Ambassador of Iraq Hamid Abbas Lafta says, due to the recklessness and tyranny of the dictatorial regime that controlled Iraq from 1968 to 2003, the wars and the siege that was imposed on the people, followed by the occupation and terrorism of al-Qaeda and ISIS and the former dictatorial regime made against the neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran

Centreline Report/DNA

ISLAMABAD:  Ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan Hamid Abbas Lafta has said we are celebrating the centenary of the founding of the Iraqi State. On 23rd August, 1921, the world welcomed Iraq as a country with its geographical, international entity.

During the nineteenth century, Iraq did not stop its cultural, economic and political movement and its role in the region and the world, especially after the sufferings of world wars by the international community. It was a destination for Arabs and Muslims to seek worldly and religious knowledge, Iraq was the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and many regional and international organizations.

The Ambassador expressed these views during a reception he hosted to commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Iraqi State. A large number of diplomats, members of civil society and govt officials attended the reception. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri was the chief guest.

In May 1920, the Twentieth Revolution erupted after the disappointment of Iraqi Natives at Britain’s failure to fulfill the promises for an independent state. This led a peaceful march that started from the city of Al-Rumaitha in southern Iraq to demand the formation of an Arab government affiliated to a national council elected by the people. Later on it turned into armed confrontations with the occupied forces that included all Iraqis.

The Twentieth Revolution was an important turning point in the modern history of Iraq in which all the meanings of heroism and sacrifice were embodied. It was a real start in gaining freedom and independence from the British occupation and an explicit rejection of foreign domination and control over the country; as a result a constituent assembly was formed headed by the Prime Minister of the transitional government at the time. The Naqib Al Ashraaf of Baghdad, Abdul Rahman Al-Naqeeb, who performed many tasks, most notably the election of a king to the throne of Iraq, the formation of Iraqi ministries, institutions, departments to perform governmental tasks. That continued until Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein was elected King of Iraq on 23rdAugust, 1921. The monarchy in Iraq lasted for nearly 37 years, during which three kings succeeded in ruling until 1958. It ended and the government transitioned into a republican type of government.

Iraq was one of the first countries that managed to get rid of the British Mandate and gained full independence. According to a resolution of the League Council that was similar to the current UN Security Council, which represented the international legislative authority at that time, issued on 3rd August 1932. It also included the recognition of Iraq as the 57th state country of the world and a new member of the League of Nations. Iraq was also able to obtain status of the state according to international law on 3rd October, 1932.

As you know, due to the recklessness and tyranny of the dictatorial regime that controlled Iraq from 1968 to 2003, the wars and the siege that was imposed on the people, followed by the occupation and terrorism of al-Qaeda and ISIS and the former dictatorial regime made against the neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran, and against the sister State of Kuwait, The country and the people of Iraq were subjected to difficult, compelling and destructive conditions.

Iraq has defended, sacrificed blood and wealth not only for its land, sovereignty and dignity, but also fought ISIS and defended human dignity everywhere for the security and stability of the world and the region. Terrorism did not only target Iraq butas a matter of fact, it targeted all countries and capitals of the world. Iraq has become and still is a starting point for regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism, takfiri and extremist ideology. It is a platform for information exchange, cooperation, security and coordination against terrorist ideology and extremism.

He added, the remembrance of this occasion represents the culmination of the efforts of Iraqis and their continuous quest to form their identity that brings together the different spectrums of the Iraqi people, and the efforts made over the past hundred years to build their free, independent, democratic and pluralistic state in which all Iraqis can live united by a written constitution. It was a time when Iraq held its legislative elections, which represent its inclination to achieve freedom and democracy.

Ambassador Lafta said let us declare war on pests that threaten human health, let us declare war on poverty and corruption, and let us declare war on erosion factors that threaten our climate and existence. We strongly value our growing relations with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and opening up horizons for cooperation in cultural and military fields, as well as its efforts to play an effective role in extending regional security and stability.

Detailed coverage in the coming issue of Centreline