Camp Ashraf, An Unfavorable Legacy of Saddam

IRD: What is your opinion on the latest developments in Iraq?
 

AA: Iraq has truly entered a phase of progress. The Iraqi government is trying to improve the situation in the country. However, there are many problems in Iraq which the Iraqi government must solve. For example, we are witnessing vast abuses and financial corruption, which we should tackle as soon as possible. Mr. Maleki also insists on solving these issues, but due to the dangers threatening the country and the problems ahead of us, reform is faced with many problems. There is also heavy competition going on between different parties that is harming the country. Nevertheless, Mr. Maleki persists in solving the problems, and we will help him in doing so. During the very short time that we have been in power, we were able to cross many obstacles and we hope to continue this path.
 

IRD: Unfortunately, security positions have so far remained vacant. What do you think is the reason behind this?
 

AA: First of all, these ministries are not lingering as some media propaganda reports are trying to show. Secondly, yes; due to the political mistrust existing among different parties, these ministries still remain vacant. We are after solving this problem as soon as possible. Mr. Maleki is also insisting on this, and ministers will soon be appointed.
 

IRD: You have resigned from the vice presidency. What is your reason for this, particularly when Mr. Talebani is insisting that you stay in the position, but it seems that you have no interest in doing so. Why is that?
 

AA: There are many reasons behind my resignation. Yes, Mr. Talebani is insisting that I stay, but the truth is that I’m not after any position and I’m not competing with anyone on achieving any position. Therefore, I decided to resign from this post, but you should bear in mind that this position is not even approved, and I resigned before its approval.
 

IRD: Is this resignation related to your political disagreements with Mr. Maleki, as we know that the Supreme Council and Mr. Maleki have many differences?
 

AA: Regardless of issues, we are in political competition. In a democratic and free atmosphere, these differences are natural. Iraq is a free country and naturally any party or political group will have different opinions. But we will surely support Mr. Maleki, and we will approve him so that he can continue serving as prime minister. We have formed an important coalition named the “Iraqi National Coalition”, which constitutes the biggest political faction of the parliament. We are loyal to this coalition, support it, and respect all the decisions made in the framework of this faction.   
 

IRD: What do you think about the MKO and the recent events that occurred at Camp Ashraf in Diyala?
 

AA: The MKO is a terrorist, corrupt, and tactless organization that we have unfortunately inherited from the Baath regime. This organization must leave Iraq at the first appropriate opportunity. The Iraqi government has no relation with this organization, and we understand that the existence of this organization on our soil deteriorates our relations with our neighbors. We approve of the operation of the Iraqi police and army against this organization, and any policy that leads to the exit of the MKO from Iraq will be supported by us. We believe that this organization must leave Iraq immediately, but to where or to what destiny is none of our business. It is true that other countries are not accepting them as well, because they believe that they will cause problems in their territory; however, this does not mean that we have to endure this harassment either. 
 

IRD: What do you think of the security agreement and the US persistence on their continued presence in Iraq?
 

AA: The security agreement signed between Iraq and the US is still valid and no one can cause any damage to it or make it seem inefficient. If any of its provisions require any change or reform, they should first be proposed to the parliament and the people’s representatives will make the necessary changes.
 

IRD: What is your opinion on the Arab League Summit in Baghdad and the possibility of its cancelation due to the support of the Iraqi government for the Bahraini Shiites?
 

AA: The Iraqi government stuck to its moral duty by supporting the Bahraini Shiites. In Bahrain, we are witnessing a nation rising up for their freedom and rights and a government that is brutally cracking down on its people. We insist on holding the Arab League Summit in Baghdad, and we do not want a cancelation due to any reason. Baghdad has made many efforts and spent a great sum of money in order to be able to host this summit. The cancelation of this meeting due to any excuse or the will of one individual country is not acceptable, and we strongly reject any interference in this process.