As published in Phileleftheros Newspaper (p.12)...
(English Text)

Iraqis Start on Path Toward Building Their Own Democracy
An Op-Ed by Ambassador Klosson
April 23, 2003

Many in Cyprus recently saw the dramatic television coverage of newly liberated Iraqis toppling the giant statue of Saddam Hussein in downtown Baghdad.  That act provided symbolic confirmation of the downfall of a regime that endangered both the region and the international community.The policy of the United States and its 48 Coalition Members has never been about  tearing down. Rather, it has been about providing the Iraqi people with the opportunity to build a democratic society responsive to their own needs, at peace with its neighbors,  not squandering national wealth on terrorism or weapons of mass destruction, and with its territorial integrity upheld.

Now that the stranglehold of the Iraqi regime has been broken, the Iraqi people have begun that process.

Future historians may write that the development of a democratic Iraq, operating under the rule of law and the consent of the governed, began taking shape on April 15, 2003.  That was when nearly 100 Iraqis of many backgrounds and viewpoints -- exile leaders, tribal sheiks, ethnic Kurds and Shiite clerics -- gathered in a tent at Ur to begin their efforts at creating a new democracy.

While the meeting was held under U.S. and allied auspices, U.S. officials made it clear that, to be successful, the process will have to be carried out by the Iraqis themselves.

President Bush's special envoy at the meeting told the participants, "We have no intention of ruling Iraq.  We want you to establish your own democratic system based on Iraqi traditions and values."

Those present set the stage for that to happen.  They adopted a statement setting forth 13 principles for a future Iraqi government, chosen by the Iraqi people and not "imposed from outside" and incorporating federalism, nonviolence and respect for diversity, including a role for women.  They agreed to meet again in 10 days to move the process forward.

Secretary of State Colin Powell made similar points in interviews held on the eve of the Ur meeting, noting that the process is to include those who have been outside of Iraq struggling for many years to bring about change, as well as those inside Iraq who are now free of the dictatorial regime. He also pledged that, in contrast with what was true under Hussein, the oil of Iraq, the wealth of Iraq, will be used by the Iraqi people to serve the Iraqi people.

Focusing on the road ahead, Secretary Powell noted that some 58 nations already have expressed their wish to participate in the reconstruction effort.  He made clear that the United States is anxious to cooperate with them, and with the United Nations and non-governmental and other humanitarian organizations.

Secretary Powell expressed confidence that -- with the assistance of U.S., the U.N. and from many other nations in the world that want to help with the rebuilding -- Iraqis would form a democracy that will respect the rights of all of the different people within Iraq and that will be answerable to its people.

Efforts to reestablish security in Iraq's cities by hiring police forces are under way, and a huge amount of humanitarian assistance is starting to move in.  As we go to work on the health care system and the water system and establishing power on throughout the country, the situation will improve day by day.

The road ahead toward this goal, it is clear, will not be an easy one -- but it is an inspiring one in prospect.

Iraqis who are taking back control of their destiny and inventing a new democracy for themselves can count on the active support of the United States and other Coalition members.  Their noble task deserves the support of all around the world who have an interest in promoting democracy, freedom and prosperity.