Aktivities Ammar Al-Hakim in Berlin
Ammar Al-Hakim visits Germany.
On the occasion of his visit to Berlin on behalf of an invitation by the Körber Stiftung His Eminence Ammar Al Hakim, who is the vice president of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC), His Eminence also attended a meeting at the German Arabic Friendship Association e.V. on the 29th of May 2008.
Mr. Nasyr Birkholz, Dipl. Eng. And Owner and CEO of Birkholz International, who also attended this meeting on the topic of economical promotion in Iraq, listened to His Eminence pointing out the huge economical potential of his country, which is mainly based on the tremendous natural resources (350 billion barrels of oil reserve only). However, the favorable funding opportunities, that are offered, stand up to security concerns and political problems. These problems are resulting out of foreign action and the Iraqi people pay the price for things they are not responsible for. Among the difficulties in the country the fear of some neighbors of the democratic development in Iraq and in result of that by claims that could represent the minorities in neighboring countries about their human rights are present.
Al Hakim is convinced, despite the difficulties, the only way for Iraq is a consensus democracy.
Besides the development of the political situation the security forces must be strengthened so that the overall security situation can improve quickly.
Al Hakim emphasized the economic development in Iraq, which is developing in the right direction.
The unemployment rate reduced from 55% to 16% and the inflation rate from 66% to 19%. The major infrastructure projects such as the opening of the airports in Basra and Nedschef will support this positive trend.
With regard to the federal structure in Iraq, he pointed out that the federalism still is often being misunderstood as the basis for a fragmentation of the country and often still prevails old centralist thinking. It is though just a matter of time until the federal system will finally be proven to be an opportunity for Iraq, as it is working in other countries, too.
In the ensuing discussion, moderated by Dr. Otto Wiesheu, DAFG President and in the presence of H.E. Alaa Al-Hashimy (Ambassador of the Embassy of the republic of Iraq), H.E. Mohammed Al Orabi (Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt) H.E. Abdul Nabi Musayyab (Ambassador of the Arab League mission) and H.E. Abdulaziz Al Mikhlafi (General Secretary of the Ghorfa, Ambassador) all present personalities were convinced, that most important is to spread the existing positive news about Iraq. The visit by His Eminence is such a positive sign and his profound knowledge and explanation is welcomed very much.