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Barzani warns Iraq on its future
Saturday, 21 January 2012, 07:49 GMT
President of Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani has given a stern warning on the future of Iraq, emphasizing the necessity to abide by the power-sharing principle of government.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya news network, Barzani addressed the expected national conference that will hopefully resolve issues after the American withdrawal. The failure of the conference would be catastrophic, he says.
Al-Arabiya: Welcome, Mr. President. I will initiate the interview with the hottest debate among Iraqis: Why do you refuse to participate in the conference if it's held in Baghdad?
Barzani: First of all, the fact is that I have not refused to participate in the conference; there are rumors as if I have, but I did not even set conditions for the conference's location in the first place. Nevertheless, we have to make sure that the outcome will be positive and the article that we agreed upon in the Erbil Conference will be implemented. Participating in a meeting without a guarantee for its success is not necessary.
Al-Arabiya: The message that I get from your response is that there is no trust between the political parties that the Conference may bring positive results?
Barzani: Unfortunately the trust is missing; we are dealing with a crisis of mistrust. Before the political leaders show intention in taking part in the Conference, preparations should be made--preparations that guarantee the Conference's success.
Al-Arabiya: What is the guarantee?
Barzani: Taking serious steps and planning is the guarantee.
Al-Arabiya: Don't you think that your refusal to hold the Conference in Baghdad, though you asserted that you have not refused, means that there is not a serious intention to deal with Iraqi President Talabani's initiative?
Barzani: No. On the contrary, I have announced my full support to His Excellency Jalal Talabani's initiative; we both agreed to exert efforts towards holding the Conference, and we have not addressed the location whatsoever.
Al-Arabiya: If the preparations were well-made, would you go to Baghdad to participate?
Barzani: Without a doubt. If the committee that is appointed to make the preparations promises a positive Conference, then I will participate because I and maybe others like me am tired of holding meetings that end up with many agreements, but as soon as the meetings come to an end everything is forgotten, like what happened with the Erbil initiative, for instance.
Al-Arabiya: I will go back to the Erbil Agreement. You headed the meetings, and there was great optimism that this Agreement would resolve the crisis. The government indeed formed--but who holds the responsibility for not implementing the articles, from your perspective?
Barzani: To be frank, we did what we had to do. I cannot accuse one specific person or a specific party; the leaders in Baghdad hold responsibility according to their positions within the political process.
Al-Arabiya: What are your exact demands to participate in the Conference?
Barzani: First, all the political parties have to agree on a power-sharing principle with the understanding of the real meaning of power-sharing in government, reserving balance in the military and security institutions, abiding by the Constitution, drafting a clear legislation for the Council of Ministries, and evading unilateral decisions on crucial matters that have a direct impact on the country's destiny.
Al-Arabiya: Is there unilateralism in making decisions, Is there a real fear of rising dictatorship in Iraq?
Barzani: When it comes to the issue of the Iraqi army, we notice that some groups were ignored; the army is supposed to represent all Iraqi people, as was endorsed by the Constitution. It is unacceptable that the army is shaped according to some particular groups, or circles, interests. It is simply because the army should belong to the people of Iraq.
Al-Arabiya: Is the current crisis really about arresting Hashimi, or is it far beyond that?
Barzani: No. Indeed it's far beyond that; the case has two aspects'a judiciary aspect and a political one. The judiciary one must be let for the courts to deal with, but for the political aspect, I believe the politicians must come up with a quick solution for this case.
Al-Arabiya: If you were asked by the Ministry of Interior to hand over Hashimi--and this has been already been asked--would you?
Barzani: There should be coordination and negotiation with the political leaders; the region will not make one-sided decisions about that.
Al-Arabiya: What are you asking before you turn Hashimi in?
Barzani: The Region must not be dragged into that issue; Al-Hashimi is still Iraqi Vice President and has not been condemned yet. He is the Region's guest. The solution for Al-Hashimi's case should not be found by the Region alone.
Al-Arabiya: Kirkuk was chosen to conduct the judiciary procedures. Do you support this choice?
Barzani: Of course. I believe this would help to resolve the crisis, but unfortunately as I have heard the judiciary council turned that proposal down that was suggesting Al-Hashimi's case be transferred to Kirkuk.
Al-Arabiya: What is the solution then from your point of view, Mr. President?
Barzani: Addressing the case in the coming meetings is the solution. As I previously explained, the case has a judicial aspect and a political one. Therefore, it needs investigating. It's not only a matter of arresting or handing [Al-Hashimi] over; the nature of the issue may bring up different reactions, thus it requires full investigation.
Al-Arabiya: Your Excellency warned of a civil war at the time of the American withdrawal. What we observe in Baghdad now'is it the start to these predictions coming true?
Barzani: I hope this prediction does not become true; however, to be honest I have fears, and I wish that civil war does not occur.
Al-Arabiya: Do you link the political crisis to the deterioration of security?
Barzani: I think the security turbulence is directly linked to the political conflicts.
Al-Arabiya: What precisely does Baghdad lack to be like Erbil in terms of security?
Barzani: There was not a proper study to establish the army, police, security and the intelligence agency. The political conflict must come to an end and a power-sharing government must be established'a government in which every political side feels included in ruling the country. When this power-sharing form is achieved, I believe security matters could be solved quickly.
Al-Arabiya: Many are saying that some regional powers do not want this power-sharing government to last.
Barzani: Even if that were true, why would the Iraqis heed these regional powers and pass their agendas, We should blame ourselves rather than the regional powers.
Al-Arabiya: So you are saying that it is true?
Barzani: Without any doubt, there is regional interference.
Al-Arabiya: God forbid, if the Conference is not successful even if preparations are well-made. What happens then?
Barzani: God forbid. The failure of the conference will be a real catastrophe for Iraq.
Al-Arabiya: Are there any other alternatives? Some are suggesting an earlier election or replacing the prime minister.
Barzani: There are alternatives. However, failure will frustrate everyone and may spread and intensify; it may eventually make things much more complicated and spiral out of control.
Al-Arabiya: If the Conference is unsuccessful, what then?
Barzani: Then other options should be looked at.
Al-Arabiya: What are the most realistic options that could be put into practice on the ground?
Barzani: Right now I'm not able to select a specific option, but there are options. An earlier election, for instance, changing the government.
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Saturday, 21 January 2012, 07:49 GMT
President of Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani has given a stern warning on the future of Iraq, emphasizing the necessity to abide by the power-sharing principle of government.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya news network, Barzani addressed the expected national conference that will hopefully resolve issues after the American withdrawal. The failure of the conference would be catastrophic, he says.
Al-Arabiya: Welcome, Mr. President. I will initiate the interview with the hottest debate among Iraqis: Why do you refuse to participate in the conference if it's held in Baghdad?
Barzani: First of all, the fact is that I have not refused to participate in the conference; there are rumors as if I have, but I did not even set conditions for the conference's location in the first place. Nevertheless, we have to make sure that the outcome will be positive and the article that we agreed upon in the Erbil Conference will be implemented. Participating in a meeting without a guarantee for its success is not necessary.
Al-Arabiya: The message that I get from your response is that there is no trust between the political parties that the Conference may bring positive results?
Barzani: Unfortunately the trust is missing; we are dealing with a crisis of mistrust. Before the political leaders show intention in taking part in the Conference, preparations should be made--preparations that guarantee the Conference's success.
Al-Arabiya: What is the guarantee?
Barzani: Taking serious steps and planning is the guarantee.
Al-Arabiya: Don't you think that your refusal to hold the Conference in Baghdad, though you asserted that you have not refused, means that there is not a serious intention to deal with Iraqi President Talabani's initiative?
Barzani: No. On the contrary, I have announced my full support to His Excellency Jalal Talabani's initiative; we both agreed to exert efforts towards holding the Conference, and we have not addressed the location whatsoever.
Al-Arabiya: If the preparations were well-made, would you go to Baghdad to participate?
Barzani: Without a doubt. If the committee that is appointed to make the preparations promises a positive Conference, then I will participate because I and maybe others like me am tired of holding meetings that end up with many agreements, but as soon as the meetings come to an end everything is forgotten, like what happened with the Erbil initiative, for instance.
Al-Arabiya: I will go back to the Erbil Agreement. You headed the meetings, and there was great optimism that this Agreement would resolve the crisis. The government indeed formed--but who holds the responsibility for not implementing the articles, from your perspective?
Barzani: To be frank, we did what we had to do. I cannot accuse one specific person or a specific party; the leaders in Baghdad hold responsibility according to their positions within the political process.
Al-Arabiya: What are your exact demands to participate in the Conference?
Barzani: First, all the political parties have to agree on a power-sharing principle with the understanding of the real meaning of power-sharing in government, reserving balance in the military and security institutions, abiding by the Constitution, drafting a clear legislation for the Council of Ministries, and evading unilateral decisions on crucial matters that have a direct impact on the country's destiny.
Al-Arabiya: Is there unilateralism in making decisions, Is there a real fear of rising dictatorship in Iraq?
Barzani: When it comes to the issue of the Iraqi army, we notice that some groups were ignored; the army is supposed to represent all Iraqi people, as was endorsed by the Constitution. It is unacceptable that the army is shaped according to some particular groups, or circles, interests. It is simply because the army should belong to the people of Iraq.
Al-Arabiya: Is the current crisis really about arresting Hashimi, or is it far beyond that?
Barzani: No. Indeed it's far beyond that; the case has two aspects'a judiciary aspect and a political one. The judiciary one must be let for the courts to deal with, but for the political aspect, I believe the politicians must come up with a quick solution for this case.
Al-Arabiya: If you were asked by the Ministry of Interior to hand over Hashimi--and this has been already been asked--would you?
Barzani: There should be coordination and negotiation with the political leaders; the region will not make one-sided decisions about that.
Al-Arabiya: What are you asking before you turn Hashimi in?
Barzani: The Region must not be dragged into that issue; Al-Hashimi is still Iraqi Vice President and has not been condemned yet. He is the Region's guest. The solution for Al-Hashimi's case should not be found by the Region alone.
Al-Arabiya: Kirkuk was chosen to conduct the judiciary procedures. Do you support this choice?
Barzani: Of course. I believe this would help to resolve the crisis, but unfortunately as I have heard the judiciary council turned that proposal down that was suggesting Al-Hashimi's case be transferred to Kirkuk.
Al-Arabiya: What is the solution then from your point of view, Mr. President?
Barzani: Addressing the case in the coming meetings is the solution. As I previously explained, the case has a judicial aspect and a political one. Therefore, it needs investigating. It's not only a matter of arresting or handing [Al-Hashimi] over; the nature of the issue may bring up different reactions, thus it requires full investigation.
Al-Arabiya: Your Excellency warned of a civil war at the time of the American withdrawal. What we observe in Baghdad now'is it the start to these predictions coming true?
Barzani: I hope this prediction does not become true; however, to be honest I have fears, and I wish that civil war does not occur.
Al-Arabiya: Do you link the political crisis to the deterioration of security?
Barzani: I think the security turbulence is directly linked to the political conflicts.
Al-Arabiya: What precisely does Baghdad lack to be like Erbil in terms of security?
Barzani: There was not a proper study to establish the army, police, security and the intelligence agency. The political conflict must come to an end and a power-sharing government must be established'a government in which every political side feels included in ruling the country. When this power-sharing form is achieved, I believe security matters could be solved quickly.
Al-Arabiya: Many are saying that some regional powers do not want this power-sharing government to last.
Barzani: Even if that were true, why would the Iraqis heed these regional powers and pass their agendas, We should blame ourselves rather than the regional powers.
Al-Arabiya: So you are saying that it is true?
Barzani: Without any doubt, there is regional interference.
Al-Arabiya: God forbid, if the Conference is not successful even if preparations are well-made. What happens then?
Barzani: God forbid. The failure of the conference will be a real catastrophe for Iraq.
Al-Arabiya: Are there any other alternatives? Some are suggesting an earlier election or replacing the prime minister.
Barzani: There are alternatives. However, failure will frustrate everyone and may spread and intensify; it may eventually make things much more complicated and spiral out of control.
Al-Arabiya: If the Conference is unsuccessful, what then?
Barzani: Then other options should be looked at.
Al-Arabiya: What are the most realistic options that could be put into practice on the ground?
Barzani: Right now I'm not able to select a specific option, but there are options. An earlier election, for instance, changing the government.
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