Media Affairs

Washington D.C. -April 30, 2010- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

Washington, DC (April 30, 2010) – Washington DC enjoys the unique status of home to more embassies than any other city in the world, boasting more than 175 foreign embassies and diplomatic missions. The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq will participate in Cultural Tourism DC’s “Passport DC”, a unique Washington event that invites the public into various embassies to explore the diverse array of international cultures residing in the nation’s capitol. Visitors are invited inside to experience the arts, crafts, dance, and cuisine of many nations, creating an exciting global journey. As part of this program the Iraqi Embassy will open its doors to provide an opportunity for DC residents to learn more about Iraq and meet the Embassy’s staff, including Ambassador Samir Sumaida’ie. This is the third year that the Embassy of Iraq has participated in Passport DC. It is located at 3421 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, 20037. Embassy doors will be open to the public from 10am- 4pm. Activities will include food sampling, live music, and an Arabic calligraphy exhibition. The 2010 Passport DC month begins on May 1 with the “Around the World Embassy Tour” featuring over 30 embassies. The complete schedule of open house and individual events is available on www.CulturalTourismDC.org.

Iraq has a long and rich history that all Iraqis are proud to share with others. Many scholars believe that the name “Iraq” comes from “Uruk”, one of the world’s first city-states. The modern state of Iraq was in ancient times known as Mesopotamia, the land “between the two rivers”, the Tigris and Euphrates. It is considered to be the “cradle of civilization”, center for the oldest recorded cultures of the world. The Empires of Sumeria and Assyria (4000 BCE – 612 BCE) were located in this land. It was ruled by several empires including: Median, New Babylonian, Persian, Macedonian, Seleucidian, Roman and Parthian. Mesopotamia bequeathed an extraordinary Range of elements to future generations, forming the basis of modern civilization. Mathematics, literature, astronomy, mythology, religion, laws, schools, and libraries are all believed to have originated in ancient Iraq. Additionally, the week as a unit of time, the wheel for transport, the arch for architecture, and writing for the preservation and accumulation of human knowledge were all invented in ancient Iraq. Today, Iraq boasts an ethnically, linguistically, and religiously diverse population of around 30 million, with vibrant communities of Shia and Sunni Muslims, Christians, Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen and Assyrians.

Washington D.C. -March 26, 2010- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

Washington, D.C.— His Excellency Samir Sumaida’ie, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the US, has released the following statement:

Today, the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced the results of the March 7^th Parliamentary Elections in Iraq. These elections represent a great achievement for the Iraqi people. They show that Iraqis could not be intimidated to refrain from exercising their right to elect their leaders. The elections were a defeat to the terrorists who sought to sabotage the process, using the cowardly tactics of fear, intimidation, and violence.

The elections were monitored by hundreds of international observers, and were deemed to be transparent and efficient. Significantly, the management and security for the elections were performed entirely by Iraqi institutions. As is sometimes the case in elections, there are challenges and objections to the results. All of these challenges to the outcome must be dealt with through the legal process.

I congratulate the Iraqi people, including those who stood in the election, regardless of whether they won or lost and express gratitude to them all. Iraq is also grateful to those who assisted in the electoral process, including the United Nations and International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). At this proud moment, we must also remember those who lost their lives trying to provide security for their fellow citizens. Their sacrifice will not be in vain. Iraq has progressed significantly to be able to hold such largely peaceful elections. I believe this considerable achievement will move us toward a free, democratic, and prosperous Iraq.

Washington D.C. -March 23, 2010- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

Detroit, Michigan— Today, His Excellency Samir Sumaida’ie, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the US, inaugurated the Iraqi Consulate General in Detroit, Michigan. To date, this is the first Iraqi Consulate General to be opened in the US, and is expected to serve the Iraqi community in Michigan and neighboring states. Michigan is home to the largest community of Iraqis living in the US.

The Consul General, Mr. Louay al-Saidi, will work with a team of over 10 Iraqi diplomats, in addition to locally- hired staff. All consular services will be available at the Detroit Consulate General, including passports, power of attorney, and visa- related matters.

The Embassy of Iraq in Washington DC began the process to open the Detroit Consulate General in November 2008. As of April 2009, the building was purchased and the US State Department approved the application for the Iraqi Consulate. Embassy staff are currently working on the logistics for the next Iraqi Consulate General, scheduled to be in Los Angeles, California.

Washington D.C. -March 05, 2010- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

PRESS RELEASE - Out of Country Voting begins for 2010 Iraqi Parliamentary Election; Ambassador Sumaida’ie Votes

Washington D.C. — On Sunday, March 7, more than 18 million Iraqis will vote for the 325 members of the Council of Representatives at 8,600 polling stations across Iraq. For the estimated 2 million Iraqis living outside their country, voting will begin March 5 at 140 polling centers in 16 countries. Out of Country Voting (OCV) in the US will be held in nine polling centers across the country on March 5^th, 6^th, and 7th. The voting will be from 8am -6pm (local time) for each of the centers. On Friday, March 5^th, at 8am EST, His Excellency Samir Sumaida’ie, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, will inaugurate and vote at the center serving the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The center will be located at:

Ambassador Samir Sumaida’ie; Iraqi Ambassador to the US; delivers Arabic

Washington D.C. -November 09, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

Washington, D.C- The Council of Representatives (Parliament) of Iraq passed yesterday, Sunday November 8^th, a law amending the existing election law of Iraq making it more reflective of the will of the Iraqi people and avoiding a potentially dangerous standoff. This has not been easy as the Parliament had to deal with diametrically opposed demands and expectations by the various political blocks, resulting from decades of injustice and mismanaged grievances.

It is a tribute to the determination of Iraqi leaders to forge compromises and to exercise democratic means to move the country forward towards stability and normalcy.

This achievement will pave the way for the next election and the peaceful transfer of power to the next elected government. It will also ensure a timely and smooth implementation of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) including the redeployment of American forces away from Iraq.

This is good news for Iraq and for the United States. It is also a blow to the terrorists and extremists and all those who want to halt Iraq’s progress towards democracy and prosperity.

Washington D.C. - September 29, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq is pleased to announce the convening of the US-Iraq Business and Investment conference on October 20-21, 2009, in Washington D.C, by the Iraqi National Investment Commission in coordination with the Iraqi Commercial Office, Washington D.C. and with the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and various U.S. partners....

Washington D.C. - August 24, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

I find reporting in The Post on Iraq generally balanced and of high quality, but occasionally it disappoints. The Aug. 20 front-page article "Iraq Carnage Shows Sectarian War Goes On," was misleading.

It is true that in 2006, al-Qaeda and other Sunni extremists came close to igniting a sectarian war in Iraq, but they failed. Their failure - and the failure of all extremists in Iraq - was due in large measure to the revulsion they faced from society at large.

Iraq has moved on, but the terrorists haven't. They demonstrated last week that they can kill, maim and cause destruction. But they have singularly failed to cause "sectarian war." There is no evidence that any such war is possible in Iraq. That is because Iraq's communities are both aware of the dangers of such a war and because it goes against their values and traditions.

Explaining such wanton violence as we saw last Wednesday in terms of sectarian conflict is easy, but it is wrong, based on a superficial, one-dimensional understanding of the struggles going on in Iraq. Shiites were not the only ones to fall victim, but Sunnis, working side by side with their Shiite colleagues, were equally targeted and fell victim.

In addition, when referring to the Iraqi government, journalists need not always attach the prefix "Shiite-dominated." We Iraqis find this offensive. Why not use the name "National Unity Government," the name that the Iraqi government actually goes by, instead?

The bottom line is that the Iraqi people, by virtue of their sheer resilience and traditional values, will confound both the terrorists and the writers of "sectarian war" scenarios.

Washington D.C. - August 20, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

The Embassy of Iraq condemns the cowardly attacks that took place in Baghdad today against several government ministries in which hundreds of innocent people were killed and wounded. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sustained considerable damage in the attacks and many of our colleagues have either perished or been badly injured.

This is a terrible day in Iraq’s history. Many innocent, hard-working and patriotic Iraqi people have lost their lives. These were people working for a better future in Iraq, and their passing will be felt bitterly.

This criminal act should be severely and universally condemned. Those responsible for these attacks do not want to see a stable, prosperous Iraq but are attempting to thwart Iraq’s progress towards security and prosperity. They will be defeated. The people of Iraq will not bow to those criminals who seek to manipulate them through violence and fear. They, who have suffered so much, are determined to continue their struggle against the forces of darkness and for freedom, democracy, and a better life.

Our thoughts are with the families of those whose lives were lost. We grieve for them and send our deepest condolences to those affected by today’s violence and our sincerest wishes to those injured in the attacks. It is important that, even in the face of great hardship and adversity, we maintain our resolve to keep working for a peaceful and free Iraq.

Washington D.C. - June 30, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

AMBASSADOR SAMIR SUMAIDA'IE RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON U.S TROOP WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQI CITIES AND TOWNS

An important marker in the recovery of Iraq has now been reached by the withdrawal of American forces from Iraqi cities and towns as stipulated by the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between Iraq and the United States last November.

This is not so much an event as a point in a process that began many months ago and will continue for many months and even years to come. It is the process of stabilizing and reconstituting Iraq as a free and secure country at peace with itself and the outside world as the country strives to repair the damage and heal the wounds of its recent violent history and regain its rightful position within the community of nations.

The progress made by the Iraqi security forces with the help of our American and other friends has been steady and substantial. It created the necessary conditions and confidence to make yesterday possible. This continued progress based on true national reconciliation and the abandonment of violence as an instrument of political change will ultimately be the final guarantor of future security for the country.

The last two years have seen dramatic improvements in Iraq’s stability and security. Two years ago, Iraq was on the verge of sectarian war. Today, sectarian attacks are rare and terrorist attacks have fallen dramatically. The terrorists, insurgents, militias and criminal gangs who once operated freely in some parts of the country, have found their activities severely curbed. The democratic process has gained in legitimacy and all communities are fully engaged in it. That does not mean that there are no more dangers or challenges. But for now these dangers and challenges seem to be distinctly more manageable.

It is with this sense of optimism that Iraqis look to the future: the future after June, 30th where focus is shifted from fear to hope, from apprehension to confidence. It is the beginning of a new and more promising period in the country’s long and illustrious history.

Washington D.C. - March 10, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

On Monday, March 9, the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq hosted a reception in observance of International Women’s Day. The Embassy celebrated the achievements of women from Iraq and around the world with food, music and cultural activities, including a fashion show of traditional women’s dress from the various regions of Iraq.

Ambassador Sumaida’ie welcomed attendees to the event with a speech acknowledging the importance of women in society and paying tribute to the recent recipients of the International Women of Courage Award. This year an Iraqi woman was among the awardees who hailed from Yemen, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Guatemala, Malaysia, Russia and Niger.

Iraqi Women’s Day was an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to the vital role of women in Iraqi society. Women have long played an important role in Iraq’s history and public life. They have participated in the workforce as doctors, lawyers, teachers, laborers and police officers. They have been activists, participating in a long legacy of campaigning for the rights of women. Historically, women in Iraq enjoyed increased rights long before their neighbors in the region.

Iraqi women are constantly emerging as an important and dynamic political force. But despite the great progress they have made in recent years they still face obstacles to achieving full equality. In today’s Iraq, women are too often silent victims, bearing the brunt of conflict. Women’s Day was an opportunity to honor these unsung heroes who have long been the backbone of Iraqi society, and who will play a crucial role in Iraq’s future still to come.

Washington D.C. - February 07, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

WASHINGTON- When the United States went into Iraq in 2003, Americans had a very limited understanding of the country. Political pundits tended to reduce Iraq to neat categories: an oppressed Shiite majority; a Sunni minority linked to Saddam Hussein's regime; and the Kurds, who had no interest in remaining in Iraq. The strife between these supposedly monolithic communities was often portrayed as permanent and violent....(full Article...)

Washington D.C. - February 01, 2009- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

STATEMENT BY THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ ON THE PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS

Washington D.C. - April 9, 2008- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

H.E. AMBASSADOR SAMIR SUMAIDAIE ADDRESSING A LARGE GROUP OF FAMILIES WHO LOST LOVED ONES IN IRAQ AT THE LAYING OF WREATH CEREMONY IN ARLINGTON CEMETERY

Washington D.C. - March 15, 2008- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

His Excellency Samir Sumaida'ie, Iraq's ambassador to the United States, spoke at CSIS as part of the Statesmen's Forum. He

delivered a speech entitled "Iraq: After Five Years". Dr. Anthony Cordesman, CSIS Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy, introduced Ambassador Sumaida'ie and moderated the question-and-answer session.

Washington D.C. - March 15, 2008- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

H.E. AMBASSADOR SUMAIDAIE EXPRESS CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF HIS EMINENCE THE CHALDEAN ARCHBISHOP PAULUS FARAJ RAHHO

Dear brothers and sisters

On behalf of the Iraqi Government and all of us at the Iraqi Embassy, I wish to express our sorrow on the loss of His Eminence the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paulus Faraj Rahho. This savage crime will be added to the long list of horrific crimes that have afflicted the Iraqi people and in particular the Christian community of Iraq.

I also wish to express my personal feelings about this tragedy. I was deeply saddened by the news, and my thoughts go out to the family of the Archbishop and to the whole community. At this difficult time that our beloved country is going through, we must stand together against terrorism, religious extremism and crime. We must also be aware that minorities are particularly vulnerable. Their suffering is disproportionate; and they are easy targets of intimidation and abuse. For this reason it is important that we give them more attention and protection. They are an integral part of the fabric of Iraqi society, indispensable to its health and wellbeing.

Please accept my sincere condolences and assurance of my esteem and heartfelt compassion.

Washington D.C. - February 13, 2008- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

H.E. AMBASSADOR SUMAIDAIE APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF KEY LEGISLATION BY IRAQI PARLIAMENT ^..(^{press statement)}

Washington D.C. - February 12, 2008- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

H.E. AMBASSADOR SUMAIDAIE CONDUCTED MEDIA ROUNDTABLE WITH TELEVISION AND RADIO AND JOURNALISTS...(statement)

Washington D.C. - January 28, 2008- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

H.E. AMBASSADOR SUMAIDAIE THANKS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS FOR PROTECTING IRAQ^..(^{press statement)}

Washington D.C. - September 28, 2007- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

H.E. AMBASSADOR SUMAIDAIE REJECTS PARTITIONING OF IRAQ^..(^{press statement)}

Washington D.C. - August 27, 2007- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

Following a series of meetings held by Iraq’s political leadership, President Talabani, Prime Minister Almaliki, Vice Presidents Abdulmahdi and Alhashimi and Kurdistan’s regional President Barzani reached on Sunday August 26, 2007, in Baghdad, an agreement that will pave the way to finding means in overcoming the current crisis that Iraq faces in all aspects of life, may it be on the political, economic and most notably on the security front.

The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq congratulates the Iraqi leadership for this far reaching agreement that will create a framework for reconciliation and cooperation among the Iraqi people.

Sunday’s agreement reflects their commitment to working together for the benefit of all Iraqis in furthering the political process and finding new ways to share power as well as a new resolve in fighting terrorism and the criminal elements in Iraq.

The agreement ensures support for security and political initiatives. Finally, it advances arrangements among the Iraqi leadership on several key legislative benchmarks.

Washington D.C. - May 16, 2007- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR SUMAIDA'IE REMEMBRANCE DAY FOR MASS GRAVE VICTIMS IN IRAQ^...(^{press statement)}

Washington D.C. - June 13, 2007- Press Office - Embassy of Iraq to the United States of America

H.E. AMBASSADOR SUMAIDA'IE STRONGLY CONDEMNS ATTACK ON IMAM AL-ASKARI SHRINE

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