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Talabani: I am not the commander of the
American Forces- Interview
19.9.2005
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The Decision of
Withdrawal from Iraq is Left for the Americans
New York - The Iraqi president Jalal Talabani
confirmed that the decision of withdrawing the
American forces from Iraq is 'left for the
Americans'.
In an interview with 'Al Sharq Al Awsat', responding
to a question on his withdrawal of statements in
which he stated that the USA might withdraw
approximately 40-50 thousand soldiers by the end of
this year, Talabani said, "I am not the commander of
the American forces. |
President : Jalal Talabani |
I have been asked about
the date when the Iraqi forces would be capable of
replacing the American forces and said that by the
end of next year, we would have several units that
are capable of replacing 40-50 thousand American
soldiers. Nevertheless, withdrawing or keeping the
forces is only the competence of the Americans and
not our decision."
Despite the acts of violence, president Talabani has
expressed his optimism for the future. He said, "I
am optimistic and these last criminal acts in which
the Jordanian extremist Abu Mus'ab Al Zarqawi has
announced the eradication war against Shiite Muslims
indicate despair and frustration after these
terrorist gangs have failed in Tala'far and they
were easily driven our of the city and murdered, in
addition to capturing hundreds of them."
The text of the interview is as follows:
Q: How do you
deal with the strong opposition expressed on behalf
of some Sunnis regarding the constitution?
A: I would like
to say that the opposition of the Sunnis is an
inaccurate phrase. First, we, the Kurds, are Sunnis
and we are participating in the elections. Second,
the Arab Sunnis also belong to several sections; a
section is participating in the elections and the
other is opposing the elections. What I also know is
that the great majority of the Arab Sunnis have
decided to participate in the elections even if they
voted with 'No' to the constitution.
Q: How do you
view the clear continuity of division among all
classes in Iraq and how would you deal with it?
A: These
divisions are not on sectarian or national bases.
The divisions are based on intellectual difference,
which is present in all countries. There are
differences between the Kurds and the Shiaas, and
between the Sunnis and the Turkmen. This is a proof
on democracy. Iraq has long lived under a
dictatorial oppressive regime for all voices and
identities. At present, democratic freedom is
launched and people are capable of freely expressing
their views. In a community with diverse races,
sects, groups and classes there should also be
differences. It is natural and is an aspect of
democracy.
Q: In the light
of the extreme differences among some ethnic and
religious groups, to what extent are you worried
about the possibility that Iraq would be driven into
a civil war?
A: No civil war
would take place in Iraq. There are differences and
discretions but a civil war is ruled out. The
extremist terrorists are seeking to arouse sectarian
sedition but they would not succeed in that.
Q: More than
once, you complained about the level of the
Iraqi-Arab relations. During your presence at the
United Nations, we noticed that you did not meet
with a great number of Arab leaders.
A: No, during my
presence in New York I have met with Amr Mousa, the
Secretary-General of the Arab League and the Kuwaiti
Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Ahmed Al Jaber, in
addition to the Jordanian king, Abdullah II.
Q: But, are you
satisfied with the level of these relations?
A: We hope that
the Iraqi-Arab relations improve. We hope that Iraq
plays its effective role in the Arab League. Iraq is
a founding and effective member of the Arab League
and is committed to its covenant and decisions.
Therefore, the Arab brothers should reinforce their
relations with Iraq, but it is all left to them.
Q: The
Iraqi-Syrian relations are recently witnessing
noticeable deterioration, in the light of the
criticism that you addressed to the Syrians as they
did not prevent the sneaking operations to Iraq.
A: I did not
criticize the Syrians at all. Despite my remark, I
did not and would not criticize Syria in public. We
owe Syria many favors. When we were in the
opposition, Syria was the refuge and the safe place
for us. Syria has offered valuable aids in our
struggle against dictatorship. We are loyal people
who never forget favors. Nevertheless, we have
remarks that we would discuss with the Syrian
officials, when we meet them. We would not give such
remarks to the press, no matter how hard the
reporters would attempt to drive us to criticize the
Syrians in news media.
Al Sharq Al Awsat
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