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How
do you evaluate the current policy of Russia toward
Iraq?
I think that Russia today is looking at Iraq through
the prism of its relations with the United States,
and you should establish good relations with
directly this administration, this parliament and
with the legal parties and political groups. For
instance, Russia has stated, “American forces should
be withdrawn from Iraq.” Imagine that they leave
tomorrow. And then what? Civil war? Who will stop
Iran from seizing the south of Iraq? Who will stop
Turkey from entering the north of the country under
the pretense of defending the Turkoman minority in
Kurkuk? Who will stop Syria? No, Russia has an
unrealistic policy that reflects its unfriendly
outlook on the situation in Iraq. For example, the
parliamentary elections. Instead of looking at the
facts and acknowledging that the results of the
vote, in which 60 percent of the population of the
country participated in, Russia says, “In western
Iraq, they boycotted the elections.” That makes us
look at you with suspicion. Time is passing quickly
and you are losing ground.
What kind of Russian policy would you like to
see?
The Russian government should reconsider its policy
on Iraq. Let Russia be a friend of the new regime. I
assure you that this regime means business and is
here to stay. Terrorist activity cannot overthrow
it. We have many problems similar to Russia's. We
both suffer from terrorism. Many of those who fought
you are now fighting here. Both Russia is silent
about terrorism in Iraq. They are killing children,
old people, women, blowing up mosques and churches,
and there is no official reaction from Russia. It
reminds me of the times of Saddam Hussein, when he
used chemical weapons against the Kurds and the
Soviet Union was silent about that too. I think that
Russian policy should be reconsidered.
Does our business have a chance in Iraq?
Your companies should understand clearly that only a
friendly Russian state policy will allow your
business to return to Iraq.
What will happen to the largest Russian project in
Iraq, the joint development of the West Qurna-2 oil
deposit, which LUKOIL was expecting to participate
in?
LUKOIL did not reach an agreement with Iraq, but
with Saddam Hussein. The renunciation of all
contracts, without exception, concluded with the
former regime was discussed in parliament. When I
was in Moscow as a representative of the temporary
Governing Council of Iraq, we discussed this issue.
Let's reconsider everything, starting at the
beginning. Come again, sit down to negotiations with
the new Iraqi administration and discuss the
question.
Do you think LUKOIL has a chance?
I don't know. It is economics, politics and
diplomacy all rolled into one. If Russia had a
considered and friendly policy toward the new Iraq,
as the Chinese do, for example, then the oil company
would have a good chance to return and say “Let's
reinstate the contract.”
But everybody understands that companies from those
countries whose forces were part of the anti-Saddam
coalition will receive the best contracts. Can
Russian count on anything?
You know, Russian business is very slow. Right now,
your companies have just two small contracts for the
reconstruction of electric plants in Iraq. That's
small change. Take the Chinese. That had good
relations with Saddam's regime, which did not
recognize Kurdistan. But a Chinese cellular
telecommunications company is operating here, in
Kurdistan, and cell phones appeared here several
years before they did in Baghdad. First there were
10,000 subscribers, then 20,000, then 30,000. After
the war, we had more than a million subscribers. Now
Chinese telecoms are offering their services in
Baghdad and in the south of the country. I don't
know whether Russian companies are afraid to come
here or if the Russian government doesn't let them.
What are the main tasks facing the Iraqi
government today?
Our main task is still to battle terrorism. The
terrorists are now divided into two main groups. The
first are Islamic fundamentalists and Al Qaeda. The
majority of them are not Iraqi. For example, there
were never suicide terrorists in Iraq. It goes
against our culture. In essence, the radical
Islamists have declared a policy of genocide against
the Shiite Muslims, whom they “unfaithful.” The
Kurds as well. People are tired of it and, in some
places, move against them themselves. We have
recorded very substantial growth in civilian
cooperation with the police and army recently. The
other group is the remains of Saddam Hussein's
supporters. Many well-known members of the Baath
Party fled abroad and are now helping those who
stayed in Iraq. Most of the Saddamites are located
in one of the neighboring Arab countries. We have
exact data about where, but, you understand, I
cannot name that country. [Talabani is probably
referring to Syria.]
A referendum on the new Iraqi Constitution is
scheduled for October 15, but the Sunnis are
threatening to boycott it. What do you think the
resolution will be?
I think that the majority of Iraqis will support the
constitution. But if even 3 of the 18 provinces of
Iraq vote against it, the proposal will be rejected.
The Sunnis control at least four provinces. We'll
see. If they say no to the constitution, it means
that's what will happen. We will have to redo it and
try to pass it in a new referendum. There is no
other way.
The trial of former president Saddam Hussein is to
begin soon. The major of experts say that he may be
sentenced to death. What is your position?
The court will pass sentence. As the president, I
can say for sure that I will not sign Saddam's death
sentence. I signed an international appeal against
the death penalty along with many respected world
jurists. I signed an appeal of the same kind from
the Red Cross. I respect my signature. And I am a
Social Democrat and believe that the death penalty
can be eliminated from the Earth altogether. And if
it becomes impossible to hold my principles and my
post both, I will keep my principles and leave my
post. There is nothing I can do fro Saddam. If the
court delivers the death penalty, I will resign, but
the vice president also has the right to sign his
sentence.
How long do you plan to lead Iraq?
As long as the law prescribes, and not one day
longer. Then I will retire. I have already spent 58
years in politics, since the times of Stalin and
Truman. You know, I am already writing my memoirs
and there will be many interesting revelations
there. Maybe some day I will publish them.
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