Advisor to Iraqi PM: New generation of politicians 'putting Iraq on the right track'

Iraq has suffered several crises and problems, which necessitates moving toward a reform process that seeks to build the nation positively by selecting qualified people and taking effective steps on the ground, the technical advisor to the prime minister of Iraq, Eng. Mohammad Sahib al-Darraji, stressedSpeaking on the sidelines of the Global Security Forum, al-Darraji said, 20 years after Iraq's invasion, it is now possible to discuss many facts that occurred during the past two decades.Several issues that were earlier seen in Iraq was due to political factions and other negative factors which had led to a lack of governance and management, in addition to foreign interventions that stopped the democratic process by supporting certain political factions.Al-Darraji explained that there is a new generation of empowered politicians in Iraq looking to direct the country's affairs toward the right path, noting that achieving the issue of economic balance is built in stages through platforms that provide respect for everyone.He added that Iraq plays a vital role in creating a dialogue between neighbours, which was demonstrated during that past period, despite the troubles it faced. He pointed out Iraq's efforts in the industrial sector as well as its measures to combat terrorism and enhancing security and peace in the region.Al-Darraji stressed the need to invest in human resources in light of the 42mn people in Iraq, of whom 60% are under 20 years old. Iraq has played a focal role in providing energy to the world, he added.As a producer and exporter of energy, Iraq has boosted its production to create a positive balance in the global energy market, he said adding Iraq has joint co-operations with several western countries.Stability of the region will lead to the stability of Iraq, he said.Concluding his speech on the sidelines of the Global Security Forum, al-Darraji said Iraq has played a historical role on many occasion. He stressed the need for experienced people and good planners in his country to move forward towards more reforms and to restore the role of Iraq in the region, with its great history and heritage.A number of experts and academics participating in the Global Security Forum reviewed the challenges Iraq faced during the past 20 years, referring to the climatic and environmental problems it suffers till this day.The experts noted that Iraq today is going through many problems related to poverty and instability, stressing most Iraqi youths are thinking of travelling abroad in order to search for an opportunity to secure their future. (QNA)