Baghdad, June 11: The head of Al Iraqiah extended his congratulations to the winners of Al Iraqiah, the remaining members, those who believe in its cause, and those who were forcibly and unfairly removed, adding that they and their sacrifices are the true face of heroism, and are the new Iraq that shall be for all Iraqis.
Allawi also stated that “there will be a strenuous battle between the forces of extremism and moderation, and the forces that wish to build a peaceful, united and modern Iraq as opposed to the forces that contrive to throw Iraq in political sectarianism and hatred, destroying Iraq and its nation. This is a serious battle that will not end in a day or two, so we must stand united and headstrong against all challenges with Almighty God until we see the exit of Iraq from this dangerous predicament. We must remember our dear brothers who are unjustly and falsely in detention centres, being pursued, excluded, and suffering injustices and oppression like no other. However, this has and will never stop us, but will only motivate us to achieve what we have fought for decades: freedom and rights for our nation; an Iraq that serves all Iraqis giving them a sense of true belonging and shall not be a place for terrorists.”
He also made clear that attempts to disintegrate Al Iraqiah bloc are now in the ruins of the past, and any future attempts will fail whether it may be through offering positions, bribery or threats but will simply strengthen the coherence of the bloc during this turbulence, and for the future. Not because I am the head, but I sincerely believe that Al Iraqiah is the true way forward that will exit Iraq from this path and direct it to another.
He confirmed that although the constitution and some of its articles were written hastily, it is well known through history and the democracy that we are striving to fledge, and democratic practices worldwide, that the winner in an election, even if by one vote, has the right to form the government and this is an electoral and democratic right, and even a constitutional one through precedents. Additionally, through the discussions and negotiations that took place, of which the drafts have been handed to Dr. Rafi’ Al-Essawi, suggest that the winning bloc is the bloc that has the right in forming the government, which was found in the minutes of the meetings of the committee that wrote the constitution, which clearly states that the winning bloc is rightful winner of the elections.
Allawi emphasised that “the elements of pressure on Al Iraqiah will increase, and it is unknown to what extent that will take place, as we have all witnessed that it has so far reached physical violence and assassination, but this would not intimidate us and we will not retract from what we are determined to achieve as many of us have faced assassination attempts but our belief in our people is stronger, greater and more sacred than our fear. These attempts will take place and forcefully, as well as attempts to disintegrate the bloc and create issues to stand in the way of Al Iraqiah’s promising programme. It is imperative that we possess patience, clarity and discipline as guiding principles in the next period, which will not be easy but difficult as we have all worked and sacrificed much and each one of us has become a symbol of the epic that they have endured like all the people of Iraq when they voted for us and we should live up to that and be loyal to the people that have elected us. But I do repeat that conspiracies are planned against Al Iraqiah bloc and many martyrs have fallen and this only increases Al Iraqiah’s resolve to move forward and rid Iraq of anarchy, terrorism and oppression that has completely engulfed Iraq.
The meeting addressed the current political situation as well as the negotiations taking place with other political parties and blocs for the formation of the government.
Dr. Ayad Allawi held a press conference after the meeting in which he responded to journalists’ questions repeating Al Iraqiah’s right in spearheading the formation of the government and that negotiations continue to take place to crystallise a united stance with regards to the formation of the government.
—Agencies