Ahrar condemns Iraqi Government's handling of refugees
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 16:15
Following an announcement by the Syrian deputy foreign minister, Fayssal al-Mekdad, that Iraq is not living up to its obligations to Iraqi refugees within Syria, Ahrar Party Leader Ayad Jamal Aldin has strongly condemned the Iraqi Government.
Indications show that the Iraqi Government has only contributed a few million dollars to an international fund of $750 million to help ease the plight of Iraqi refugees.
On hearing the news, Ayad Jamal Aldin said, "It is outrageous that the Iraqi government is unwilling to provide for its own estranged citizens who are in a state of legal limbo in Syria."
"If elected, Ahrar will help ALL Iraqis regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds based on their need and not play politics with people's lives."
"Billions have been lost or stolen due to negligent and corrupt governing, and the Iraqi government cannot find the money to help Iraq's most vulnerable? It is utterly shameful."
"Only by voting for Ahrar can Iraqis guarantee a secular, non-sectarian, non-corrupt and united Iraq."
"I call upon the Iraqi government to give as much as they can to help Iraqi refugees so that they may wish to return to help build a stronger and better Iraq for our children."
For further information, contact:
Ahrar Media Bureau
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About Ayad Jamal Aldin:
Ayad Jamal Aldin is a cleric, best known for his consistent campaigning for a new, secular Iraq. He first rose to prominence at the Nasiriyah conference in March 2003, shortly before the fall of Saddam, where he called for a state free of religion, the turban and other theological symbols. In 2005, he was elected as one of the 25 MPs on the Iraqi National List, but withdrew in 2009 after becoming disenchanted with Iyad Allawi's overtures to Iran. He wants complete independence from Iranian interference in Iraq. He now leads the Ahrar party for the 2010 election to the Council of Representatives, to clean up corruption and create a strong, secure and liberated Iraq for the future.