KurdistanObserver.com

Zebari: The Iraqi People Are A Part Of The Arab Nation," But Not The Entire Iraqi People

Arabic News/  Jan 12, 2005

In an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram, Iraqi Foreign Minister Houchiar Zebari said that the count down has started for the Iraqi elections by the end of January instant. Excerpts:

* There is a big misunderstanding and much fear, about the possible detaching of Iraq from his Arab Islamic environment.

* They say the result of elections could lead to the dismantling of Iraq, and its exit from the Arab nation.

* These are mere illusions, as we have our national invariable as expressed in the Iraqi national reconciliation?

* I am in favor of the Iraqi national entity. Iraq is Arab because most the Arab people are Arabs, but not all the Iraqi people are Arabs.

* Iraq is a founding member of the Arab League, and according to the law "The Iraqi people are part of the Arab nation," but not the entire Iraqi people.

* Iraq is a democratic and open country, and nothing is banned to look for the future of Iraq. * After the elections, we'll consider the form of the State and ruling regime?

* The Kurdish problem will be settled and the Kurds will not boycott the elections.

* Regarding the question of the compulsory displacement of Arabs from various cities after the downfall of the previous regime, such question would be addressed to the Kurdish parties.

* Despite the explosions and operations, the elections could be run, but they won't be ideal or organized by 100%, and there will be problems, but the majority of the Iraqi people want the elections be run on their scheduled time.

* The Palestinian elections were run in the shadow of occupation, and in Jerusalem, and all Arab countries supported them, so what is the difference between the two cases. * The American forces will not interfere in the elections, and will not take part in securing the poll stations, as we have Iraqi security plans.

* The Iraqi forces are qualified enough to supervise the elections.

* The relations with Iran are normal, and we exact great efforts to develop them. But there is some interference in the Iraqi affairs from some neighboring countries.

* The Egyptian role has a great weight, and is highly appreciated by all Iraqis, and we hope that Egypt would continue to support us to render the elections success.

* We expect Egypt to play a positive role to influence various parties in Iraq, and incite them to take part in the election.