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Hamid Ghazi: the visit of Halbusi to America strengthened the role of Iraq at the international level


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Iraq’s Leading Lawmaker Warns Aid Needed to Finish Off ISIS

Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi says stability is the next step toward uprooting extremism 

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 

Iraq is beginning to stabilize after its military victory against ISIS, but international assistance—without political meddling—remains badly needed to rebuild its economy and social fabric, the speaker of Iraq’s parliament, Mohamed al-Halbousi, said. 

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi speaks at a public event at USIP, March 29, 2019. Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi speaks at a public event at USIP, March 29, 2019.

Halbousi, the former governor of Anbar province, said the need for the international community’s cooperation and support goes beyond reconstruction of urban areas liberated from ISIS. It is also necessary to ensure services and security—the keys to stabilization—as well as to build peace through protecting minorities and returning people displaced by the war to their homes, he said. Halbousi, who was elected speaker on September 15, expressed disappointment that some countries have failed to honor aid commitments made at a donors’ support Iraq, but There’s More Work to Be Done">conference in Kuwait last year.

“We are in a race with time to rehabilitate these families, get them home, and reintegrate them into society,” Halbousi said. “Leaving them in camps for an indefinite time will have negative consequences for us and our friends.”

Halbousi spoke at the U.S. Institute of Peace amid a whirlwind of meetings in Washington that included talks with Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Acting Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan. He said the officials he’d met during a five-day visit were all in accord that the U.S. should help Iraq with foreign investment and reconstruction while seeming committed to continuing military support to “finish off the extremists.” Behind the talks lies growing U.S. concern with Iran’s expanding influence in Iraq and a rising push among pro-Iranian lawmakers to expel U.S. troops from the country.

“Liberating areas from ISIS does not mean we have defeated extremist ideology,” Halbousi said. “We need continuous support from the U.S. and the international community. The president, the prime minister, the whole government is united to work with our partners in the international coalition to defeat this extremist organization once and for all.”

While the territorial Islamic State may be gone, its fighters have returned to work as gangs engaging in assassinations and small-scale attacks. Combatting them will require new strategies that rely on intelligence gathering and police work, he said.

Role for Reconciliation

USIP President Nancy Lindborg, who moderated the discussion with Halbousi, asked about the role of reconciliation in preventing any resurgence of the extremist group.

Halbousi said communal reconciliation was critical to rebuilding Iraq and must proceed on two tracks: upwards from communities and downwards from political leaders and parties.

In areas occupied by ISIS, for example, local governments have been able to persuade residents to agree to the return of families where a single member joined the extremists on the condition they break of contact with those individuals.

In areas of mixed populations where massacres and group expulsions took place, including the Ninewa Plain, Sinjar, Diyala, and northern Babel, reconciliation that restores communities will require top level financial and political support from the international community, he said. Iraqi officials have estimated reconstruction costs at $88 billion.

IDP camps present a particular concern, Halbousi said, and make urgent the task for community reconciliation and restoration.

“There are tens of thousands of Iraqi people in these camps including Christians and Yazidis,” he said. “The human and social conditions for these citizens are difficult. They will be vulnerable to extremist ideas.”

Iran’s Influence

The subject of Iran-Iraq relations came up repeatedly during Halbousi’s appearance.

Without citing Iran specifically or its growing tensions with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, Halbousi said Iraq confronts increasingly complicated problems in the region. The government’s aim is an “Iraq First” strategy that will hopefully isolate the country from entanglement in other nations’ disputes, he said in prepared remarks. Overlapping interests should not be confused with intervention, he said.

“We reject guardianship, hegemony and external intervention in all its forms,” he said. “But we are dealing with the overlap in the conflict in the region. Our international alliances will be more economic than political due to our urgent need.”

Most of the region’s countries, including Iran, have interfered for their own interests and hindered Iraq’s progress. Full sovereignty means, for example, that Iraq’s relations with the U.S. are not affected by “people in a country bordering Iraq.”

“A powerful Iraq will contribute to stability of the region, including Iran,” Halbousi said. “It is not in our interest to put them in conflict with each other.”

Future of PMF

Asked about concerns the Popular Mobilization Forces’ (PMF) ties to Iran could undermine the Iraqi state, Halbousi said it is a political, not a security, problem. PMF volunteers answered the highest religious fatwa in Iraq to fight ISIS, he noted. The PMF are legally under the control of the Armed Forces and the government has been working to provide a “legal and formal framework for those who fought alongside the army and security forces.” It is also seeking to control the spread and display of weapons.

Halbousi was also asked if he expected the U.S. to continue granting Iraq a sanctions waiver so it can import electricity from Iran.

“We have a 1,400-kilometer border with Iran so our situation is different from any other country,” he said. “Unfortunately, we still have not stood up economically. We import I think 30 percent of our energy from Iran. What is the alternative? Maybe we can address it in another three years or so.” He added that he opposes all sanctions.

Halbousi addressed a number of other important issues to Iraq today during his hour-long appearance:

On sectarianism: “There is no longer any sectarian threat in Iraq. All Iraqi citizens feel that they belong to each other and have irrevocably left behind sectarian issues. There are some political parties and personalities that will try to ride sectarian waves for electoral gain but [the] Iraqi people do not trust these parties anymore.”

On relations between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government:“No one denies that there are still problems, but I believe these problems have reached a minimal level. The relationship between the region and Baghdad is witnessing a remarkable development through communication between the leadership of the region and the Iraqi government. There has been an agreement on a set of solutions” regarding budget allocations and administration of disputed areas. “The biggest problem is oil and the clear difference in contracts. We will have to negotiate in the next phase and both sides will have to compromise.”

On dealing with ex-ISIS fighters: “From the defeat of ISIS, one positive thing emerged: ISIS united the Iraqis. This is a new era where civic equality is what matters most. We don’t have to go back to square zero. Any militant who hurt Iraqis directly or indirectly will face justice in Iraq under the Terrorism Act. Western nationals will be taken care of by their own countries. Everyone knows how to bring them back.”

On addressing corruption: “Iraq is trying to attract international companies—particularly the biggest, strongest companies in the U.S. … We have a clear vision for the fight against corruption that will begin with an important legislative package during the coming period. The executive branch is determined to start this project away from political courtesies. The Iraqi citizens will side with the state to face this disease that moves within the community. [The] Iraqi state will not hesitate to bring to justice all persons involved in corruption retroactively” to 2003. “All findings will be revealed to the Iraqi public clearly. I believe this year will see a real beginning to combat corruption in Iraq.”

https://www.usip.org/publications/2019/04/iraqs-leading-lawmaker-warns-aid-needed-finish-isis

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  • yota691 changed the title to The visit of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to Washington: a turning point in parliamentary diplomacy

The visit of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to Washington: a turning point in parliamentary diplomacy

 
Baghdad / Al-Sabah
 
 
The talks of Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Mohammed Halaboussi reflected on his recent visit to the United States with senior officials, whether in the American administration or Congress, the nature of the Iraqi openness towards the various countries of the world to achieve its supreme interests and benefit from international support in dealing with reconstruction and development files, To the security forces in the areas of training and counter terrorist cells calling for terrorist, as well as to strengthen parliamentary cooperation. 
During his visit to Washington with a parliamentary delegation, he was the first to meet US Defense Secretary Patrick Chanahan after the official reception ceremony at the Pentagon. 
The US Secretary of Defense expressed his condolences to the Iraqi people on the incident, expressing his pain and sympathy for the victims of the incident. He also welcomed the visiting delegation, stressing the importance of developing bilateral relations and communication between Washington and Baghdad.
 During his meeting with Minister Shanahan, he expressed his keenness on bilateral relations and means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the security, military and economic fields. He expressed his pleasure to meet with the help of friends, including the United States, He pointed out that "Iraq has won militarily by the sacrifices of its sons to organize a terrorist advocate, but it still needs to continue efforts and continue support; to eliminate terrorist cells and extremist thought, in the training and rehabilitation of Iraqi forces and intelligence effort and support Loj T. " 
The meeting also discussed the need for the international community to make clear efforts in the file of reconstruction and stability of the liberated areas and to return the displaced, who are still thousands of them in the camps of displacement, stressing the need to give the Iraqi government to provide services to these areas; to close the file of displacement, And the spread of extremist ideology again, as well as the provision of employment through investment projects; to eliminate unemployment, noting that the circumstances now more favorable than any time for the reconstruction of Iraq, and better to invest this opportunity; for the stability of Iraq, which will contribute to the stability of the region.
Shanhan expressed his admiration for the Iraqi forces and their development, stressing the continued support for the government, the attribution of troops, and look forward to further cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in the interest of the two friendly peoples.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohammed Al Halbusi held talks with senior administration officials, including US Vice President Mike Bens, on issues of common concern and continued cooperation between the two countries in all fields.
President Halaboussi discussed with Benes the efforts to eliminate terrorism, combat extremist ideology and eliminate the sources of its funding, and the continuation of the international coalition led by the United States of America to provide security and intelligence support to Iraq in this regard. It was also stressed the need to activate the investment file in several areas and support the Iraqi government to provide the necessary services For citizens and job creation.
The meeting dealt with the issue of the return of the displaced, securing the liberated areas, as well as discussing the situation of minorities in Iraq, and stressing the need to return to their areas of residence. 
During his meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the meeting focused on developing ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of combating terrorism and economic cooperation, discussing the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq, continuing efforts in combating terrorism and extremist ideology, And stressed the commitment to the sovereignty, security and prosperity of Iraq. The meeting also touched on the need for efforts by the international community in the file of reconstruction and investment and openness to the Arab international community to support the Iraqi government; Diem services to citizens, and provide job opportunities through investment projects; to eliminate unemployment, which contributes to the restoration of stability.
The House of Representatives also discussed with US Deputy Secretary of State John Clevan on the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq, the continuation of efforts in the fight against terrorism and its extremist ideology and the defeat of a preacher and reaffirm the importance of commitment to the sovereignty, security and prosperity of Iraq away from threats. Between Baghdad and Washington in the economic and investment, reconstruction and support of the Iraqi government; to provide services to citizens, and to provide jobs through the actual contribution of US companies in the reconstruction projects of infrastructure and services for Iraqi cities all.
The issue of developing relations between the Iraqi and American legislative authorities was a top priority for President Halabousi, who discussed with Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi the strengthening of bilateral relations and the activation of parliamentary friendship committees and the continuation of joint cooperation in all fields. The meeting between President Halbusi and his American counterpart touched on the emphasis on the openness of Iraq to the international community; to proceed with reconstruction and investment by attracting international companies, including US companies, as well as providing job opportunities for citizens and eliminating unemployment.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives invited Nancy Pelosi to visit Iraq. 
In the same context, the meeting of Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohammed Halbusi, accompanied by the parliamentary delegation with the Republican majority leader in the US Senate Mitch McConnell in the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in all fields.
"The extremist terrorist organization is not only targeting Iraq, it is targeting the world, and the international community must unite to fight it," said Halabousi.
He added that "Iraq made sacrifices on behalf of the whole world, and achieved the military victory with the blood of his sons and the support of friends, including the United States of America, and must defeat terrorism completely, there are pockets and sleeper cells, and we believe that this is another challenge needs to continue cooperation between Iraq and its friends ; To eliminate this organization and extremist ideology; for a prosperous, secure and stable Iraq. "
"We need two types of projects, including the long-term oil and energy sector, including the short and medium in the education, health and housing sectors," said Halaboussi. "One of the challenges we face is the return of displaced people and their stability, "The conditions are now more favorable than any other time, and the economic partnership between the two countries must be strengthened through projects that reach the citizens directly."
For his part, McConnell expressed the commitment of the United States to support Iraq and respect its sovereignty as a strong ally away from any danger and threat, and to work to build economic relations that serve the interests of the two friendly peoples.
Speaker of the House Muhammad al-Halbousi found the visit to Washington an important opportunity to interact directly with the educated class, academics and opinion makers in order to present the developments in the country clearly away from the attempts of confusion by some media hostile to the political process in Iraq. The participation of the president in the dialogue session of the Institute for Peace in Washington under the title: (Will the new Iraqi parliament will bring change?) In the context of the definition of the role of the House of Representatives legislation and oversight and representation, as well as to address the future of Iraq and the next stage.
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  • yota691 changed the title to Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohamed Halboussi to (Tigris): the decision of the US presence in Iraq, however, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces

image.php?token=6250a3302d2018e2d2ba22848ef02a81&size=

Number of readings: 740 13-04-2019 10:08 PM

13-04-2019 10:08 PM

Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohammed Al Halbusi said on Saturday that the decision of the US presence in Iraq, however, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, indicating that the requests to the House of Representatives on the US presence was to amend the agreement only and not to remove the troops. 

Al-Halbusi said in a statement to (Tigris) that 'the international intelligence effort is necessary to dry the sources of terrorism', pointing out that 'Iran can not help Iraq to drain the sources of terrorism' 

He added that 'US forces are present in the bases and do not exist in the streets at all', pointing out that 'the exit of US forces from the liberated areas will allow terrorist organizations to return again', pointing out that 'terrorist organizations seek to create a clash with the crowd in the liberated areas' , 

He explained that the Halabusi 'proposed in Washington to extend the period of exemption from sanctions on Iran,' noting that 'Washington is waiting for Iraq to rely on itself on the economic side in general and in energy in particular' 

He pointed out that 'the current parliament miss him' sectarian sense 'and this happens for the first time', pointing out that 'Parliament will discuss the problem of housing and solutions in the coming month of Ramadan',

"The time has come to declare Iraq what it wants from neighboring countries," he said. "The agreement with Iran has not been sent to parliament and no agreement will be passed until it is approved by the House of Representatives."  

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  • yota691 changed the title to Hamid Ghazi: the visit of Halbusi to America strengthened the role of Iraq at the international level

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