SPECIAL EDITION: INTERNATIONAL MINISTERIAL MEETING ON IRAQ
From an International Ministerial Meeting on Iraq, Sharm El Sheikh,
11/23/04
"We must support the political process as the sole path to
reconciliation. ... Working together, we can meet our obligation to
help the Iraqi people resolutely face the challenges confronting them
as they try to bring peace and democracy to their nation and to rebuild
their towns and cities and institutions. The ultimate success will
bring freedom, peace, and prosperity to Iraq, to the region, and to the
world."
-- Secretary of State Powell, 11/23/04
An International Ministerial Meeting on Iraq was held to support
the aspirations of the Iraqi people. Participating were the foreign
ministers of Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria,
Kuwait, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Russia, the United
Kingdom, the United States, China, Tunisia, Algeria, Bahrain, Malaysia,
the Netherlands, the UN Secretary General, the Secretary General of the
League of Arab States, the Secretary General of the Organization of
Islamic Conference, and the Representatives of the European Union.
The leaders decided to:
Reaffirm the sovereignty, political independence, territorial
integrity, and national unity of Iraq.
Affirm the Iraqi people's rights to a secure and stable life, to determine their future, and to full control over their resources.
Underline the United Nations' leading role, especially in promoting national dialogue and consensus building on the Iraqi people's drafting of a permanent national constitution in 2005.
Welcome a supporting role by the League of Arab States alongside the United Nations.
Welcome the efforts of the Iraqi Interim Government and other Iraqi leaders to broaden political participation to all those who reject violence.
Promote Iraq's transition to a united, federal, democratic, and pluralistic state in which political and human rights are fully observed.
Condemn acts of terrorism, kidnapping, and assassination in Iraq.
Call on all parties to contribute to Iraq's stability by preventing the
transit of terrorists, and arms and financing for terrorists.
Call on Iraq's neighbors to intensify their cooperation to control the
borders.
Reiterate that the mandate of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq is not open ended and the need to enable the Iraqi security forces to play an increasingly greater role and ultimately become fully responsible for Iraq's security.
Reiterate the importance of humanitarian assistance and support for Iraq's reconstruction.
Call on all donor countries and organizations to expedite the
disbursement of financial assistance pledged at the October 2003 donors
committee meeting in Madrid.
Recognize that debt reduction is a key element in Iraq's reconstruction.
Reaffirm the importance of bringing to justice former Iraqi regime members who committed war crimes against Iran, Kuwait, and crimes against humanity affecting the Iraqi people.