Building Iraq’s Future

This article by the Foreign Secretary David Miliband appears in the current edition of Al Muntada, the paper of the Iraqi Association in Britain.

The second parliamentary elections in Iraq on 7th March are a vital stage in Iraq’s political process. I share the hope of most Iraqis, as eloquently expressed by Iraqi President Talabani recently, that these elections "will provide an opportunity to consolidate our growing democracy and further isolate those who use the bomb and the gun against the will of our own people."

These elections will also contribute to the process of returning Iraq to the international community after many long years of isolation and dictatorship.

It was President Talabani, again, who rightly said of Iraq, "We are a potentially rich country but our legacy is a poor one. We value the ability of British business to unlock our resources through increased investment and by trading with us. Iraq is becoming increasingly open to commerce, which is a means of giving our people the better way of life that they seek and deserve."

I strongly agree that it is in Britain's interest to continue and develop our relationship with Iraqis and am moved when he adds that, "We are proud to be your friends and hope that you will always be our friends, working together for the common good of humanity."

I have seen for myself how keen Iraqi political leaders and ordinary people are to catch up with the rest of the world. There is a thirst for connecting with academics, sports organisations, politicians and business people throughout the world, and the UK and the Iraqi governments are committed to building a new strategic relationship in the diplomatic, economic, cultural and political fields.

Iraqis – politicians and everyday citizens - have told me that they want the UK to play our part in helping Iraq form new relationships, and I am proud that the UK Government is actively helping and encouraging UK companies to play a substantial role in the reconstruction of Iraq's essential infrastructure. British firms are active in Iraq in a range of sectors, including power, water, health, telecommunications, oil & gas, construction and education & training.

The Invest Iraq Conference in 2009 demonstrated our commitment to generating the international investment that will generate jobs and economic growth and which will be key to setting Iraq on the path towards long term prosperity. The conference marked the culmination of the UK Government’s efforts to promote investment, which resulted in proposals worth up to USD $10 billion.

The UK will continue to work with and advise British business on how they can best contribute to the development of Iraq for the benefit of the Iraqi people. Successful elections will do much to provide the security and stability that will see more British and other companies flocking to Iraq to help renew your country.

It remains a vital goal of British foreign policy that Iraqis are able to build a democratic, federal and peaceful country which will also be able to show the value of democratic institutions in the wider Middle East. I know that Iraqis themselves are keen to make their own contribution to rebuilding Iraq, and I am glad we can work together to this end.

I am pleased that Labour MPs such as the Prime Minister's Envoy to Iraq on Human Rights Ann Clwyd, Dave Anderson and Meg Munn as well as Labour Friends of Iraq have been working with Iraqis here and will continue to cement deeper and broader relations between our two countries. Like them, we have also given support to independent organisations such as the new trade unions and women's rights advocates which have emerged since Saddam's fall and which do much to make for a vibrant civil society and democracy.

There is another election on the horizon, here in Britain. I know that the Iraqi Association does its very best to encourage participation by members of the Iraqi community in the country in which they live, and it is vital that you use your vote in what will be an important election. The choice is between a deeply internationalist Labour government and a Conservative Party intent on looking in the rear view mirror and fighting the battles of the past.

There are exciting opportunities ahead for Iraq and the UK will continue to help the Iraqi people seize them. The 7th March is an opportunity for democracy and dialogue prosper over violence, setting the path for stable government, sustainable growth and rising living standards for all Iraqi citizens.

Rt Hon David Miliband MP