Important Interview with Iraqi President

http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=3&id=22495

Notice in this interview the concern with Iraq being released by the UN Security Council from Chapter VII bankruptcy, which was imposed through the UN sanctions against Saddam Hussein years ago. This release from Chapter VII must occur before their currency can be assigned any value as an international currency. Take note also that Kuwait, which Iraq invaded in 1990, is the most important player in these discussions. Iraq needs their approval before the Security Council will release Iraq from Chapter VII.

I have seen another article in which it appeared that the UN released Iraq on Sept. 13, 2010. This present interview seems to contradict that report. I do not know why there is a contradiction, but one thing is clear: Iraq has not yet revalued its currency, so it is likely that the interview below is more accurate and that this release will occur toward the end of 2010.

Interview with Iraqi President Talibani

New York, Asharq Al-Awsat- Iraq's participation in this year's meetings of the 65th United Nations General Assembly focused on efforts to remove Iraq from Security Council resolutions based on Chapter VII that were passed in the days of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Iraq is striving to close this file - that puts heavy political and economic burdens on the country - by the end of this year when a meeting is held to review the resolutions against Iraq. During his visit to New York this year, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani exerted strong efforts in this regard. He met with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Nasser al-Muhammad al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah and affirmed to him Iraq's commitment to the international resolutions and borders between the two countries. In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Talabani affirmed that he expects Iraq to be removed from the provisions of Chapter VII this year. Meanwhile, he is busy with the details regarding the formation of the government. Asharq Al-Awsat met with Talabani in his place of residence in New York to discuss the situation in Iraq and Iraq's foreign relations. The following interview ensued:

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Let us begin with your participation in the UNGA this year. What is Iraq's message to the world?

[Talabani] Of course, we participated this year to outline Iraq's position on developments and to show our stand on a solution to the Middle East crisis. The issues on which we focused are Iraq's removal from the provisions of Chapter VII, solutions to Middle East issues based on the proposal outlined in the Arab project, and resolving the issue with Iran through peaceful negotiations. . . .

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Let us discuss these issues. Let us talk about the efforts at the United Nations to remove Iraq from the resolutions of Chapter VII. What are the obstacles impeding Iraq's removal from these resolutions? Did you sense cooperation from the United Nations in this regard?

[Talabani] Yes, we sensed cooperation. The other point is that the Kuwaiti brothers made some observations. We held the discussions with them this time. I affirmed to Sheikh Nasir al-Muhammad (Al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah), the prime minister of fraternal Kuwait, and that Iraq is committed to the international resolutions, including the issue of the borders. We are ready to affirm to them Iraq's permanent commitment to solving the issues that were pending between the former (Iraqi) regime and Kuwait. They too expressed their readiness to support us on this issue. I also talked to United Nations Secretary General Ban-ki moon and he too made promises to us.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Will this issue be reviewed at the end of the year?

[Talabani] We hope that Iraq will be removed from this chapter at the end of the year.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] With Kuwait's endorsement?

[Talabani] Kuwait will not object. They only want a confirmation from us on the issue of the borders and we are ready.