Bin Al-Hussein: Constitutional Monarchy best solution for Iraq

Bin Al-Hussein: Constitutional Monarchy best solution for Iraq KUWAIT, Dec 27 (KUNA) -- The establishment of an Iraqi Democratic Hashemite Kingdom is the best solution for the current Iraqi problem, which has grown during Saddam Hussein's time in power and the republican system in general, leader of the Iraqi Constitutional Monarch Movement Al-Sharif Ali bin Al-Hussein said.
In a detailed interview with the Saturday's edition of the Kuwaiti Al-Fajr Al-Jadeed magazine, Al-Hussein said that Saddam's period in power and the republican system pushed Iraq back decades, if not centuries, in time.
The Iraqi opposition figure stressed that for years his wish was to work towards ending oppression and misery enforced by the republican system on the people of Iraq, which has caused them to suffer on various levels.
Surrounding the role of the United States in a regime change, Al-Hussein said the U.S. is a superpower that has a hidden agenda camouflaged by United Nations Security Council international legislation that was issued following Saddam's aggression on neighboring Kuwait.
Parallel objectives do not mean that the United States will steer a change, but it is the Iraqi people who have the right to live free and independent as they have been deprived of such a lifestyle since the establishment of the republican regime and the removal of the constitutional monarchy rule from Iraq, Al-Hussein explained.
As for the possibility of thousands of deaths occurring as a result of U.S. bombing of Iraq, Al-Hussein said "this issue is always brought up in discussions with our American friends, and we are in constant contact with them surrounding the issue of staying away from Iraq's infrastructure and anything that could be harmful to the people of Iraq or our resources." The current situation, no doubt, differs from the situation in 1991, Al-Hussein said. The official expressed hopes that Saddam will make a decision for the protection of the people of Iraq, where he will step down and leave the country so as to keep it away from the beating war-drums.
"In all situations, we call on the Americans to focus on the regime's infrastructure and to protect the people of Iraq who have already been through a great deal," Al-Hussein added.
In regards to Iraq's loss of independent political decision in light of the new regime, Al-Hussein said, "the Iraqi opposition will not lose an independent decision and Iraq that we strive for is an Iraq free of oppression." "Iraq has been an independent country for a long time, and it is a founder of the United Nations and therefore we will not allow for it to be colonized as it will remain our country, free and independent while maintaining ties of cooperation with the international community," he said.
Speaking of the possibility of an Iraqi government in exile, the opposition figure said, "everything will happen in its time and I would like to take this opportunity to announce that we have organizations and a presence within Iraq, with the intent of rescuing the people of Iraq and the country from the current situation they are in." He thought the idea of anarchy breaking out in Iraq following the removal of the Saddam regime was far-fetched. He said, "when the time comes for change, the situation will be organized and under control. Each citizen will be aware of his or her responsibility that must be performed in order to serve the nation, its safety and security." Al-Hussein expressed his hope for a "constitutional monarchy regime in Iraq and a stable government that alleviates the citizens from oppression while they exercise western-style democracy." He also expressed his apparent hope to be the next King of Iraq, saying, "that will be declared by a vote of the citizens." Al-Hussein denied any problems with the royal family in Jordan, clarifying that there were no issues at all and they were his cousins and he extended all respect and appreciation towards them. Furthermore, he said that he understood their position, as they fall under pressure from political relations.
"We do not ask from them what is beyond their reach, and we appreciate the difficult situation in regards to an announcement on the direct support of the Iraqi opposition," he said. The calculations of a nation differ from the calculations of a political movement, he said, but there are no conflicts between us and between our friends. Al-Hussein also added that there is no political cooperation that aims for a return to Iraq.
As for regional fears towards the return of a Hashemite rule to Iraq, particularly on the part of the Gulf countries, the opposition figure said that he was on good terms with the GCC nations and that differences with the Hashemites ended fifty years ago. We are now joined by good relations, Al-Hussein said, adding that he is in regular contact with GCC leaders.
Speaking of Kuwait's fear in regards to the border issue and the future relationship between the two nations, Al-Hussein said that he understands this apprehension. However, he extended his wishes for a better future for the interest of both countries, which would be the result of bilateral cooperation.
"We respect Kuwait's borders and the agreements signed between both sides, hoping that the Kuwaiti people will trust that we will protect their entire rights," he said. Additionally, Al-Hussein said that there will be no problems between Kuwait and Iraq in the future, hoping that the future would provide a large horizon of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Al-Hussein asserted that he does not differentiate between the people and leadership of Kuwait, as practiced by Saddam Hussein, adding that the people of Kuwait are "our brothers and sisters... and we will work towards erasing the remnants of the Iraqi regime's aggression on Kuwait." (end) ram.naa