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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Iraqi party fires its member for addressing convention in Israel |
| 2004-09-20 |
| Shades of Saddam National Congress Party says Mathal al-Alawasi expressed views that were not in line with party platform. Maariv News Service A day after delivering a speech at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, Mathal al-Alawasi, a member of the Iraqi National Congress Party, was fired from his position in the party. The party convened late Monday to discuss al-Alawasi's speech. It was decided to dismiss him because he had expressed views that did not represent the party's political platform. According to his fellow party members, they had only heard of his visit to Israel through media reports. Al-Alawasi told NRG Maariv on Monday, "Of course I am concerned about coming to Israel and taking part in an official convention. I am aware of the risk, but I am here for the sake of the Iraqi people and I view it as a divine objective". The former Iraqi opposition figure explained that the reason behind his arrival in Israel is that it is a vital component in the Middle East. "I view Israel as one of the elements that has a positive influence, of those who want peace and quiet in the region". Al-Alawasi stressed that Iraq is not asking Israel for military assistance. However, he added, there are many subjects in which both countries could cooperate. Among other messages, al-Alawasi asks to tell Israelis that "the Iraqi people believe in peace and democracy and longs for them". Al-Alawasi is a member of the London-based National Congress Party, which was the largest opposition party to Saddam's rule. The party supported the US invasion of Iraq and even assisted its forces during their preparation. |
| Posted by:Mark Espinola |
| #1 not like saddam, whod have someone killed for that. INC has had many folks who are relatively pro-Israel - its no coincidence this guy was INC. But theyre trying to win votes in the Shia south, and get some backing from Sistani, and this is contrary to their political strategy. Firing this guy was just politics. |
| Posted by: Liberalhawk 2004-09-20 4:17:51 PM |