the work of the Arab League in dealing with various issues to reduce the impact of external files in various Arab.
- How do you see the dimensions of the Egyptian-Iraqi relations?
Zebari: Egypt is a key and pivotal, the largest and most important Arab country, is the beating heart of Arabism and big sister, and their role pivotal role politically and culturally, historically, and coordination of the Egyptian-Iraqi-Syrian is the pillar of joint Arab action, the Secretariat and the history, the relations even under the regime of former Egyptian was good, and President Hosni Mubarak responsive to refining and developing these relations on all levels, there are some issues unresolved most notably the so-called hawala yellow, and some problems of Egyptian workers, was the origin of religion on the Iraqi government $ 428 million, has agreed to pay the original debt and the postponement of the amount benefits or transferred to investments, things were going in this direction, but that the revolution has in Egypt, and became the Egyptian side is busy to a certain extent, but we do not have any obstacles in the development and improve relations, and these constants of the Iraqi people and the Government and all political blocs, we welcome that relations are in the best case we call the Egyptian companies to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq, take care of the Egyptian presence in our country, because it is closest to us, and we hope to prevail stability and prosperity and security of Egypt in the fastest time, even back to its natural place.
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