Advertisement

New Iraqi ambassador in Canberra

Bookmark this
November 25, 2004 By Alison Caldwell
Mr Al Shibli represented his country in Iraq and Washington for 12 years, under Saddam Hussein's regime, before pursuing an academic career in the US. He returned to Iraq in April last year to take up senior roles with the Iraqi Governing Council and he has been speaking to Alison Caldwell. GHANIM AL SHIBLI: As you know, our security situation is pretty fragile. From now to January, we're trying to clear house – we have a few pockets left. I'm hoping that it will be cleared by that time. But we have a full confidence that the elections will take place. ALISON CALDWELL: Could you see a form of an election taking place whereby voting is held off in some areas, say Fallujah or Mosul? Is that possible? GHANIM AL SHIBLI: Well, that's on the cards, but there is the determination that by January 30th, 2005, all Iraq will be cleared up from those (inaudible) pockets. ALISON CALDWELL: But it is possible? GHANIM AL SHIBLI: Well, it's been said that it might take place, but I'm not sure about that. ALISON CALDWELL: How long do you expect Australia's military commitment to be in Iraq? GHANIM AL SHIBLI: This is up to the Australian Government and they've been mostly appreciated by the Iraqi people for helping the Iraqi people. But I would think that when things get better as far as security, and the Iraqi government is able to build its own security and armed forces, that the multinational forces will be withdrawn upon the request of the Iraqi Government. ALISON CALDWELL: What would you say to Australian businessmen and women, journalists, who are planning to go to Iraq right now? GHANIM AL SHIBLI: I'd say, you're welcome. Iraq needs investment badly. Iraq needs people to come in and help the Iraqi people, we need joint ventures, we need capital coming in. Iraq will be a tremendously good market for Australians and I'll encourage them enthusiastically. ALISON CALDWELL: Our government is advising Australians not to go to Iraq because it's too dangerous. Would you say that that's unnecessary? GHANIM AL SHIBLI: Well, I would say this is up… the evaluation of the situation in Iraq, from the Australian perspective, is up to the Australian Government. But you know, things are improving, I would say, after the Fallujah liberation, and you know, people are coming. I would say it's up to the Australian Government to decide on this. ELEANOR HALL: The new Iraqi ambassador to Australia Ghanim Al Shibli, speaking to Alison Caldwell.

Advertisement

Recent Articles

The United Australia Lebanese Movement Australia Day Award Ceremony

The United Australia Lebanese Movement Australia Day Award Ceremony

The United Australia Lebanese Movement (UALM) held its 22nd consecutive Australia Day Award Ceremony on 22/01/2020 endorsed by the Australia Day Council of NSW. The UALM is the only organisation outside of Local Government able to hold such an event.

January 26, 2020

Rubber Bullets, Tear Gas, Water Cannons Fired at Stone-Throwing Protesters in Beirut

Rubber Bullets, Tear Gas, Water Cannons Fired at Stone-Throwing Protesters in Beirut

Security forces on Sunday fired rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper spray and water cannons at stone-throwing protesters in central Beirut, a day after almost 400 people were injured in the fiercest clashes yet...

January 20, 2020 By Naharnet Newsdesk

Lebanon ranks first in Huawei's Mideast ICT competition

Lebanon ranks first in Huawei's Mideast ICT competition

Lebanon ranked the first in Huawei's Middle East ICT competition which took place over the weekend in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, a Huawei statement said Monday. A total of 13 teams of 39 students from across the Middle East competed in the final.

December 3, 2019

Hariri Announces Resignation, Urges Political Parties to Protect Lebanon

Hariri Announces Resignation, Urges Political Parties to Protect Lebanon

Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Tuesday submitted his government’s resignation to President Michel Aoun, on the 13th day of an unprecedented popular revolt against the entire political class.

October 30, 2019 By Naharnet Newsdesk