NIQASH: Rather than engaging in a struggle with them, the US was pushing for the integration of former Baathists. What are your thoughts on that policy?
Al-Khuzaei: The Americans are not part of this conversation. There is an elected Iraqi government and a clear Constitution. No other party should be interfering in this Iraqi issue.
NIQASH: You mentioned demonstrations. Has the reconciliation process also included the leaders of the weekly demonstrations against the government taking place in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities?
Al-Khuzaei: Yes, we’ve contacted some of the representatives of the demonstrators. But most of these have secret relationships with forces outside Iraq. They are protesting about the lack of electricity, they demand jobs and they want an improvement in living conditions. And they want all this within one or two weeks. But this is impossible and they know it. However the demonstrators are driven on by destructive [external] forces as well as by political parties, who did not win seats in the last [2010] Iraqi election. And those just want to discredit the government and increase their own popularity.
NIQASH: When do you think the reconciliation process can end officially? Is there a date set?
Al-Khuzaei: We expect it to end by the end of this year. After the US troops’ withdrawal, none of the armed groups will have any reason to exist in their current incarnations. Armed groups will be asked to halt their activities or be considered outlaws and risk prosecution. We are waiting to see how things develop.
NIQASH: And finally, some observers have said that the various political blocs in the Iraqi parliament could actually do with some reconciliation themselves – especially given the importance and number of the unresolved issues between them all. Your take on this?
Al-Khuzaei: Of course, political differences between parties and between allies can harm the political process. But it can also have a positive impact and keep the idea of [democratic] freedom alive. I believe these differences of opinion are positive as long as they don’t turn into rivalry. A difference of opinion is the basis of democracy.
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