Iraqi CP Leader Receives Delegation of Unions and Associations

 Comrade Hamid Majid Mousa, the Secretary of the Central Committee of the Iraqi Communist Party, received a delegation of the Unions Co-ordinating Committee on 7 February 2006. The delegation, which represented 39 federations, unions and associations, explained the implications of Decree No. 8750, issued by the Council of Ministers, and its negative impact on the work of unions and NGOs. This decree has been deplored as interference by the government in the affairs of non-governmental organisations whose leading bodies draw legitimacy from their general assemblies. Comrade Mousa expressed his solidarity and understanding for this position, stressing the need to raise this issue in the new Parliament and call for abolishing Decree 8750.

 This visit is part of a campaign by the Unions Co-ordinating Committee aimed at winning the support of leading political and parliamentary bodies and mobilizing the public opinion in order to halt government interference in the affairs of unions and NGOs.

Iraqi Communist Party Condemns

 Terrorists’ Heinous Crimes

 The Central Information Bureau of the Iraqi Communist Party issued the following statement on 5 January 2006:   

We received with utmost rage and condemnation the news of the two horrific crimes that were carried out today by two terrorists, in Kabala and Ramadi, killing about 110 people and injuring more than 200.

 These two massacres follow a series of acts of terror in Baghdad and other cities during the past few days. Among the most horrific of these acts was the crime committed in Miqdadiya by another criminal suicide bomber amid a crowd of mourners, killing 36 people and injuring more than 40.

 All this indicates the determination of the forces of terror and crime to escalate their bloody campaign, in a desperate attempt to obstruct the political process in our country while in its final stages. They also aim to prevent embarking upon laying the foundations of a federal democratic regime and a state based on law and human rights, replacing the legacy of Saddam’s despotic dictatorship. 

 While expressing strongest condemnation for this grave escalation by the forces of terror and crime, we reiterate our determination to move forward, along with our people and their patriotic forces, to achieve the big task of building the new Iraq that enjoys peace, security, stability, freedom and dignity.

 

Statement of the Political Bureau - Central Committee of the Iraqi Communist Party

To Overcome the State of Tension and Impasse

and Prepare for Setting Up National Unity Government

Our people went to the elections on 15^th December 2005 with the hope that it would constitute an important juncture along the path of restoring security and stability, as well as for mapping a democratic path not only for the Iraqi people, but also for the peoples of the region. They also hoped that the elections would open up prospects for tackling the crises that successive governments, since getting rid of the dictatorial regime, had failed to deal with or adopt policies reassuring Iraqi citizens, who had suffered prolonged agony, that there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

The elections were significant as a political and legal obligation, marking the completion of the transitional stage of the political process. The elected parliament, with a full term of 4 years, will take on tasks relating to the constitution and its possible amendments, as well as enacting a host of legislation. Such tasks, taken together, will draw the features of Iraq’s present and future.

It was natural, therefore, that these elections would witness intense competition among political lists and entities. They acquired greater importance given the participation of all parts of Iraq, thus making it possible that a balanced parliament would emerge, reflecting the structure of the Iraqi people, with their political, ideological, ethnic, religious and denominational diversity. Such a parliament would, it was hoped, also create a climate of confidence and calm and help to restore security and stability.

Unfortunately, however, from the early stages, the election campaign witnessed many obstacles and violations. This was also true of the polling day itself. These violations included threatening voters and preventing them from going to the ballot box, killing several candidates and political activists, and the infringement of the supposed neutrality of state organs, especially the security forces. All these practices beleaguered the elections and their potential for heralding a proper democratic life anchored on well-founded institutions.

During the various stages of the election process, many lists and political organisations submitted numerous complaints to the Electoral Commission. The latter, however, seemed indifferent and attempted in various ways to belittle the gravity of these complaints. It has gone as far as openly stating that complaints are voiced by the vanquished, despite being aware that some of those who made such complaints did not fit this label. The Electoral Commission did not take any effective measures, despite announcing that there are “red complaints” that could affect the outcome of the elections. Instead of investigating the complaints and dealing with them in a serious and transparent manner, the Electoral Commission announced, against normal and expected procedure, partial results that were not endorsed, and it was forced later to amend its figures. All this took place in a climate of apprehension, deep concern, tension and anger, thus only making things worse.

The stance adopted by the Government and its apparatus was also disappointing. It did not act or utter even a word,let alone investigate attacks that targeted the offices of well-known parties and organisations, including our Communist Party. It also failed to pursue the murderers and those who stand behind them, and bring them to justice. All this, and other aspects, indicate that the Government did not fulfil its duty to provide protection and security and do its best to ensure the success of the electoral process.

All these practices and violations not only constitute a blatant violation of citizens’ political rights and their freedom of choice as envisaged in the constitution. They also threaten to demolish the hopes pinned by the Iraqis on the elections. With 11 million people turning out to vote, this was potentially a historical juncture which could restore national unity and lay a solid foundation for the national democratic state encompassing the full spectrum of the Iraqi people. The people were looking forward to the setting up of a full time legitimate government that would undertake the huge tasks crucial to building a prosperous, independent, democratic and federal Iraq.

Driven by a sense of responsibility towards the fate of the homeland, and to avert the dangers of a deep political crisis that are too grave for present day Iraq, impelled by the state of tension and impasse caused by the announcement of partial and unapproved results by the Electoral Commission, the Iraqi Communist Party calls upon all the political forces and parties to recognise the gravity of the current challenges, rise above narrow interests, and work earnestly to find solutions for the looming crisis caused by electoral violations. In this respect, our Party calls upon all the relevant sides, especially the Independent Higher Electoral Commission, and the UN, who a bear responsibility in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, to undertake the following steps:

1- To consider the partial election results that have been announced as suspended.

2- To conduct an honest and transparent investigation of the complaints and appeals made by political lists and entities, and to cancel the ballot boxes that are considered suspect.

3- To repeat the process of vote counting and check the ballot forms, starting with Baghdad and covering all areas where violations are confirmed.

4- To take a clear position with regard to the violations on the basis of the outcome of investigation and vote recount. Perpetrators of these violations, and those behind them, must be condemned and made responsible, legally, politically and morally, for defying the law and infringing upon citizens rights.

The speedy implementation of these measures will help to calm down the atmosphere and diffuse the state of tension, and to embark upon serious meetings and discussions that encompass all political currents and constituents, along the path of setting up a national unity government. This requires abandoning the policy of sharing power along sectarian and ethnic lines, and attempts to marginalize, exclude and eliminate others, regardless of any pretext.

Let us join together in building our Iraq; a homeland for all, that is fully sovereign, where the values of citizenship and national unity are supreme, so that the people could enjoy security, peace and democracy.

The Political Bureau - Central Committee

Iraqi Communist Party

24-12-2005

 

 

31 August 2005

Statement About Bridge Stampede Catastrophe

In an interview with “Al-Arabiya” satellite TV channel, about the catastrophic bridge stampede today in Baghdad that killed hundreds of Iraqi citizens while participating in a religious procession, the Iraqi Communist Party leader Mr. Hameed Majid Mousa said that “evil elements and terrorists want to deny the people their freedom to conduct their religious ceremonies, and also to carry out more acts of sabotage and spread fear among citizens.”

Mousa blamed what happened on “the poor security and political conditions, and the bad administration of such big religious events”. He said that “early security measures should have been taken to protect the lives of citizens and organise their processions. What happened is an indication of irresponsible attitude by the relevant authorities. We all know that there are terrorists who lie in wait for such events and prepare to ambush the people. Why is it that no preventive measures were taken before the event? Why are the processions not organised?”.

He pointed out that “the responsibility also lies on those who are organising these processions. They should make the people aware of administrative aspects of the religious procession, and ensure proper schemes for marching in order to prevent stampede and chaos. This is a big tragedy, and we speak about it with deep pain. We wish that it never happens again in future events”.

In response to a question about the efforts of the Iraqi Communist Party to enhance Iraqi people’s unity in the face of attempts to split their ranks, Mousa said that “our efforts are broad and multifarious, on all fronts, to close ranks, overcome old problems, open up a new page for the Iraqi people, consolidate ties of brotherhood and the sense of citizenship and equality among citizens, against sectarianism and sectarian bigotry, against terrorism and terrorists. We strive in all fields, whether in the National Assembly, or in relations with political parties of all tendencies, to promote the spirit of citizenship, upholding national unity and the freedom of the citizen.”

Iraqi Communist Party - Central Information Bureau

29 August 2005

 Statement About Draft Constitution 

The text of the adopted draft constitution of the republic of Iraq, which will be put to a public referendum in mid October 2005, was read out yesterday in the National Assembly in Baghdad.

The declaration of this document, and the forthcoming referendum, constitute an important development in the on-going political process in the direction of consolidating democracy and its institutions, completing the transitional period, restoring security and normal conditions, and achieving our country’s full sovereignty and independence.

The draft constitution has emerged out of a protracted process, due to the fact that it has taken place under difficult conditions in our country, on political, security and socio-economic levels, as well as a balance of forces that has developed out of abnormal and exceptional circumstances. It is the outcome of a struggle between different visions and opinions with regard to the future of Iraq.

All this had its direct and deep impact on the process of drafting the constitution that we had wanted, and strived for, to be one that enjoys consensus among the various constituents of our people: ethnic, religious, confessional and political, and also express a spirit of equal citizenship for Iraqis.

While viewing positively the draft constitution in its general context, we stress at the same time our reservation regarding many of its articles, especially those that, in some of their clauses and formulation, encroach upon the desired civil-democratic character of the constitution, and those that restrict women rights and do not allow them to achieve equality with men.

Finally, we had hoped that the process of writing the constitution, presenting it to the people and for referendum, would take place in a more transparent manner and in more conformity with the need for respecting parliamentary traditions and norms.

 

"Morning Star" -  24 June 2005

 INTERVIEW:

 Iraqi communist MOHAMMED JASSEM AL- LABBAN sets out the party's current concerns as factions wrestle for control.

 Interview by JOHN FOSTER

details

Interview with Salam Ali, member of the Central Committee - Iraqi Communist Party

details

Iraqi Women Fight for Rights

in the New Constitution

"Tareeq Al-Shaab"  (Central organ of the Iraqi Communist Party)

No.2 - Year 71

 4 August 2005

 Iraqi Women Call for Guaranteeing

Women Rights in the Constitution

 A meeting of women was held on Tuesday )2 August 2005) at the Convention Centre in Baghdad, and the following statement was issued at its conclusion: 

 "After discussing the issue of women in the Iraqi draft constitution which has been recently put forward for national dialogue, a group of Iraqi women that represents Iraqi societal spectrum, agreed on the need for guaranteeing women rights in the constitution as a n essential part of guaranteeing human rights of all members of Iraqi society, and to achieve the principle of equality for all, irrespective of gender, race, religion, sect, or any other consideration outside the principle of citizenship.

Our aspirations for a democratic future for Iraq, where citizens enjoy equal rights regardless of gender, compel us to put forward the following recommendations:

 1- Islamic law is to be considered one of the sources of legislation.

2- Abiding by all international covenants and agreements that regulate human rights and women and children rights, as well as those with special needs, and that they should be regarded as a source for legislation.

3- To continue to abide by the percentage of women representation, such that it is no less than 25% in the three branches of power and decision making centres. This quota should be confined to a limited period.

4- Not to include any clause in the constitution that promotes ideological, religious, nationalist and sectarian bigotry.

5- Prohibiting the practice of any form of violence against women. "

"Tareeq Al-Shaab"  (Central organ of the Iraqi Communist Party)

 No. 110 - Year 70

 24 July 2005

 Women’s Picket in Baghdad

 Demanding Rights in Constitution

 Activists in the field of women rights, representing a number of NGOs, organized a picket in Furdaws Square in central Baghdad on 22 July 2005.

They called for a constitution that upholds citizenship right, the law, equality, ensuring woman’s human rights, banning all forms of discrimination and violence against women, and guaranteeing women participation at no less than 40% in all positions of decision making, and to endorse international covenants and agreements of human rights.

 They rejected specifying a limited time for the women participation quota in decision-making positions. They also expressed concern regarding the possibility of bringing back to life Decree 137 in the Constitution.

Amendment Proposed to National Assembly

Concerning Women Legislations

 A seminar was held by the Women Empowerment Organisation (WEO) to discuss constitutional concepts and the right of women to reach decision-making positions.

National Assembly member, Mrs Faiza Babakhan, stressed the need for abolishing all forms of discrimination against women, enabling her to take part in political decision making, especially with regard to women rights, and enhancing women’s role in laying constitution foundations.

As a lawyer and also a member of the women’s committee in the Assembly, she had presented a number of recommendations to the Ministry of Justice, including a proposal to amend laws that deal with women legislations. She said that this issue was referred to the state presidency, which in turn referred it to the National Assembly and its Legal Committee. 

She pointed to Article 41(a) in Iraqi Penal Code which gives the man the right to hit his wife, as an example of oppression against women. Article 409 in the Penal Code exposes inequality in providing legal protection for women.

Another participant, Azhar Alshaarbaf said that all previous interim constitutions in Iraq did not give the woman her full rights. The new constitution should therefore provide guarantees for citizen rights and a mechanism that prevents oppression by the state.

Luma Ali Faraj, a lawyer specialised in constitutional law, said that any citizen should have the right to appeal to the constitutional court, the highest legal authority in the country, if the articles in the constitutions are not adequate.

Suzan Aref discussed the factors that contributed to marginalizing the woman and making her devote her attention to housework, stressing the need for activating her role. She said: “What we want to achieve is to change the stereotype image of the woman in society”. As for the weak participation of women in the political field, she considered this to be due to the lack of skills, and it can be gradually overcome.

Discussions then followed, and most contributions called for separating religion from the state and giving women the right to reach positions of decision-making through a share of at least 40%.

A number of women organisations and NGOs participated in the seminar, including Amal Society, Baghdad Women Society, Iraqi Women’s League, Voice of Independent Woman, Women Revival Organisation, Rural Women Society, Democratic Youth Federation, General Union of Students, as well as the UN mission. At the end of discussions, the recommendations were sent to the constitution drafting committee.

Workshop in Britain

On Women and the Constitution

 Iraqi Women’s League branch in Britain organized a study workshop as part of its program entitled “Women and the Forthcoming Constitution”.  It had earlier held a public meeting, with two speakers: Mrs Bushra Purto and Dr Reyadh al-Zuhairy, that dealt with issue concerning the constitution and state administration.

The Workshop, held on 3 July 2005, hosted a group of experts in the field of international and Iraqi law, in addition to figures who are active in culture and media, and activists in women movement.

Three main topics were discussed: state administration, Personal Status Law, and Labour Law and social security.

Discussions dealt with views about hopes for the new constitution, and the laws that will be governing Iraqi society in general and women in particular. Special attention was paid to women issues in this respect.

The Workshop produced a number of opinions and proposals, that were legally formulated by participating experts, with the aim of presenting then as recommendations to the constitution drafting committee in Iraq. Proposals regarding Personal Status Law and Labour Law will presented to the National Assembly. Iraqi Women’s League branch in Britain will continue its afore-mentioned program with the aim of supporting efforts to draft a secular and modern constitution that is in line with the present era.

Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM

http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/734/re8.htm
17 - 23 March 2005
Issue No. 734

Marx in Iraq

Mohamed El-Anwar in Baghdad talks to Hamid Majid Moussa, leader of the Iraqi Communist Party
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The Iraqi Communist Party (ICP), also known as the People's Union, won two seats in the interim National Assembly. Do you see a future for the ICP in Iraq?

Of course the ICP has a future. No party would keep going on if it doesn't believe it has a future. What collapsed was not communism, but regimes that had distorted communism by deviating from the basic principles of communist thinking: chiefly, humanism, democracy and social justice. Those regimes turned socialism into bureaucratic and authoritative practice. They acted as if they were superior to the people, refused to listen to the people, concentrated power in the hands of one or a few individuals, and disregarded intellectual creativity and collective opinion, thereby creating the reasons for their own demise.

In Iraq, I believe that our party has a very wide base. This is why the ICP has been able to endure all the blows of repressive apparatuses and all the crimes committed against it during the 71 years of the party's past.

At certain periods, when the political climate was right, the ICP was the largest political force in the country. When it was subject to genocide, through the execution and murder of its leaders and members, and when its members were exiled or forced to flee the country, the party was weakened. Some traces of weakness are still with us. But at the moment we are rebuilding the ICP, with the benefit of our own experience