• Statements
• 14 Rabiul-Thani 1425

The English translation of the response by the Office of H. E. Ayatullah Seestani in Najaf to an inquiry concerning the newly appointed government in Iraq.

Below is an English translation of the response by the Office of H. E. Ayatullah Seestani in Najaf to an inquiry concerning the newly appointed government in Iraq.




The Office of H. E. Grand Ayatullah Seestani (long may he live)

Many people are asking about the position regarding the new Iraqi government which was formed yesterday with the efforts of the United Nations envoy Mr. Lakhdar al-Ibrahimi ?

A group of Believers
2 June 2004




In The Name of The Almighty

His Eminence has repeatedly emphasized before upon the necessity of having an Iraqi sovereign government emanating from free and fair elections through general participation of the Iraqi people.
However, for many obvious reasons the election option was excluded - between delay and procrastination, objection and scare-mongering. Thus, time ran out and the deadline of 30 June approached when the Iraqis were supposed to regain sovereignty over their country.
So, a new government was appointed lacking the legitimacy of elections as well as not properly representing all segments of Iraqi society and its political forces.

Nonetheless, it is hoped that this government will prove its efficiency and integrity and show resolve to carry out the mammoth task that rest on its shoulders as follows:

1- Obtain a clear resolution from the U.N. Security Council restoring sovereignty to the Iraqi people - a full and complete sovereignty in all its political, economic, and military and security forms and endeavor assiduously to erase all traces of the occupation.
2- Provide security in all sectors of the country and curb organized criminal activities and all other criminal acts.
3- Provide basic services to the citizens and alleviate the hardships they encounter in their daily lives.
4- Carefully prepare for general elections adhering to its set time at the beginning of next year so that a national council may be formed that is not bound by any of the laws issued under occupation and among these the so called administrative law for the transitional period.

The new government will not gain popular acceptance unless it proves through clear and practical steps that it diligently and honestly seeks to accomplish the aforementioned tasks. May Allah grant everyone success to achieve that which pleases and satisfies Him.

Seal of the Office of Ayatullah Seestani in Najaf
3 June 2004