Statement by Ambassador Faily on House Armed Services Committee draft bill
“We intend to work with key members of the U.S. Congress and the Administration to amend this article and communicate the Iraqi government’s priorities and strengthen our nations’ common vision as the bill moves through the various legislative channels.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 30, 2015) — Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United States Lukman Faily released the following statement today:
“The United States is a close ally in our common fight against ISIL/Daesh. The equal partnership between the United States and Iraq is based on mutual interests and mutual respect under our bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement. The draft legislation approved today by the House Armed Services Committee is not reflective of this partnership, which has been forged in mutual sacrifice against common enemies. It also comes, ironically, at a moment when our military forces, under the command of Prime Minister Al-Abadi, and in partnership with the U.S. led coalition, are working to train and arm our tribal citizens in Anbar to liberate their territory from Daesh terrorists.
“Importantly, the bill does not reflect the position of the United States toward Iraq since 2003 or the policy of successive U.S. administrations. Nor does it reflect the true nature of our relationship, which is strong and built on a foundation of shared democratic values. It has, unfortunately, sown mistrust among elements of our own society who do not have a clear understanding of the U.S. Congressional system and believe this bill will become binding law and is aimed at stoking divisions and discord in our proud country.
“Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi and our coalition government represent every political bloc and region of Iraq. Our leaders are making tough decisions now in the face of the terrorist threat from Daesh to build an Iraq that unites and empowers all segments of our society – Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Shias, Sunnis, Christians and other minorities – alike.
“With that strategic goal in mind, we wholeheartedly reject the divisive nature of some elements of this draft legislation, which does not reflect the realities on the ground inside Iraq nor the national spirit that will be essential to defeating Daesh. The new Government of Iraq, led by Prime Minister Al-Abadi, is committed to ensuring that all patriotic citizens have the resources they need to liberate their areas from Daesh by working with and through the Iraqi Security Forces. Pitting one element of society against another, as this draft legislation would do, only serves to weaken our unity and open seams for Daesh and other extremists to fill.
“For all of these reasons, we intend to work with key members of the U.S. Congress and the Administration to amend this article and communicate the Iraqi government’s priorities and strengthen our nations’ common vision as the bill moves through the various legislative channels.”
To Read Ambassador’s statement in Arabic, click here.
