U.S. Supports Formation of National Unity Government in Iraq

State's Welch also cites "new sense of responsibility" by Arab countries on Iraq

The United States hopes to see the formation of a government of national unity, not a sectarian-based government, to lead Iraq, according to Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs C. David Welch.

"We think that any Iraqi government should be one that stresses national unity, that is not, let me be candid, sectarian in character," Welch said in an interview with Abu Dhabi television March 29.

Welch said a national unity government is needed not only to advance the political dialogue but also to work on security and economic issues. Iraqi political leaders are engaged in negotiations to form a permanent government after the legislative elections in December 2005. Iraq consists of three main ethnic groups - Kurds, Sunni Arabs and Shi'a Arabs - and a myriad of small minority groups. Sectarian violence has been rising as Iraqi political leaders work to form a government.

"The desperate fact about Iraq today is that innocent people are dying. Innocent people are dying sometimes at each other's hands, sometimes because foreign terrorists come and conduct operations in order to stir the hatreds," he added.

The assistant secretary said that Arab countries have a "new sense of responsibility" to address the problems that Iraq faces, as indicated by the statements that emerged from the most recent Arab League summit.

"This time you see much more discussion about Arab responsibilities in the economic area, in the area of broadening the relationships. I think that's a good thing. It'll help the Iraqi people in this hour of need," Welch said.

U.S. WILLING TO HOLD TALKS WITH IRAN ON IRAQ

Welch said the United States is open to holding negotiations with Iran in Baghdad about the situation in Iraq.

"We're prepared to have that discussion about Iraq in Baghdad with the Iranians. It will be with respect to issues inside of Iraq and we have some very particular concerns about Iranian interference and misbehavior inside of Iraq, which we will bring to the table," Welch said in a separate round table interview with journalists in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, March 29.

Welch said he suspects Iran has indicated its acceptance of a long-standing diplomatic proposal to discuss the Iraq situation because of growing international concern about its nuclear activities.

"I have to say I'm a little puzzled and I think it's a matter of speculation as why they picked this moment to say yes to an idea that had been on the table for some time," he said. He added that the Iranian move might be related to the international community's "legitimate desire" to find out if Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear energy program.

"The prospect of a nuclear weapon in the hands of a dangerous regime is something that makes everybody acutely uncomfortable," he said.

U.S. TIES TO EMIRATES WILL ENDURE

Welch said that the friendship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates will endure long after the controversy over the proposed takeover of significant operations of major U.S. ports by the Dubai Ports World has faded. Many U.S. lawmakers criticized the deal out of concern that security at U.S. ports could be weakened. Dubai Ports World withdrew its offer. (See related article.)

"I am convinced that after this transaction is behind us, we will still be friends and I believe also that there will still be plenty of Emirati investment coming to the United States," Welch said. He said the U.S. government encourages American companies to invest in the United Arab Emirates because of growing opportunities there. He said the United States still seeks a Free Trade Agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

Welch said the U.S. government has learned from this experience that it has to pay closer attention to the political environment of the United States.

Source: U.S. Department of State

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