User:LeoO3/Foreign relations of Iraq

With the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty in June 2004, Iraq has begun the process of rebuilding its foreign relations.

Objectives

“ For the first time in decades, we are embracing new opportunities both inside our country, and outside, as we seek to cast off Iraq's 'pariah' status and return to our rightful place as a strategically important and responsible member of the international community. ”

[1]

Recognition

Iraq is seeking to achieve complete international recognition as sovereign state and a legitimate government. It is hoping that the formation of a government elected by the people under a constitution written by elected representatives of the people and then ratified by the people, all under elections certified by the international community as free and fair, will be a major asset.

Economic Assistance

Iraq also seeks international help in reconstruction from decades of neglect, sanctions, and wars.

Multilateral bodies

Since September 2003, Iraq has successfully re-established its seat in most multilateral bodies [2], including:

• United Nations
• Arab League
• Organisation of the Islamic Conference
• Group of 77
• International Monetary Fund
• Non-Aligned Movement
• OPEC
• UNESCO
• UNCTAD
• World Bank
• World Trade Organisation

Bilateral relations

Iraq now has diplomatic representation in 35 countries around the world, including 3 Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva and the Arab League in Cairo. Thirty missions remain suspended. [3]

Recognition and full diplomatic relations, with exchange of ambassadors

• USA 28 June 2004 [[4]]
• Slovenia 30 April 2005[5]
• Bulgaria [[6]]
• Sweden [[7]]

Arab world

Relations with the Palestinian Authority have been marred by a statement from Hamas calling Abu Musab al-Zarqawi a "martyr of the nation" in reaction to his death. The Iraqi foreign ministry summoned the Palestinian charge d'affaires in Baghdad to convey its "wonder and resentment" over the statement, calling al-Zarqawi a "terrorist" who committed "crimes [...] against the people of Iraq and the region at large, including Palestinians and others who had fallen victims in Amman explosions." [8]