The Iraqi president speaks of “great optimism” and refers to the difficulties facing the country

The Iraqi president speaks of “great optimism” and refers to the difficulties facing the country

2023-02-27 05:16

Shafaq News/ The Iraqi President, Abd al-Latif Rashid said, on Monday, that Iraq is serious about combating corruption, and that relations with neighboring countries are a source of strength for the Iraqis. While he expressed great optimism in the economic and political fields, he affirmed Baghdad’s readiness to continue its mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Rashid’s speech came in an interview with the American “Associated Press”, which was translated by Shafaq News Agency.

He explained that “nearly 20 years after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, we hope that the image of Iraq will be before the world as a country of peace and democracy and intends to build its economic life and that it has a government that serves the country and the region,” noting that “after overcoming the difficulties it faced during the past two decades, it became more prepared In order to focus on improving the daily lives of its citizens.”

Rashid pointed out that “among these difficulties are years of resistance against foreign forces, violence between Sunnis and Shiites, and attacks by ISIS, which took control of large areas of the country.”

Addressing the US Agency’s correspondent, Rashid says, “Peace and security prevail throughout the country, and I would be very happy, if you would write and confirm that instead of presenting a picture of Iraq as if it is still a war zone, which is what many media outlets are still saying.”

After the report referred to the poor infrastructure in Iraq, poor electrical service, and faltering public transport plans despite its oil wealth, the Iraqi president was quoted as saying that “this is caused by the damage resulting from” conflicts and terrorism, and as a result of a number of years he lived in a state of war.

And Rashid, who was speaking at his presidential residence in Saddam’s former palace, said that most Iraqis believe that the invasion of the United States and its allies of Iraq under Saddam’s rule was necessary because of the brutality of the former dictator, explaining that the majority of Iraqis “including all segments of society, Kurds, Sunnis, Christians and Shiites They were all against Saddam, they appreciated that the United States and its allies came to save Iraq.”

However, Rashid added, “It is clear that some things did not go as we had hoped. No one expected ISIS or the car bombs. There should have been control from the beginning. The issue should have been studied and planned from the beginning. I believe that the legend was That once Saddam is removed, Iraq will become a paradise,” he said.

However, Rashid, although he indicated that the reality showed that it is more difficult, but he said that this did not weaken Iraq’s commitment to democracy, he made it clear that “even if you have conflicts and if we have controversy, it is better to enjoy freedom and democracy rather than dictatorship.”

While Rashid acknowledged that there were still conflicts, he urged Iraqis, especially the youth, to be patient and believe in the future, saying that “we have no choice but to live together and allow our democratic elections to represent our values.”

The report quoted Rashid as saying that improving relations with neighbors, including Iran, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Jordan, is a source of strength for Iraq. Rashid boasted while pointing out that Iraq hosted a meeting of Arab parliamentarians last Saturday.

The Iraqi president also expressed Baghdad’s readiness to continue acting as a mediator in the currently stalled talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

In addition, Rashid pledged to take a strong stance against corruption. “I admit that we have suffered and still have some problems with corruption, but the government is very serious (in fighting it),” he said.

He added that the government and the Central Bank are taking measures to regulate transfers outside the country and to combat money laundering. On other economic aspects, Rashid said that Iraq is focusing on rebuilding industry and agriculture that have been damaged after years of conflict, and is also trying to develop its natural gas reserves so as not to remain dependent on buying gas from neighboring countries.

Despite the depreciation of the dinar over the past months, Rashid said the prospects for Iraq are good, because its economy is supported by oil production and high global oil prices. The Iraqi president said, “Iraq is economically in a healthy position, and it may be one of the countries in the world that (does not have) a deficit in its budget.”

shafaq.com