Ambassador

Speeches

Stand with the Iraqi People for a Democratic Future
Thomas B. Robertson
U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia
Published in “Vecer,” December 14, 2005

Now, more than ever, the Unites States and Europe need to be united in supporting a free, democratic, and sovereign Iraq.   This is a defining moment for Iraqis following the approval of their Constitution on October 15 and looking forward to the election of a new government on December 15.  Approximately 79 percent of Iraqi voters -- or about seven million citizens -- approved the Constitution guaranteeing fundamental freedoms and laying the foundation for lasting democracy.  Many more Sunnis participated in this vote than in January's historic elections, and the level of violence was considerably lower.  Iraq is now firmly on the path to democracy, but as we all know, it still suffers from a serious security problem.  Through unconscionable acts of terror, a small minority of fanatics is threatening to undermine the peaceful and democratic aspirations of the overwhelming majority of the Iraqi people.  The November 9 attacks on the hotels in Jordan show again that the terrorists are indiscriminate in their attacks, and  are also willing to sacrifice other  Muslims who dare to support Iraqis in creating a stable future for their country.
We all now must continue to help ensure the consolidation of Iraq's fragile young democracy, which will involve greater reliance on Iraqi forces for providing internal security while the rule of law is institutionalized and the economy is rebuilt.  Security is necessary first and foremost.  The insurgents and foreign terrorists are trying desperately to foment hatred within Iraqi society.  To date, they have mainly succeeded in fomenting opposition to their own cause.  Despite their failure to win hearts and minds, however, they are exacting a horrific toll in human lives.  Terrorists are targeting police officers, aid workers, journalists, and even teachers.  This must stop. 
The twenty-six members of NATO agreed at the North Atlantic Council to establish a NATO Training Mission to train the Iraqis to provide their own security.  This mission will help the Iraqis improve their police and security services by teaching them how to detect explosive devices, how to recruit personnel, how to deter attacks, and how to provide a safe and secure environment for the majority of Iraqis that wish to build their future in a peaceful, democratic country.  The recent allegations of detainee abuse by Iraqi troops is incompatible with the rule of law and unacceptable to Iraqis and the world at large. However, the legacy of Saddam Hussein's rule has left a dark impact and must be uprooted in keeping with Iraq's democratic aspirations. Support from international community for training is vital to do this. It will take time, but it will only be effective if Allies make good on our pledge to contribute personnel as well as money.  The insurgents and foreign terrorists have no positive vision for Iraq.  We offer the opportunity to secure a better future.
Second, we must help the Iraqis as they prepare to hold another vital election in December.  All Iraqi citizens will have the opportunity to vote for their political representatives in this election.  Even those who opposed the Constitution will have the right to vote for representatives with the ability to review the Constitution and change it if they wish.  The high level of participation in the referendum demonstrates that the vast majority of Iraqis recognize the legitimacy of the democratic process, preferring to speak their minds peacefully than to give in to the tyranny of the terrorists.  The December elections will ultimately lead to Iraqis selecting a lasting government for a four-year term.  This will allow for reconstruction and development to take place, provided that security is restored.
It is now time to move beyond past debates and focus on helping the Iraqis face the challenges laying ahead.  The process of establishing a sovereign and democratic Iraqi state has reached a critical stage of development.   To consolidate this fragile democracy, we must act together.  The United States, Slovenia, and other NATO Allies have been very successful in providing security assistance to Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo.    The Iraqi people have the same right to know that the international community will support them in building a better future.  If we do not help the Iraqis now, we will have missed the chance to help a growing democracy in a time of great need.  This year has seen profound changes in the Middle East, including parliamentary elections in Lebanon, multi-candidate elections in Egypt, Gaza disengagement, and the extension of the right to vote to women in Kuwait.  It is important that we help support the momentum for democratic reform sweeping through this region.  Future generations of Iraqis will remember we were on their side.