Advisor to the President of Iraq Jalal al-Mashta gave this interview to RIA Novosti commentator Marianna Belenkaya
Question: What is the purpose of your visit to Moscow?
Answer: I was invited by Umar Dzhabrailov Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Foreign Affairs Committee in order to take part in a round table discussion: "Russia and Iraq - Prospects of Cooperation". It was held in Moscow at the initiative of the Russian Islamic Heritage movement. We discussed ideas on the development of bilateral relations, and Russian politicians and diplomats had a chance to learn more about the situation in Iraq. They were briefed on the development of the political process in Iraq, the gist of a new draft Constitution, problems that Iraq encounters, and our successes , which are not always public knowledge.
It is no secret that more often than not, the media paints everything black, ignoring the positive developments in Iraq. We also had a useful discussion on how to give a fresh impetus to Russian-Iraqi relations. Before my departure for Moscow Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said that the Iraqis were ready for full cooperation with Russia that will mutually benefit both countries. I'd add that to enhance our cooperation we should make bilateral contacts more intensive, in particular, to organize state visits at different levels.
Q.: Will any reciprocal visits take place in the near future?
A.: The Iraqi Foreign Minister is planning to come to Moscow but the date has not yet been set. There are other plans as well. But we would like to see Russian delegations in Iraq as well. We understand that the situation in our country is not safe but this notwithstanding presidents, prime ministers, and ministers from different countries come to Iraq on a regular basis. They conduct negotiations, and get a first-hand look at the situation.
Q.: What does Baghdad think about the Russian position on Iraq?
A.: It seems that Russia is waiting for some change in Iraq. I would describe the arrival of the Russian Ambassador to Baghdad as a step in the right direction. But we would like to see a more obvious support for the political process in Iraq by Russia . We would also welcome its more active participation in economic projects.
Q.: Contradictions by different factions during the formation of the Iraq Constitution raised apprehensions in Russia...
A.: Contradictions are natural in any democracy. I think that we've come to the point where we can call Iraq a country following a democratic path. I don't think that contradictions should give rise to serious apprehensions. We did everything we could for all factions of the population to have input in the drafting of the constitution.
Q.: You've mentioned that the media ignore positive changes in Iraq.
A.: Yes, this is a real headache. When a car is blown up, everyone writes about it, when schools are being built, nobody seems to notice. When a small part of the Iraqi community says that they don't accept the
constitution, it is blown out of all proportion, whereas nothing is said about an overwhelming support for the current process. They speak about the boycott of the parliamentary elections, but it is out of context to comment on the fact that 58% of the population took part in the elections despite the shootings. I remember how I went to the polling station in January. People were going to vote despite the sounds of gun fire. No matter how difficult it was they overcame their fears..
Q.: Do you think that Moscow's assessment of the situation in Iraq is correct?
A.: There is lack of information at different levels. Maybe this problem is partially rooted in conditions of work in Iraq. They impose some limitations on the freedom of movement, and make it more difficult to gain an unbiased and comprehensive view of the situation.
Q.: Russia has emphasized more than once the need for inter-Iraqi communication with international mediators taking part.
A.: The Iraqis are involved in such communication, and it has already accounted for the fact that all major political forces in Iraq took part in the drafting of the constitution.
Q.: In other words, the Iraqis do not need international mediation?
A.: I don't think we do. We conduct negotiations ourselves.
Q.: Does the United States interfere?
A.: No, the U.S. maintains its presence in Iraq but does not interfere in political decision-making even though the Americans helped the sides to draw their positions closer together at the last stage of work on the constitution.
Q.: Do they have ways of exerting influence in this regard ?
A.: They are not necessary. A go-between should be unbiased, and work towards a rapprochement of different positions.
Q.: Can Russian diplomats act as go-betweens? Are there any offers to this effect?
A.: We believe that the political process in Iraq is making steady headway. Russia could simply support it.
Q.: What exactly do you mean by Russian support?
A.: I mean contacts at different levels, including summits, and exchange of visits; understanding that the political process in Iraq is really moving us away from violence. Interviews with terrorists should not appear in the official media. This is what I mean by support, not to mention economic cooperation.
Q.: Do you think that Russia is ready to resume economic cooperation with Iraq?
A.: Yes, I've talked with Russian businessmen here. They are ready. Iraq is a big site for various projects. Moreover, we are not a poor nation, and can pay handsomely, all the more so with high oil prices.
Q.: Will Russia be competitive enough in Iraq?
A.: Why not? Russia has strong positions in some fields.
Q.: Will Russia win back its old contracts?
A.: We are now discussing the fate of all contracts that were concluded legally. They may be updated or extended. I think that everything will be done for the continuation of work.
Q.: After the downfall of the Saddam Hussein's regime many in Russia expressed apprehensions that Russia would be ousted from Iraq, especially, from its economy.
A.: Russia is a great country, and it is not possible to oust it. But it would be better if the Russians were more active themselves.
Q.: How can Russian companies move to Iraq now, without guarantees of security?
A.: Indeed, the situation is unstable in four provinces, but Iraq consists of 18 provinces in all. Why not work where it is safe? We're waiting.
