Workers of many sectors of industry and social service in Iraq launch protests these days demanding improvement in their living conditions.
After the protests by workers of Soft Drinks, Textile and Electricity, the workers of power station in Nasiyriah, the largest power station in the country, started a strike demanding improvement in their living and working condition. They also ask to improve the performance of the station as the residents of this city suffer from sever shortage in electricity.
The protest of workers to improve their living and working conditions will continue and all oppressive resolutions in force can not put an end to it.
The working class has practically proved its capacity to challenge the resolutions, which deny workers the right to strike and hold gatherings and consider workers in public sector public servants. These resolutions were passed by the Baath regime and are today used by current administration whenever the daily struggle by working class intensifies.
By asking for their unpaid allowances the workers of electricity in Nasiyriah put the authority before its responsibilities and force it to meet their demands.
The Federation of Workers’ Councils and Unions stand in the forefront of the protest movement by workers and regards the strike by workers of Nasiryiah power station and their demands the continuation of the demands presented by the FWCUI.
The draft of labour law proposed by the FWCUI is the right answer to workers’ demands and by struggling to implement it; workers can impose their objectives on the current authorities.
Long live the daily struggle of workers
Long live Freedom
Long live workers’ willpower
Federation of Workers’ Councils and Unions in Iraq
22.12.2004
Wednesday, December 29
Monday, December 27
Demonstrations against Iraqi elections (orgainised by WCPI)
The election is a puppet show to legitimatize the U.S policy in Iraq.
The election under the occupation of the U.S and under the auspices of the Islamists, and chauvinists militias has no legitimacy and does not represent free, and conscious voices of people in determining the type of government in Iraq and the future of such government.
The Worker-communist Party of Iraq- Britain organisation will be organizing series of demonstrations, rallies, and various activities in London and other cities in order to avert the reactionary alternatives of Islamic nationalist forces, the stooges of the U.S, which are the causes of insecurity, terror, and explosions. Let’s together stop this scenario. Bringing back civility to the society, pulling the U.S troops out of Iraq, and running the society by the people themselves to establish their coveted state, and to hold referendum prior to election for independence of Kurdistan, are the present demands of people of Iraq.
The election does not contain any free election provisions. It is a puppet show to legitimatize the U.S policy in Iraq, and the future Islamic nationalist government approved by the U.S.
The coming election tramples on the demands of liberating from the occupation of the U.S, and the demands of freedom, security, and secular government.
The election denies the right of people of Kurdistan to hold a free referendum. The election will lead to reluctant annexation of Kurdistan to the central government of Iraq.
Join us in these protest actions against the process of the so-called election. Come on to raise voice of freedom loving people of Iraq and Kurdistan against the farce of election, and to strengthen, and glorify these activities.
-Monday: 27/12/2004. Time: 5 PM.
Venue: Edgware Road (nearest tube station: Marble Arch on the Central Line).
Book stall and other activities will be organized until the end of January.
-Demonstrations against the election in front of Iraqi Consulate in London.
Date: 28/12/2004. Time: 12:00 to 15:00.
Venue: nearest tube station is Nights Bridge on the Piccadilly Line.
Worker- communist Party of Iraq- Britain Organisation.
For further information please contact Dashty Jamal on 07734704742 or Muhsin Karim on 07835074608.
www.wpiraq.net
The election under the occupation of the U.S and under the auspices of the Islamists, and chauvinists militias has no legitimacy and does not represent free, and conscious voices of people in determining the type of government in Iraq and the future of such government.
The Worker-communist Party of Iraq- Britain organisation will be organizing series of demonstrations, rallies, and various activities in London and other cities in order to avert the reactionary alternatives of Islamic nationalist forces, the stooges of the U.S, which are the causes of insecurity, terror, and explosions. Let’s together stop this scenario. Bringing back civility to the society, pulling the U.S troops out of Iraq, and running the society by the people themselves to establish their coveted state, and to hold referendum prior to election for independence of Kurdistan, are the present demands of people of Iraq.
The election does not contain any free election provisions. It is a puppet show to legitimatize the U.S policy in Iraq, and the future Islamic nationalist government approved by the U.S.
The coming election tramples on the demands of liberating from the occupation of the U.S, and the demands of freedom, security, and secular government.
The election denies the right of people of Kurdistan to hold a free referendum. The election will lead to reluctant annexation of Kurdistan to the central government of Iraq.
Join us in these protest actions against the process of the so-called election. Come on to raise voice of freedom loving people of Iraq and Kurdistan against the farce of election, and to strengthen, and glorify these activities.
-Monday: 27/12/2004. Time: 5 PM.
Venue: Edgware Road (nearest tube station: Marble Arch on the Central Line).
Book stall and other activities will be organized until the end of January.
-Demonstrations against the election in front of Iraqi Consulate in London.
Date: 28/12/2004. Time: 12:00 to 15:00.
Venue: nearest tube station is Nights Bridge on the Piccadilly Line.
Worker- communist Party of Iraq- Britain Organisation.
For further information please contact Dashty Jamal on 07734704742 or Muhsin Karim on 07835074608.
www.wpiraq.net
Sunday, December 26
Second Report from Basra Workers' Conference
On 26.November 2004 under the slogan the power of working class is in its unity and organisation und with participation of 350 workers who represented 42 preparatory committees for establishment of trade unions in different industrial and public sectors ,the first open conference of workers in Basra was organised. Many solidarity letters were sent to the conference from the following Organisations; Union of Education workers in France , International Lasion Committee in France, Solidarité Irak France, Union of Steel Workers in Australia, the union of Harbour workers in Australia, the National Assembly for peace and democracy in Japan( Zenko) , Marxist Comrade Group in Japan, the Confederation of Korean Trade Union in South Korea, the Union of Railway workers in Japan, Central organisation of trade union in Kenya COTU-K , No Sweat Campaign in UK, Unemployed Workers Centre of TUC from Bringhton und Hove in UK, Freedom socialist Party in USA, also delegations from organisations of civil society in Iraq ,delegations of Trade Unions from Suleimania, Erbil and Bgahdad ,University teachers, among the delegates were Nadia Mahmoud, member of political Bureau of WCPI and president of Middle East Centre for Women rights, Yanar Mohammad , president of OWFI, Falah Alwan , president of FWCUI, Qasim Hadi , general secretary of UUI ,Dr. Riyau Asadi, president of the Centre to defend freedom of ideas, Dr. Namir Nazir Alkayat from college of Literature, Abduljabar Kazim , president of Prosecutors Office in Basra, Muhamd Inwan, Judicial Assistant, Harth Alwazan , Judicial Assistant , Abdulla Al- Maliki, the famous Unionist of Sothern Oil Company -SOC and prominent figure Hasan Al Khafaji.
Falah Alwan, president of FWCUI presented a lecture about the freedom of trade unions, Adul karim Al Sada presented a research about the unity of the working class and
Ali Abas presented an assessment about the realities and current situation of the labour movement in Basra.
Qasim Hadi, general secretary of UUI made a speech about the unemployment in Iraq after wars and under the occupation, Yanar Mohamad, gave a speech who stressed the support of progressive women movement and organisation of Women Freedom in Iraq to the workers in Basra and this conference. Nadia Mahmoud, member of the political Bureau of the Worker Communist Party of Iraq gave a speech and she said that millions of workers worldwide following the events of this conference which was held in a historical moment where the occupying forces and political Islam confronting each other in a terrorist conflict in Iraq which is the reason of tens of daily causalities of civilian people in Iraq .She also explained the importance of international solidarity with labour movement in Iraq. Mrs. Samira Hassan representative of the Association to Defend Homeless Families-Basra expressed in her speech that FWCUI and the Association to Defend Homeless Families were established to lead the protests for Freedom and Prosperity.
Before the conclusion of the conference, the elections of leading committee concluded with 19 candidates to elect 8 members and 4 substitute Members of FWCUI branch office in Basra .The elections carried out in democratic and transparent way in which two ladies got the most votes who are Mrs. Kifah Hassan Ibrahim from the petrochemical company and Mrs. Khlud Mahdi .Their election promoted the participants and they all welcome the female unionists and expressed their great consideration for the position of Iraqi women .
The names of the leadership members of FWCUI in their first meeting on 30.November 2004 are as following:
1. Ali Abas Khafif , president of the branch office of FWCUI in Basra
2. Abdulkarim Abdulsada, primary Vice President
3. Ali Ziyara Ubaid, secondary Vice president
4. Sami Hassan Musa, Secretary of FWCUI
5. Relationship Committee: Auda Abdulnabi Zabun in charge of this committee and with memberships of:
A- Khlud Mahdi,
B- Kifah Hassan Ibrahim
C- Muhamad ZAki
D- Abdulkarim Farhan.
6. Supervision Committee: Fisal Kasim in charge for this committee and memberships of;
A-Raid Mahmud Kazm,
B-Akil Mustafa,
C- Haidar Abdulla Muslim
7. Publication committee from Basim Khalil Ibrahim in charge for this committee and Ismail Hussein as a member
8. Admin committee:
A-Fahkir Tryak,
B-Karim Juji,
C- Maih Jamil
9. Juristic committee from Nasir Talib in charge of this committee, and Ahmad Mujhar as a member
10. Finance committee: Adnan Hanun
Long live the Unity of Working class
Forward to end the occupation of Iraq
FWCUI
1.12.2004
Falah Alwan, president of FWCUI presented a lecture about the freedom of trade unions, Adul karim Al Sada presented a research about the unity of the working class and
Ali Abas presented an assessment about the realities and current situation of the labour movement in Basra.
Qasim Hadi, general secretary of UUI made a speech about the unemployment in Iraq after wars and under the occupation, Yanar Mohamad, gave a speech who stressed the support of progressive women movement and organisation of Women Freedom in Iraq to the workers in Basra and this conference. Nadia Mahmoud, member of the political Bureau of the Worker Communist Party of Iraq gave a speech and she said that millions of workers worldwide following the events of this conference which was held in a historical moment where the occupying forces and political Islam confronting each other in a terrorist conflict in Iraq which is the reason of tens of daily causalities of civilian people in Iraq .She also explained the importance of international solidarity with labour movement in Iraq. Mrs. Samira Hassan representative of the Association to Defend Homeless Families-Basra expressed in her speech that FWCUI and the Association to Defend Homeless Families were established to lead the protests for Freedom and Prosperity.
Before the conclusion of the conference, the elections of leading committee concluded with 19 candidates to elect 8 members and 4 substitute Members of FWCUI branch office in Basra .The elections carried out in democratic and transparent way in which two ladies got the most votes who are Mrs. Kifah Hassan Ibrahim from the petrochemical company and Mrs. Khlud Mahdi .Their election promoted the participants and they all welcome the female unionists and expressed their great consideration for the position of Iraqi women .
The names of the leadership members of FWCUI in their first meeting on 30.November 2004 are as following:
1. Ali Abas Khafif , president of the branch office of FWCUI in Basra
2. Abdulkarim Abdulsada, primary Vice President
3. Ali Ziyara Ubaid, secondary Vice president
4. Sami Hassan Musa, Secretary of FWCUI
5. Relationship Committee: Auda Abdulnabi Zabun in charge of this committee and with memberships of:
A- Khlud Mahdi,
B- Kifah Hassan Ibrahim
C- Muhamad ZAki
D- Abdulkarim Farhan.
6. Supervision Committee: Fisal Kasim in charge for this committee and memberships of;
A-Raid Mahmud Kazm,
B-Akil Mustafa,
C- Haidar Abdulla Muslim
7. Publication committee from Basim Khalil Ibrahim in charge for this committee and Ismail Hussein as a member
8. Admin committee:
A-Fahkir Tryak,
B-Karim Juji,
C- Maih Jamil
9. Juristic committee from Nasir Talib in charge of this committee, and Ahmad Mujhar as a member
10. Finance committee: Adnan Hanun
Long live the Unity of Working class
Forward to end the occupation of Iraq
FWCUI
1.12.2004
Friday, December 24
Urgent Global Labour Alert, IFTU Official in Danger (appeal from Labour Friends of Iraq)
We are appealing to the international labour movement to help avert the assassination of a trade union leader, 40 year old Nozad Ismail who is the President of the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions in Kirkuk.
Nozad has already survived two assassination attempts this year at the hands of the so-called 'resistance'. He receives daily death threats.
The only weapon we have to help Nozad is publicity. We aim to make the cost of murdering him too high by publicising his case and demanding the resistance stop intimidating him and threatening his life.
There is no single authority upon which we can place demands or focus pressure. The people who wish to kill Nozad don't organise openly. This appeal is, therefore, different from cases where someone has been imprisoned but is no less urgent.
What you can do:
Pass this motion in your party or union branch and tell the local newspapers.
This (union branch/party branch/CLP) notes that Nozad Ismail, the President of the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions in Kirkuk has twice survived assassination attempts by the so-called resistance and is subject to daily death threats. We call upon the international labour movement to extend solidarity to Nozad in the hope that these acts of solidarity and resulting publicity may make the cost of murdering him too high. We believe that increased solidarity with Iraqi democrats like Nozad will also contribute to the success of the forthcoming elections which can secure a sovereign and democratic Iraqi government, which can best tackle the so-called resistance, from which these threats emanate.
Tell us that you support this initiative – email us - and we will collate the lists and use it to focus maximum international attention. We will pass all motions and expressions of support to Nozad
Labour Friends of Iraq - www.labourfriendsofiraq.org.uk, info@labourfriendsofiraq.org.uk
Nozad has already survived two assassination attempts this year at the hands of the so-called 'resistance'. He receives daily death threats.
The only weapon we have to help Nozad is publicity. We aim to make the cost of murdering him too high by publicising his case and demanding the resistance stop intimidating him and threatening his life.
There is no single authority upon which we can place demands or focus pressure. The people who wish to kill Nozad don't organise openly. This appeal is, therefore, different from cases where someone has been imprisoned but is no less urgent.
What you can do:
Pass this motion in your party or union branch and tell the local newspapers.
This (union branch/party branch/CLP) notes that Nozad Ismail, the President of the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions in Kirkuk has twice survived assassination attempts by the so-called resistance and is subject to daily death threats. We call upon the international labour movement to extend solidarity to Nozad in the hope that these acts of solidarity and resulting publicity may make the cost of murdering him too high. We believe that increased solidarity with Iraqi democrats like Nozad will also contribute to the success of the forthcoming elections which can secure a sovereign and democratic Iraqi government, which can best tackle the so-called resistance, from which these threats emanate.
Tell us that you support this initiative – email us - and we will collate the lists and use it to focus maximum international attention. We will pass all motions and expressions of support to Nozad
Labour Friends of Iraq - www.labourfriendsofiraq.org.uk, info@labourfriendsofiraq.org.uk
Protests and strikes of the Workers in the Electricity Power Station in Nassiriya city
The workers in the electricity power station in Nassirya which is regarded one of the biggest electricity production stations in southern part of Iraq, organised a strike for three days against the policies implemented by the administration in this electricity station. The workers declared their strike against the policies of the administration which were announced by workers as dictatorial und bureaucratic policies against workers there and they accused the administration for corruption and criticised their attitude toward the workers despite the extraordinary working force invested by workers to supply Iraqi cities with Electricity. The Union of Electricity workers in the Power station published a press release announcing that, until their demands been responded positively by the administration , they will continue their strike and they warned the administration to give up from treating workers according to reactionary and anti-workers policies of Baath regime .The Announcement also demanded to offer the city of Nassiriya a fix amount of electricity in order to keep security and the interests of people of this city .The administration threatened to crack down this strike action and to use security forces.
We in FWCUI support your strike action and all your demands with all political means and we appeal to the workers to join your Federation, federation of Workers Councils and Unions in Iraq. This progressive step of workers in Nassriya proves that the power of working class is in its organisation and unity. We appreciate this step of workers in Nassriya to improve living condition and to step forward for a progressive and modern labour law in Iraq.
In Solidarity
FWCUI
22.12.2004
We in FWCUI support your strike action and all your demands with all political means and we appeal to the workers to join your Federation, federation of Workers Councils and Unions in Iraq. This progressive step of workers in Nassriya proves that the power of working class is in its organisation and unity. We appreciate this step of workers in Nassriya to improve living condition and to step forward for a progressive and modern labour law in Iraq.
In Solidarity
FWCUI
22.12.2004
Wednesday, December 22
Interview: President of the Iraqi Agricultural Workers' Union
The following interview with Abdul Aalye Awlawe Al Rekeabye, President of the Agricultural Workers Union was conducted at the recent Conference of Iraqi trade unions organised by the ICFTU in Amman, Jordan to discuss the application of ILO Conventions in Iraq and the development of a labour code for the Iraqi constitution.
Abdullah Muhsin: Tell us something about your union. When was it established? How were you elected as President and what have you achieved since your election?
Abdul Aalye Awlawe Al Rekeabye: On 5th June 2004 a conference was held at the Ministry of Agriculture offices in Baghdad. 119 delegates representing 28 workplace union committees attended the Conference. The delegates all came from Baghdad. 24 individuals put themselves forward for election to an Executive Committee and 15, including myself, were elected. I was then elected President at the first meeting of the Executive Committee.
We have warm comradeship with all regional union committees, such as those in Al Umara and Dyala kut al Basra.
We organised a strike on 4th and 5th September 2004 at the A1 Kandy Company, demanding a pay increase. All the 170 workers at the company took part in the action and after two days we won a minimum wage agreement for unskilled workers and an increase in the monthly rate from 30, 000 to 70, 000 dinars.
We have organised several seminars on trade union rights. We campaigned for reinstatement and compensation for workers who were sacked for their political views by the old regime. Our union has succeeded in obtaining the reinstatement of many workers.
We are affiliated to the IFTU and consider our union as one of the main pillars of the federation – we were at the conference that established the IFTU on 16 May 2003.
We are presently campaigning for a labour code in line with ILO principles on rights at work, and demanding the repeal of Saddam’s 1987 anti-union law, which is still in place.
At our conference on 5th June 2004, it was agreed to form a Food Staff Workers Union, as a separate section of the Agricultural Union. The new Food Staff Union has already achieved success in wage struggles, notably in the Baghdad Tobacco factory. It has also prevented the forced transfer of one of its officials from one company to another: the state management backed down in the face of a threatened strike. The union now has branches organising in the following sectors: Food Oil, Tobacco,
Sweets, Yoghurt, Food Products and Soft Drinks
Abdullah Muhsin: Tell us something about your union. When was it established? How were you elected as President and what have you achieved since your election?
Abdul Aalye Awlawe Al Rekeabye: On 5th June 2004 a conference was held at the Ministry of Agriculture offices in Baghdad. 119 delegates representing 28 workplace union committees attended the Conference. The delegates all came from Baghdad. 24 individuals put themselves forward for election to an Executive Committee and 15, including myself, were elected. I was then elected President at the first meeting of the Executive Committee.
We have warm comradeship with all regional union committees, such as those in Al Umara and Dyala kut al Basra.
We organised a strike on 4th and 5th September 2004 at the A1 Kandy Company, demanding a pay increase. All the 170 workers at the company took part in the action and after two days we won a minimum wage agreement for unskilled workers and an increase in the monthly rate from 30, 000 to 70, 000 dinars.
We have organised several seminars on trade union rights. We campaigned for reinstatement and compensation for workers who were sacked for their political views by the old regime. Our union has succeeded in obtaining the reinstatement of many workers.
We are affiliated to the IFTU and consider our union as one of the main pillars of the federation – we were at the conference that established the IFTU on 16 May 2003.
We are presently campaigning for a labour code in line with ILO principles on rights at work, and demanding the repeal of Saddam’s 1987 anti-union law, which is still in place.
At our conference on 5th June 2004, it was agreed to form a Food Staff Workers Union, as a separate section of the Agricultural Union. The new Food Staff Union has already achieved success in wage struggles, notably in the Baghdad Tobacco factory. It has also prevented the forced transfer of one of its officials from one company to another: the state management backed down in the face of a threatened strike. The union now has branches organising in the following sectors: Food Oil, Tobacco,
Sweets, Yoghurt, Food Products and Soft Drinks
Interview: President of the Construction Workers' & Carpenters' Union
The following report from Khalud Jasim Muthana, President of the Construction Workers' & Carpenters' Union was given at the recent Conference of Iraqi trade unions organised by the ICFTU in Amman, Jordan to discuss the application of ILO Conventions in Iraq and the development of a labour code for the Iraqi constitution.
"After the fall of the Saddam regime, we began to organise in the construction industry. I was appointed as the President of the preparatory committee, which by 28th June 2004 comprised 42 workplace committees."
"Our first conference was held at Baghdad central railway station and was attended by 250 workers – men and women. The main theme of the conference was to build a new trade union centre. The second theme was for the reinstatement of workers victimised by Saddam’s regime because of union activity. Conference then elected a leadership of 15."
"Since the conference we have managed to form another 18 union committees. We have demanded that the Oil Ministry ensures that oil supplies are maintained to the factories where we organise. We have organised to protect from sabotage, the electricity supplies to workplaces where our members work. We organise in both the public and private sectors."
"We now have about 54 workplace committees, elected by rank and file members. These committees include about 25 women and our policy is to maintain good relations with all Iraqis, whatever their background."
"After the fall of the Saddam regime, we began to organise in the construction industry. I was appointed as the President of the preparatory committee, which by 28th June 2004 comprised 42 workplace committees."
"Our first conference was held at Baghdad central railway station and was attended by 250 workers – men and women. The main theme of the conference was to build a new trade union centre. The second theme was for the reinstatement of workers victimised by Saddam’s regime because of union activity. Conference then elected a leadership of 15."
"Since the conference we have managed to form another 18 union committees. We have demanded that the Oil Ministry ensures that oil supplies are maintained to the factories where we organise. We have organised to protect from sabotage, the electricity supplies to workplaces where our members work. We organise in both the public and private sectors."
"We now have about 54 workplace committees, elected by rank and file members. These committees include about 25 women and our policy is to maintain good relations with all Iraqis, whatever their background."
Report On Australian Fundraiser
Our first fundraiser nets $600!
On Monday December 6 Australia/Iraq Trade Union Solidarity held a "Solidarity Rocks" night at the Greek Club in Lakemba. The 35 attendees included a 10-strong group from the Iraqi community. Lynn of AusIraq welcomed everyone. Jalal representing the Unemployed Workers Union of Iraq gave us some information about campaigns the
UUI is conducting at the moment.
Guests enjoyed a Greek buffet dinner followed by some terrific live jazz,organised by jazz musician and AusIraq activist Michael Morphett. Our thanks go to Michael on bass, keyboard player Kelvin Hewitson, drummer Mark Fagan and Michael Brown on Sax ....all of whom performed for free. If you see their names up on posters for gigs around town please go along and support these fine musicians.
Around $1000 was collected at the door. The reception room was free but we paid $15 per head for dinner. This left us with around $600 in the kitty which will be spilt 50:50 between the two main Iraqi trade union federations.
The transfer of this money will be via APHEDA, the ACTU's foreign aid body. I'm looking forward to meeting with everyone in the new year to plan more intersting and enjoyable fundraisers. And to flesh out our plan to send a fact finding delegation of Ausralian trade unioinists to Iraq. Our friends in the UUI indicated on the night that they're keen to seethis happen and have promised to give the delegation their full support and protection while in Iraq.
On Monday December 6 Australia/Iraq Trade Union Solidarity held a "Solidarity Rocks" night at the Greek Club in Lakemba. The 35 attendees included a 10-strong group from the Iraqi community. Lynn of AusIraq welcomed everyone. Jalal representing the Unemployed Workers Union of Iraq gave us some information about campaigns the
UUI is conducting at the moment.
Guests enjoyed a Greek buffet dinner followed by some terrific live jazz,organised by jazz musician and AusIraq activist Michael Morphett. Our thanks go to Michael on bass, keyboard player Kelvin Hewitson, drummer Mark Fagan and Michael Brown on Sax ....all of whom performed for free. If you see their names up on posters for gigs around town please go along and support these fine musicians.
Around $1000 was collected at the door. The reception room was free but we paid $15 per head for dinner. This left us with around $600 in the kitty which will be spilt 50:50 between the two main Iraqi trade union federations.
The transfer of this money will be via APHEDA, the ACTU's foreign aid body. I'm looking forward to meeting with everyone in the new year to plan more intersting and enjoyable fundraisers. And to flesh out our plan to send a fact finding delegation of Ausralian trade unioinists to Iraq. Our friends in the UUI indicated on the night that they're keen to seethis happen and have promised to give the delegation their full support and protection while in Iraq.
Saturday, December 18
Worker Communists to boycott Iraq's elections
The Worker-communist Party of Iraq has resolved to boycott the 30 January elections. It refers back to a statement it made in October. The issue of the general elections to elect the future Iraqi government that is supposed to be held in the beginning of next year has been put forward for a while. However, amid the current extremely complicated, harsh and dangerous circumstances in Iraq, people are suspicious and hesitant about this issue. Taking into consideration the current situation, the Worker-communist Party of Iraq puts forth its views on the issue of elections and as following:
From our point of view, the only process, which can be called free election, is the one, which is the reflection of the free participation and intervention by people to decide the ruling regime and which meets the following conditions fully:
1. Guarantee the unconditional and unlimited political freedom for all political and mass organizations across the country. All groups must be able to practice political activity in all parts of the country without any kind of pressure, so that the masses are well informed in a free and secure climate about the programs, solutions and the alternatives of all political forces.
2. All groups must have equal access to fund and facilities including access to media to address people.
3. After achieving article 1 and 2 above, at least three months must be allowed for all groups to campaign for elections so that they can inform the people about their projects and solutions.
4. The plan and method, which guarantees the freedom of people to cast their votes away from any form of pressure or coercion, must be made public immediately.
5. The plan and method for holding fair elections protected from being rigged, must be made clear. The elections must be held under the supervision of an international body neutral in the current conflicts in Iraq.
6. The elections must be held in very secure conditions where the masses are able to go to booths without any fear or the feeling that their lives are at risk.
7. There is a huge political issue in Iraq with a long history, namely the “Kurdish issue”. There are two ways to resolve this issue: either to separate and build an independent state or to stay within Iraq provided that equal rights are guaranteed for the people of Kurdistan with the rest of the residents of Iraq. This issue must be resolved through a referendum for people living in Kurdistan before the election due to be held in Iraq to decide the next government in Iraq.
Undoubtedly, none of the above articles, which represent the basic conditions for holding elections that can be called free elections, exists. In all parts where the Islamists have an upper hand and in particular in south of Iraq, they assassinate political activists and their opponents and issue Fatwas (religious decrees), which allow killing those who express ideas different to their ideas and which do not comply with the Islamic Shari’a. There have been many of such practices against our party and members so far.
Moreover, they are imposing their believes and traditions on people by armed militia and terrorism. They are assassinating followers of other religions. Where the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan rules which includes a significant part of the country, our party is officially outlawed and our members harassed on daily basis, many political publications are banned and the freedom of political activity is restricted. Under such circumstances there is no political freedom and freedom of belief.
The resources of the country are concentrated in the hands of groups, institutions and apparatuses loyal to America. The oppositions groups do not get any support from the country’s revenues and they do not have access to official media outlets. Thus, the pro-USA Islamic and ethnocentric groups monopolize the media. Under such conditions there is no way that other groups can inform the masses of people about their solutions and politics.
On the other hand, in these circumstances the masses are unable to vote consciously and on basis of knowing and understanding the alternatives of all parties. They are unable under the pressure, the rule or influence of various militias from choosing their alternative freely. These obstacles in addition to the obscurity of how the fairness of these elections will be secured and not having the neutral international organ, which is supposed to directly oversee these elections, do not leave any credibility for the play that is to be conducted under the name of free elections. The United Nation which is supposed to oversee these elections has not been involved in Iraq during last 18 months as a neutral party, but it has proved form the very beginning by handing over the future of the Iraqi society to America and its allies, it is not neutral and therefore is not eligible to oversee these elections as a neutral party.
The current hazardous and harsh conditions in Iraq will also prevent the masses of people from participating in these elections without fear and concern about their safety. In conditions where people do not feel secure and peaceful even at their own homes and feel unsafe to stand in a queue to buy bread cannot participate in this political process and queue to cast their votes.
Finally, in regard to the issue of people of Kurdistan whose fate is still suspended especially after the latest comments made by the Interim Iraqi President, Ghazi Yawar, the forceful annexation of Kurdistan to Iraq and bypassing this issue must not be assumed to be the solution for it. A referendum must be organized to ask the people in Kurdistan about their opinion to stay within Iraq or separate and build an independent state and whatever the result of such referendum could be, it is official and legal and must be carried out.
All these issues created numerous complicated questions for the masses and for us on how this process will be conducted. The right answer to these questions will make the basis for a right and principled position based on serving the interests of people on this issue. The Worker-communist Party of Iraq by stressing on these conditions to hold free elections and on the principles mentioned above holds all parties, which stand behind the project of the Iraq’s polls responsible to give answers to these questions and meet these conditions. A suitable answer, which meets these conditions, will give an opportunity to all parties to participate in the elections and to the masses to cast their votes, otherwise there will be no space for this to happen. We as a force, which represents the interests of the masses of people, will take our final stand on these elections on basis of whether these conditions and principles are met or not.
October 13,2004
From our point of view, the only process, which can be called free election, is the one, which is the reflection of the free participation and intervention by people to decide the ruling regime and which meets the following conditions fully:
1. Guarantee the unconditional and unlimited political freedom for all political and mass organizations across the country. All groups must be able to practice political activity in all parts of the country without any kind of pressure, so that the masses are well informed in a free and secure climate about the programs, solutions and the alternatives of all political forces.
2. All groups must have equal access to fund and facilities including access to media to address people.
3. After achieving article 1 and 2 above, at least three months must be allowed for all groups to campaign for elections so that they can inform the people about their projects and solutions.
4. The plan and method, which guarantees the freedom of people to cast their votes away from any form of pressure or coercion, must be made public immediately.
5. The plan and method for holding fair elections protected from being rigged, must be made clear. The elections must be held under the supervision of an international body neutral in the current conflicts in Iraq.
6. The elections must be held in very secure conditions where the masses are able to go to booths without any fear or the feeling that their lives are at risk.
7. There is a huge political issue in Iraq with a long history, namely the “Kurdish issue”. There are two ways to resolve this issue: either to separate and build an independent state or to stay within Iraq provided that equal rights are guaranteed for the people of Kurdistan with the rest of the residents of Iraq. This issue must be resolved through a referendum for people living in Kurdistan before the election due to be held in Iraq to decide the next government in Iraq.
Undoubtedly, none of the above articles, which represent the basic conditions for holding elections that can be called free elections, exists. In all parts where the Islamists have an upper hand and in particular in south of Iraq, they assassinate political activists and their opponents and issue Fatwas (religious decrees), which allow killing those who express ideas different to their ideas and which do not comply with the Islamic Shari’a. There have been many of such practices against our party and members so far.
Moreover, they are imposing their believes and traditions on people by armed militia and terrorism. They are assassinating followers of other religions. Where the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan rules which includes a significant part of the country, our party is officially outlawed and our members harassed on daily basis, many political publications are banned and the freedom of political activity is restricted. Under such circumstances there is no political freedom and freedom of belief.
The resources of the country are concentrated in the hands of groups, institutions and apparatuses loyal to America. The oppositions groups do not get any support from the country’s revenues and they do not have access to official media outlets. Thus, the pro-USA Islamic and ethnocentric groups monopolize the media. Under such conditions there is no way that other groups can inform the masses of people about their solutions and politics.
On the other hand, in these circumstances the masses are unable to vote consciously and on basis of knowing and understanding the alternatives of all parties. They are unable under the pressure, the rule or influence of various militias from choosing their alternative freely. These obstacles in addition to the obscurity of how the fairness of these elections will be secured and not having the neutral international organ, which is supposed to directly oversee these elections, do not leave any credibility for the play that is to be conducted under the name of free elections. The United Nation which is supposed to oversee these elections has not been involved in Iraq during last 18 months as a neutral party, but it has proved form the very beginning by handing over the future of the Iraqi society to America and its allies, it is not neutral and therefore is not eligible to oversee these elections as a neutral party.
The current hazardous and harsh conditions in Iraq will also prevent the masses of people from participating in these elections without fear and concern about their safety. In conditions where people do not feel secure and peaceful even at their own homes and feel unsafe to stand in a queue to buy bread cannot participate in this political process and queue to cast their votes.
Finally, in regard to the issue of people of Kurdistan whose fate is still suspended especially after the latest comments made by the Interim Iraqi President, Ghazi Yawar, the forceful annexation of Kurdistan to Iraq and bypassing this issue must not be assumed to be the solution for it. A referendum must be organized to ask the people in Kurdistan about their opinion to stay within Iraq or separate and build an independent state and whatever the result of such referendum could be, it is official and legal and must be carried out.
All these issues created numerous complicated questions for the masses and for us on how this process will be conducted. The right answer to these questions will make the basis for a right and principled position based on serving the interests of people on this issue. The Worker-communist Party of Iraq by stressing on these conditions to hold free elections and on the principles mentioned above holds all parties, which stand behind the project of the Iraq’s polls responsible to give answers to these questions and meet these conditions. A suitable answer, which meets these conditions, will give an opportunity to all parties to participate in the elections and to the masses to cast their votes, otherwise there will be no space for this to happen. We as a force, which represents the interests of the masses of people, will take our final stand on these elections on basis of whether these conditions and principles are met or not.
October 13,2004
Friday, December 17
Oil workers Force Management to Make Public a letter by Minister for Oil
A number of workers who belong to the Federation of Workers' Councils and Unions in the South Oil Company discovered an official letter issued by the Minister of Oil dated October10 ,2004 attached to a table on workers' allowances The administration has tried to conceal the letter.
The members of the Federation faced up to the financial manager who announced he would form a committee from the heads of various departments to study the letter and come up with specific recommendations on the steps requested by the Minister in the letter. However the workers, through the Preparatory Committee of the Federation of Workers' councils and Unions refused this suggestion and asked for an open forum to be held for all workers to discuss the contents of the letter and to give their opinion about it in defence of their interests. In face of the insistence of the Committee, the financial manager agreed to their demand. The forum was held on November 5, 2004 where workers gave their opinion and their comments were documented. This was one example of gains made in the struggle by the members of the Federation and their preparatory Committee in the South Oil Company.
FWCUI-October 2004
The members of the Federation faced up to the financial manager who announced he would form a committee from the heads of various departments to study the letter and come up with specific recommendations on the steps requested by the Minister in the letter. However the workers, through the Preparatory Committee of the Federation of Workers' councils and Unions refused this suggestion and asked for an open forum to be held for all workers to discuss the contents of the letter and to give their opinion about it in defence of their interests. In face of the insistence of the Committee, the financial manager agreed to their demand. The forum was held on November 5, 2004 where workers gave their opinion and their comments were documented. This was one example of gains made in the struggle by the members of the Federation and their preparatory Committee in the South Oil Company.
FWCUI-October 2004
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)