Sayyid Ammar Al Hakim, Leader of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) Speech

ISCI Leader Sayyed Ammar al-Hakim and an accompanying delegation made an official visit to Turkey. During the visit, al-Hakim held meetings with President Abdullah Gul, PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

Al-Hakim, one of Iraq’s leading political figures, joined a round table conference jointly organized by ORSAM and TEPAV in Ankara on November 19, 2009. Here, al-Hakim delivered a speech on Turkish-Iraqi relations before the forthcoming general elections in Iraq.

In his speech, al-Hakim discussed Iraq’s current political process, political atmosphere, his party’s approach towards Iraq’s fundamental issues, relations with Turkey and the forthcoming elections in Iraq. In the discussion session, al-Hakim shared his opinions regarding security conditions in post-invasion Iraq, relations with Iran, the Kirkuk issue and the Turkmens. The text below contains al-Hakim’s full speech and his answers to questions.

http://www.orsam.org.tr/en/showArticle.aspx?ID=120

Excerpt:

Turkmens and Kirkuk

How could I give a speech in Turkey without mentioning the Turkmens of Iraq?

We see the Turkmens as one of the essential elements of Iraq. I’m honored to be accompanied by two Turkmen representatives in the chamber of deputies. I also feel honored for having three Turkmen representatives in the ISCI. This indicates how much importance we attach to the Turkmens and how much we value them. I want to mention that we will always support them. We can’t achieve success without the contribution of different elements. Now that we are trying to develop formulas on how to protect the rights of Christian and Shabak minorities, how are we supposed to ignore the Turkmens who are one of the essential elements of Iraq?

We will always value them, respect them, protect their rights and stay on their side.

Kirkuk is the small Iraq. I refer to Kirkuk as a bunch of roses. Kirkuk is a bouquet that contains every color and beauty. This is how we see Kirkuk. Kirkuk is made up of different elements that get along well, and will continue to do so. We will always support different ethnic and sectarian groups and will try to maintain balance. We will do our best to preserve Kirkuk as the beautiful prototype of Iraq.

We have to stop conflict immediately and learn tosee through our hearts and souls and hear one other’s voices. Everyone’s rights will be protected by common solutions. We need to build an environment where everyone in Kirkuk can keep their place and status. We can set a pattern for Iraq by making Kirkuk a center of peace and harmony.

There are certain local and regional sensitivities. We always knew that we have to consider regional concerns to maintain balance in Kirkuk.

http://www.orsam.org.tr/en/enUploads/Article/Files/20091223_elhekim_eng%5b1%5d.pdf