Brief report on the situation in Iraq (based on the Communique issued by the Central Committee meeting - 15 Sept. 2006)

- The situation in Iraq continues to be critical and complex due to a number of factors, including: the security situation, the weakness of state institutions, growing role of armed militias, deteriorating living conditions and services, and unemployment. It has been further aggravated by sectarianism, spreading to the streets and state institutions, combined with sectarian deportation, physical liquidation, and political agitation to serve populist and sectarian aims. Another important factor is external interference! ang2049, including US policies that accentuate and manipulate sectarian divisions.



- The legacy of the ousted dictatorship, and terrorist operations aimed at sabotaging the political process and paralysing public life, have contributed to deepening sectarian divisions and tensions to a dangerous unprecedented level, especially in Baghdad and few other provinces. In some areas, violence has taken other forms connected to fighting over influence, power and money by some of the political forces and parties. These developments have only helped to prolong foreign military presence, obstructing efforts to speed up ending the occupation and reaching an agreement on a timetable for the withdrawal of occupation forces.



- The Party continues to call for tackling the security problem through an integrated approach and a package of effective military, political, economic and cultural measures, rather than relying on military means alone.



- The Party has also supported the national reconciliation plan proposed by the government, as a significant and crucial step towards a political settlement that would ensure the interests of all parties, draw more forces into the political process, build up mutual confidence, and reduce sectarian tensions. Only modest results, however, have been achieved so far. It is therefore an urgent task to exert greater efforts to implement the reconciliation plan. A number of concrete measures have been put forward by our party, including the need to put an immediate end to the activities of! militias, of all kinds. Political forces, especially those participating in the political process, must take the lead and voluntarily disband their own militias. Arms must only remain in the hands of the state. This is an essential prerequisite for rebuilding military and security institutions, and establishing a democratic state based on the rule of law and respect for human and democratic rights.



- Achieving success in this direction and enhancing national unity are essential for moving ahead towards the restoration of full independence and sovereignty, and regaining control over the country s resources. Rebuilding the Iraqi armed forces, and developing their capabilities, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in order to take over security responsibilities, is an important factor. Furthermore, mass actions and pressure against sectarianism, terrorism and violence, as well as struggles on the social and economic front, constitute anothe! r positive factor.



- The CC meeting considered the rampant financial and administrative corruption which has reached levels unprecedented in Iraq s contemporary history, becoming a widespread epidemic in society, and especially in state institutions. This corruption is an extension of "traditions" that had been consolidated by the ousted dictatorial regime, further aggravated by the measures taken by the occupation authority and its policies. Combating corruption can only be successful and effective through a political, economic and social approach. Punitive measures cannot provide a comprehensive solution. There is an urgent need to restore a normal relationship between the executive, judicial and legislative powers, thus separating the judiciary from conflicting political interests. It is also important to undertake a comprehensive economic reform and develop a new strategy for development. Priorities of such a strategy should include changing the one-sided and distorted s! tructure of the national economy, improving the living standards of the population and combating unemployment.



- The meeting stressed the party s consistent stance on federalism, considering the federal system of government to be the appropriate form of government for Iraq. This position has been adopted since the early 1990s, and the party now calls for consolidating federalism in Iraqi Kurdistan. It represents a democratic solution for the Kurdish national question in the concrete conditions of Iraq.



The party, in principle, supports the setting up of federal regions in accordance with the constitution. It also supports the distribution of authorities between the centre and the provinces, so as to enhance decentralization whether in Iraq as a whole or within the regions. The implementation of the law for setting up federal regions should take into consideration the urgent priorities of ensuring success for the national reconciliation process, tackling the security situation and achieving stability.



- It can be said that the situation, despite its gravity and complexity, is generally fluid and open to many possibilities. A lot depends on the ability of political parties and blocs, and Iraqis in general, to act wisely in order to restore national cohesion and create a climate of confidence. This should be driven by the conviction that pushing things to the brink and to the point of no return is tantamount to playing with fire, with disastrous consequences for everybody. Favourable Arab, regional and international factors can also provide conditions conducive to defeating terrorism, ltrch achieving stability and ensuring a successful outcome for the national reconciliation plan.



- In spite of the difficulties and enormous challenges, Iraqi Communists have boundless confidence in the people and their desire to move forward, towards achieving a state based on institutions and law, regaining full national sovereignty, and building a unified democratic and federal Iraq. It with this spirit and determination that our Party will continue its preparations, in the coming weeks and months, to hold its 8th National Congress.

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