Peace in Iraq

[Presented to representatives of the members in the International Peace Ministries Project at the Fourth Summit of the Global Alliance: Building Bridges of Peace].

All of you know that difficult conditions Iraq is passing through, as it’s been made apparent to the world over through what is being shown on news channels daily, Iraq is passing through difficult circumstances and is currently waging a tough battle with the forces of terrorism and darkness that attempt to hurdle the advancement of the political process in Iraq.

Please allow me to inform conference members of some important notes that shall contribute to peace building and the construction of active dialog and communication bridges between Iraq and neighbouring states, as well as the rest of the world.

1. The conference must support the peace process currently ongoing in Iraq, as advocated by the Peace Ministry project in Iraq.

2. Peace in Iraq cannot be achieved through Iraq’s individual efforts alone, it must be backed by the international community and other regional and neighbouring states.

3. Peace in Iraq is not only the absence of explicit violence, but also includes a comprehensive political, economic and commercial development.

4. Peace in Iraq is only achieved with a political system that is not based on ethno-sectarian factionalism; the new political model in Iraq must be based on citizenship.

5. The Peace Ministry Project in Iraq is necessary and integral to Iraq’s desire to promote the culture of peace, forgiveness and dialog especially that Iraq has escaped the clutches of totalitarian rule.

6. Peace Building in Iraq will not be easy or short due to the country’s historic legacy of dictatorship as well as the political clashes it is rife in.

7. Iraq’s stability and the cementing of peace and security will benefit not only Iraqi people but all neighboring countries and might even serve world peace.

8. Peace and democracy in Iraq cannot be imposed from the outside by force, it begins from within the society which must possess a coherent will to achieve that.

9. Peace in Iraq cannot be a government initiative alone, it must also incorporate the efforts of NGOs and organizations able to promote such concepts.

10. What we need in Iraq to achieve peace is a truly comprehensive national reconciliation that really attempts to embrace all those who did not participate in Iraq’s political project and who were opposed to it on the condition that their hands had not been tainted with the blood of innocents.

11. Constructing a state of institutions calls for constitutional amendments, putting a stop to foreign interference, rebuilding Iraq, delivering basic services for citizens, getting rid of unemployment and rehabilitating Iraqi security forces.