Brussels, 18/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 17 October, exiled Iraqi vice-president, Tariq al-Hashimi, called on the EU for help “to prevent the drowning” of his country, and “to avoid the worst before it is too late”. Visiting Brussels, al-Hashimi, who lives in Turkey and who has been sentenced to death in absentia in Iraq, urged “the EU and the free international community, in the name of the principles and values in which they believe - human rights, women's rights, democracy, good governance and minority rights (…) - to have these principles respected”. Recalling that US and European troops invaded Iraq in 2003 to “create a modern, democratic Iraq”, al-Hashimi asked the EU to fulfil its “commitment”. “You came. You have an obligation. You invaded my country to change for a better life but you failed. I ask you now to fulfil your obligation”, he said.
“More attention should be paid to the Iraqi situation (…) We need more commitment, and political investment from Europe”, al-Hashimi said, adding that the EU “has the capacity and interest to commit more deeply in Iraq”. He called on the EU and other international and regional organisations to come to be witnesses and observers in the political and electoral process.
Al-Hashimi was pessimistic about the future of Iraq. In his opinion, “after eight years under the Maliki government, the situation has become worse” - be it on the civil level or that of health, social peace, judicial or foreign policy. “Iraq has never, in its modern history, witnessed a regime worse than this”, he said. He added that “we must act quickly. If this government continues and stays in power, there is a risk of civil war. All the indications on the ground show an alarming and worrying future”. Al-Hashimi spoke of the problems of discrimination and corruption, and of the interference and intrusion of Iran in his country.
He called on Maliki to step down. “The prime minister must resign and free the political process and the destiny of my country, then a coalition government must be created”, al-Hashimi stated (our translation throughout). (CG/transl.fl)