The U.S. and Iraqi "Declaration of
Principles" is a shared statement of intent that establishes common principles
to frame our future relationship. This moves us closer to normalized,
bilateral relations between our two countries. With this declaration, leaders
of Iraq and the United States commit to begin negotiating the formal
arrangements that will govern such a relationship.
Iraq's leaders have asked for an
enduring relationship with America, and we seek an enduring relationship with
a democratic Iraq. We are ready to build that relationship in
a sustainable way that protects our mutual interests, promotes regional
stability, and requires fewer Coalition forces.
In response, this Declaration is the
first step in a three-step process that will normalize U.S.-Iraqi relations in
a way which is consistent with Iraq's sovereignty and will help Iraq regain
its rightful status in the international community – something both we and the
Iraqis seek. The second step is the renewal of the Multinational
Force-Iraq's Chapter VII United Nations mandate for a final year, followed by
the third step, the negotiation of the detailed arrangements that will codify
our bilateral relationship after the Chapter VII mandate expires.
The UN Chapter VII resolution that
is binding under international law gives the MNFI legal authorization to
“take all necessary measures to preserve peace and security”. Both
the U.S. and Iraq are committed to Iraq moving beyond an international
presence based on a UN Security Council Chapter VII mandate.
Iraqis have expressed a desire to
move past a Chapter VII MNFI mandate and we are committed to helping them
achieve this objective.
After the Chapter VII mandate is
renewed for one year, we will begin negotiation of a framework that will
govern the future of our bilateral relationship.
The Declaration Is A Continuation Of
A Commitment That Began This August
The governments of Iraq and the United
States are committed to developing a long-term relationship as two fully
sovereign and independent states with common interests.
The August 26 Communiqué signed by
the five political leaders – Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki, the three members
of the Presidency Council, and Kurdish leader Ma'sud Barzani – on August 26,
2007, and endorsed by President Bush states: "The leaders considered
it important to link the renewal of UN Resolution 1723 for another year with a
reference to the ending of Iraq's Chapter VII status under the UN Charter and
the concomitant resumption of Iraq's normal status as a state with full
sovereignty and authorities and the restoration of Iraq's legal international
status, namely the status that it had before UN Resolution 661 of 1990. In
this context, the leaders affirmed the necessity of reaching a long term
relationship with the American side … that is built on common interests and
covers the various areas between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of
America. This goal should be realized in the near future."
President Bush endorsed the August
26th communiqué:
President Bush: "I
welcome and accept the expressed desire of the Iraqi leadership to develop a
long-term relationship with the United States based on common interests. The
United States is committed to developing this relationship and to
strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties with the Iraqi
government and its people." (President George W. Bush, Remarks, Kirtland
AFB, NM, 8/27/07)
President Bush: Iraq's
leaders "understand that their success will require U.S. political,
economic, and security engagement that extends beyond my presidency. These
Iraqi leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America. And we
are ready to begin building that relationship – in a way that protects our
interests in the region and requires many fewer American troops."
(President George W. Bush, Address to the Nation, The White House, 9/13/07)
The Declaration Sets The U.S. And
Iraq On A Path Toward Negotiating Agreements That Are Common Throughout The
World
The U.S. has security relationships
with over 100 countries around the world, including recent agreements with
nations such as Afghanistan and former Soviet bloc countries.
The relationship envisioned will
include U.S.-Iraqi cooperation in the political, diplomatic, economic and
security arenas. The United States and Iraq intend to negotiate arrangements
based upon a range of principles:
Political and Diplomatic:
The U.S. and Iraq have committed to strengthening Iraq's democratic
institutions, upholding the Iraqi Constitution, supporting Iraqi national
reconciliation, and enhancing Iraq's position in regional and international
organizations, so that it may play a constructive role in the region.
Economic: Both countries
have agreed to support the development of Iraqi economic institutions and
further integration into international financial institutions, to encourage
all parties to abide by their commitments made in the International Compact
with Iraq, to assist Iraq in its efforts to recover illegally exported funds
and properties and to secure debt relief, and to encourage the flow of foreign
investments to Iraq.
Security: To support the
Iraqi government in training, equipping, and arming the Iraqi Security Forces
so they can provide security and stability to all Iraqis; support the Iraqi
government in contributing to the international fight against terrorism by
confronting terrorists such as Al-Qaeda, its affiliates, other terrorist
groups, as well as all other outlaw groups, such as criminal remnants of the
former regime; and to provide security assurances to the Iraqi Government to
deter any external aggression and to ensure the integrity of Iraq's territory.
