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Foreign Minister says post-summit Iraq will be different
Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Hoshyar Zebari commented on the upcoming March 29 Arab Summit in Baghdad.
In an interview conducted at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Baghdad, Minister Zebari told the Globe that eight to 12 Arab presidents will participate in the summit, which is estimated to cost around US$600 million.
Below is the text of the interview:
Globe: When will the Arab Summit be held and what is the agenda?
Zebari: The Arab Summit will be held in Baghdad on March 29. Before that and on the 27th, the meeting of the Arab Finance and Economy Ministers will be held, and on the 28th the meeting of the Arab Ministers of Foreign Affairs will be held, both of which will be in Baghdad, followed by the summit on the 29th.
Globe: Are all the Arab countries invited? What about Syria?
Zebari: We have officially invited all the Arab countries except Syria, as there was a common decision by Arab countries not to invite Syria due to the current situations in the country and the war against the citizens of this country. This means that we have invited 21 countries to attend the summit in Baghdad, all of which claim they will attend. Numerous Iraqi ministers and officials have delivered the invitations to those 21 countries, and none has refused the invitation. However, on which level each country will attend is their decision.
Globe: How many leaders of Arab countries are expected to attend?
Zebari: Per the Arab Community standards and experience, there has never been an Arab Summit attended by all Arab presidents and leaders, and there have always been absentees. According to confirmed information, we expect that between eight to 12 presidents and leaders from Arab countries attend the summit, and if this happens, we will say that the summit was a success.
Globe: As thousands of guests come to Baghdad for the summit, where are you in terms of preparations?
Zebari: Technical and logistical preparations are already made. Baghdad is ready for the summit, and all the hotels and palaces are ready to receive the guests.
Globe: How many hotels, palaces and villas are prepared for the guests?
Zebari: The Presidential Palace, which is very large and unique, has been renovated and ready. It used to be occupied by the U.S. Army and the U.S. Consulate, and despite being bombarded, it has now been completely renovated. And the Arab League has seen the place and is impressed by the decorations and preparations; it has also said that future hosts of the summit should work very hard to imitate Iraq. More than 10 halls are also prepared, only two of which will be primarily used. Rashid, Sheraton, Ashtar, Palestine, Meridian, Baghdad, Babel and Mansour hotels are all ready to welcome guests. This is besides hundreds of other places to host the visitors. Moreover, there are 27 presidential villas borrowed from our people and renovated, such as Dr. Rozh Noori's house, a number of Mam Jalal's houses, Dr. Ibrahim Jaafari's house, Rafi Issawi's house and other officials' houses.
Globe: How many people will come here for the summit?
Zebari: More than 500 reporters are expected to cover the summit, but for the delegations of the countries, it is not clear, as each country might change the size of its delegation; but they are thousands of people. We have prepared more space than requested by the Arab League.
Globe: What is the cost of hosting the summit?
Zebari: The cost is very high. Initially some US$400 million was allocated for the preparations and associated renovations, but we have now requested more, as new issues have risen. The total costs would reach US$ 500-600 million. However, this money hasn't disappeared but rather has been invested, and even if the summit is not organized, the money has been used in renovating palaces, roads, building and renovating hotels, renovating the airport, building new stuff. The problem in Iraq is everyone thinks negatively and believes that everyone is a thief and corrupt. Once an official asked me, "Aren't you afraid of signing those contracts valuing 10m to 50m?" I said no, as I have no doubt about myself and am not afraid, especially as I told the ministerial council that I accept to chair the preparation committee with two conditions: First, that no one interferes in the work of the committee, and we will be available for all monitoring and investigations. Second, we need to have enough budget and welcome any auditing by the Integrity Board.
Globe: It is said that you have bought 400 bulletproof vehicles for the summit?
Zebari: Those things are far from truth; we have only bought 50 to 60 vehicles, but now there are numerous officials, wealthy people and Mullahs who have bulletproof cars.
Globe: Is any non-Arab country invited to the summit?
Zebari: We have not invited any other countries to attend the summit. Besides the Arab countries, we have invited four international and regional organizations including the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. And I am announcing that through your paper that we have received a letter from Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Secretary-General, a few days ago confirming that he will attend the summit, which if it happens will have its own significance.
Globe: Rumors are that Interpol has asked Iraq to arrest Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Sudan's president, if he attends the summit.
Zebari: These rumors are not true and are baseless. Unfortunately this rumor came from Kurdistan. Iraq is not part of the International Court of Justice that has summoned al-Bashir. Besides, this man is attending numerous meetings and congresses in various countries after the count's decision. He is not being arrested.
Globe: Does any of the Arab countries have conditions for attendance, as it was reported that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait had some conditions?
Zebari: No, this is not true, and no country has put conditions to attend.
Globe: When would the summit be described as a success?
Zebari: The summit has been a success so far, as no one imagined that Iraq could bring 21 Arab countries onto its soil--and especially to Baghdad and the way it is now. The initial delegations are now arriving in Baghdad.
Globe: What will be the benefit of this summit for Iraqis?
Zebari: The summit is a success for all of Iraq from Kurdistan to its other end. This will achieve two objectives: First, after the 1990s invasion of Kuwait, Iraq has been separated from the Arab world and has had no role due to war, sanctions and isolation. After this summit Iraq will regain a legal status in the Region and Arab world. The summit and the presence of those Arab leaders in it will recover trust for the politicians, diplomats, business people and investors. This summit will be important for the Kurds as well. Second, the summit will change Iraq by breaking the sanctions on it, as in the past Iraq was looked at as an illegal birth by Arab countries that claimed that it was invaded and governed by a bad tribal regime. Hence, the presence of all these Arab leaders and holding the summit in Baghdad is giving legitimacy to Iraq and its political process. Therefore, we say that a post-summit Iraq is a different Iraq, and especially development in the economic, business and investment aspects will boost dramatically.
Globe: What does Maliki's recent Kuwait visit mean?
Zebari: It was very successful from all aspects. We agreed to remove the problems of the Iraqi Airlines. Iraq could not buy a plane and, if it had a building anywhere in Kuwait, it would have been confiscated; but we agreed to put an end to this issue and we also agreed that all the court cases of Kuwait against Iraq be withdrawn. It was decided that we spend US$300 million and they spend US$200 million to solve those issues. Moreover, there are some obligations on Iraq, which we will fulfill such as respecting the decision of the United Nations Security Council about the Iraq-Kuwait border after the Kuwait War, despite all the unsettled issues related to this decision, which are not in the benefit of Iraq and some Iraqi farmers who have lands inside Kuwait, who should be compensated. Besides some water border issues that are against Iraq's interests, we said that all of these should be managed mutually.
Globe: What happened to the issue of Mubarak Port?
Zebari: A big discussion was created over the issue. This port has no negative impacts on Iraq, and we submitted a court case on the issue and we won the case.
Globe: Iraq's stance on the Syria situation is being criticized.
Zebari: We are with the Arabs' common voice toward a solution for the country's current situation. We are against the Syrian Regime if it kills its own people. If the Syrian nation changes Assad, Iraq cannot stop that, and if an international decree is made against Syria, Iraq would not object, but what is clear now is that we have not closed our border with Syria and have not summoned our ambassador from that country, as we have mutual interests with Syria.
Globe: How many foreign embassies are there in Iraq and how many Iraqi embassies are there in the world?
Zebari: There are currently 98 embassies and international organizations in Iraq, and Iraq has 90 embassies and consulates worldwide; we are planning to open an Iraqi consulate in the Iranian Province of Urumiah.
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<p>
Foreign Minister says post-summit Iraq will be different
Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Hoshyar Zebari commented on the upcoming March 29 Arab Summit in Baghdad.
In an interview conducted at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Baghdad, Minister Zebari told the Globe that eight to 12 Arab presidents will participate in the summit, which is estimated to cost around US$600 million.
Below is the text of the interview:
Globe: When will the Arab Summit be held and what is the agenda?
Zebari: The Arab Summit will be held in Baghdad on March 29. Before that and on the 27th, the meeting of the Arab Finance and Economy Ministers will be held, and on the 28th the meeting of the Arab Ministers of Foreign Affairs will be held, both of which will be in Baghdad, followed by the summit on the 29th.
Globe: Are all the Arab countries invited? What about Syria?
Zebari: We have officially invited all the Arab countries except Syria, as there was a common decision by Arab countries not to invite Syria due to the current situations in the country and the war against the citizens of this country. This means that we have invited 21 countries to attend the summit in Baghdad, all of which claim they will attend. Numerous Iraqi ministers and officials have delivered the invitations to those 21 countries, and none has refused the invitation. However, on which level each country will attend is their decision.
Globe: How many leaders of Arab countries are expected to attend?
Zebari: Per the Arab Community standards and experience, there has never been an Arab Summit attended by all Arab presidents and leaders, and there have always been absentees. According to confirmed information, we expect that between eight to 12 presidents and leaders from Arab countries attend the summit, and if this happens, we will say that the summit was a success.
Globe: As thousands of guests come to Baghdad for the summit, where are you in terms of preparations?
Zebari: Technical and logistical preparations are already made. Baghdad is ready for the summit, and all the hotels and palaces are ready to receive the guests.
Globe: How many hotels, palaces and villas are prepared for the guests?
Zebari: The Presidential Palace, which is very large and unique, has been renovated and ready. It used to be occupied by the U.S. Army and the U.S. Consulate, and despite being bombarded, it has now been completely renovated. And the Arab League has seen the place and is impressed by the decorations and preparations; it has also said that future hosts of the summit should work very hard to imitate Iraq. More than 10 halls are also prepared, only two of which will be primarily used. Rashid, Sheraton, Ashtar, Palestine, Meridian, Baghdad, Babel and Mansour hotels are all ready to welcome guests. This is besides hundreds of other places to host the visitors. Moreover, there are 27 presidential villas borrowed from our people and renovated, such as Dr. Rozh Noori's house, a number of Mam Jalal's houses, Dr. Ibrahim Jaafari's house, Rafi Issawi's house and other officials' houses.
Globe: How many people will come here for the summit?
Zebari: More than 500 reporters are expected to cover the summit, but for the delegations of the countries, it is not clear, as each country might change the size of its delegation; but they are thousands of people. We have prepared more space than requested by the Arab League.
Globe: What is the cost of hosting the summit?
Zebari: The cost is very high. Initially some US$400 million was allocated for the preparations and associated renovations, but we have now requested more, as new issues have risen. The total costs would reach US$ 500-600 million. However, this money hasn't disappeared but rather has been invested, and even if the summit is not organized, the money has been used in renovating palaces, roads, building and renovating hotels, renovating the airport, building new stuff. The problem in Iraq is everyone thinks negatively and believes that everyone is a thief and corrupt. Once an official asked me, "Aren't you afraid of signing those contracts valuing 10m to 50m?" I said no, as I have no doubt about myself and am not afraid, especially as I told the ministerial council that I accept to chair the preparation committee with two conditions: First, that no one interferes in the work of the committee, and we will be available for all monitoring and investigations. Second, we need to have enough budget and welcome any auditing by the Integrity Board.
Globe: It is said that you have bought 400 bulletproof vehicles for the summit?
Zebari: Those things are far from truth; we have only bought 50 to 60 vehicles, but now there are numerous officials, wealthy people and Mullahs who have bulletproof cars.
Globe: Is any non-Arab country invited to the summit?
Zebari: We have not invited any other countries to attend the summit. Besides the Arab countries, we have invited four international and regional organizations including the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. And I am announcing that through your paper that we have received a letter from Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Secretary-General, a few days ago confirming that he will attend the summit, which if it happens will have its own significance.
Globe: Rumors are that Interpol has asked Iraq to arrest Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Sudan's president, if he attends the summit.
Zebari: These rumors are not true and are baseless. Unfortunately this rumor came from Kurdistan. Iraq is not part of the International Court of Justice that has summoned al-Bashir. Besides, this man is attending numerous meetings and congresses in various countries after the count's decision. He is not being arrested.
Globe: Does any of the Arab countries have conditions for attendance, as it was reported that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait had some conditions?
Zebari: No, this is not true, and no country has put conditions to attend.
Globe: When would the summit be described as a success?
Zebari: The summit has been a success so far, as no one imagined that Iraq could bring 21 Arab countries onto its soil--and especially to Baghdad and the way it is now. The initial delegations are now arriving in Baghdad.
Globe: What will be the benefit of this summit for Iraqis?
Zebari: The summit is a success for all of Iraq from Kurdistan to its other end. This will achieve two objectives: First, after the 1990s invasion of Kuwait, Iraq has been separated from the Arab world and has had no role due to war, sanctions and isolation. After this summit Iraq will regain a legal status in the Region and Arab world. The summit and the presence of those Arab leaders in it will recover trust for the politicians, diplomats, business people and investors. This summit will be important for the Kurds as well. Second, the summit will change Iraq by breaking the sanctions on it, as in the past Iraq was looked at as an illegal birth by Arab countries that claimed that it was invaded and governed by a bad tribal regime. Hence, the presence of all these Arab leaders and holding the summit in Baghdad is giving legitimacy to Iraq and its political process. Therefore, we say that a post-summit Iraq is a different Iraq, and especially development in the economic, business and investment aspects will boost dramatically.
Globe: What does Maliki's recent Kuwait visit mean?
Zebari: It was very successful from all aspects. We agreed to remove the problems of the Iraqi Airlines. Iraq could not buy a plane and, if it had a building anywhere in Kuwait, it would have been confiscated; but we agreed to put an end to this issue and we also agreed that all the court cases of Kuwait against Iraq be withdrawn. It was decided that we spend US$300 million and they spend US$200 million to solve those issues. Moreover, there are some obligations on Iraq, which we will fulfill such as respecting the decision of the United Nations Security Council about the Iraq-Kuwait border after the Kuwait War, despite all the unsettled issues related to this decision, which are not in the benefit of Iraq and some Iraqi farmers who have lands inside Kuwait, who should be compensated. Besides some water border issues that are against Iraq's interests, we said that all of these should be managed mutually.
Globe: What happened to the issue of Mubarak Port?
Zebari: A big discussion was created over the issue. This port has no negative impacts on Iraq, and we submitted a court case on the issue and we won the case.
Globe: Iraq's stance on the Syria situation is being criticized.
Zebari: We are with the Arabs' common voice toward a solution for the country's current situation. We are against the Syrian Regime if it kills its own people. If the Syrian nation changes Assad, Iraq cannot stop that, and if an international decree is made against Syria, Iraq would not object, but what is clear now is that we have not closed our border with Syria and have not summoned our ambassador from that country, as we have mutual interests with Syria.
Globe: How many foreign embassies are there in Iraq and how many Iraqi embassies are there in the world?
Zebari: There are currently 98 embassies and international organizations in Iraq, and Iraq has 90 embassies and consulates worldwide; we are planning to open an Iraqi consulate in the Iranian Province of Urumiah.
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