Al-Maliki: “Iraq is shielded from change”

Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki confirmed on Thursday that “Iraq is immune from the winds of change taking hold of the region”, pointing out that the political process has been stable so far, but there is a need for unity. Al-Maliki said during a meeting with tribal leaders and notables in the province of Baghdad, that: "The troubling issues that have taken hold of the different regions of the province of Baghdad up until now have been shielded from the winds of change, despite what some may believe." He noted that: "We are not sure when the 'Arab Spring' that has been taking place in the region will be settled. We hope the alternative will be a democratic one which will give people the freedoms we enjoy today." Al-Maliki confirmed that, "If the winds of change struck the previous regime, Iraq would have been the most troubled nation in light of the repression and the dictatorship." He added that "The political process in Iraq has been stable until now. We need solidarity and awareness, and not smooth talking." He added that: "The Iraqi constitution may ensure the formation of regions, but did not include the concept of separating or partitioning Iraq." He called upon those calling for the formation of regions and federations or separation, saying: "Have mercy on the Iraqi people and on the unity of Iraq, because if this happens people will fight and blood will be shed" Al-Maliki announced that "the problem in this country is that some people do not accept others as partners ". He stressed that "not accepting others as partners is what causes the situation to worsen, and what threatens Iraq's unity." Al-Maliki said that "no one is marginalized in Iraq today", noting that "The government is dealing with all Iraqis, provinces, factions, parties, and affiliations as one." The Prime Minister emphasized that "the lack of political stability will lead to the disturbance of security, and may cause disharmony." explaining that, "Political stability is the basis for Iraq's national unity, and security, and the process of investment, funding and wealth."