UAE | General
Clinton sees role for UAE in reconstruction of Iraq
There could be a role for the UAE in the reconstruction of Iraq, according to former US president Bill Clinton who spoke yesterday at the American University in Dubai.
- By Samir Salama, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 September 22, 2003
 Sheikh Mohammed yesterday received Bill Clinton. Picture: WAM |
Addressing students, he put forward the argument that the country could take responsibility for development in a designated sector of Iraq along other partners in the region, as part of an international effort.
He used the suggestion to underpin his message that the UN should supervise security and peace in Iraq and that reconstruction efforts there should be made through global consensus.
"We should internationalise effort in Iraq. And we should get the UN to supervise peace and security there. As for rebuilding, all countries should contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq with each country supervising a significant part of rebuilding.
"For example, the UAE can supervise reconstruction of a certain part in Iraq, and employ Iraqi technicians for the reconstruction projects," Clinton said.
General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, received Clinton who reiterated the importance of this initiative and its positive outcome on the occidential and oriental civilisations, indicating that his initiative is part of the humanitarian initiatives Sheikh Mohammed launches.
He praised achievements in Dubai under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He added that Dubai "is a story of success that ought to be narrated".
Clinton commended Sheikh Mohammed for his achievements in promoting multiculturalism and economic development.
He cited Dubai as an ideal partner for bridging the gap of cultural understanding between America and the Arab world.
 Clinton talks to students of the American University in Dubai. ©Gulf News |
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Clinton initiative confirming that it will receive all the support and encouragement from him personally. Sheikh Mohammed added that the UAE will remain cradle of the international civilisation and culture, and the confluence of tolerance and homogeneity of religions.
During his speech at the university, he addressed the situation in Iraq and also gave his views on efforts towards peace between Israelis and Palestinians. "We want Iraq to be a successful, democratic and peaceful neighbour. For this it should reconcile Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds, he said.
Clinton announced a scho-larship sponsored by the Clinton Presidential Foundation. He announced a list of students who will study at the American University in Dubai under the William J. Clinton Scholarship – a new initiative of the Clinton Presidential Foundation.
"The Clinton Presidential Foundation will sponsor up to 40 young American students to study in the AUD," he said.
Describing his views on the Middle East, Clinton said: "In the end there has got to be a Palestinian state in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. For this end, Israel must compromise and the Israelis should know that the West Bank is a hindrance and not a guarantee for their security.
"Former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was smart. If he was still living we would have established peace in the Middle East. In order to establish peace, there should be a deal or a course of action that leads to that deal. And all parties should be committed to that deal," Clinton said.
He said: "Global interdependence in modern life is a fact, which is not positive, nor negative. Interdependence means we cannot escape one another, we share benefits, responsibilities and values.
"The Palestinians and Israelis should define the character of interdependence they need. Definition of interdependence is of great significance for them both. They are still interdependent and will remain so. In 1998, no single life on both sides was lost. Because scores of Palestinians were allowed to have jobs in Israel".
Clinton stressed that the world will be peaceful if people get to know each other better and become familiar with cultural diversity in the world.
"The fastest growing religion in the US is Islam, and in this century no race or ethnic group will be a majority in the US. That means we should know each other better to live in peace. Most Americans do not have a clue about this region. One cannot know about a region through breaking news or cartoons. We should make some efforts to know the region here better."
He quoted US President George W Bush as saying following the September 11 attacks in Washington and New York, "Our enemy is not Islam, it is terrorism".
He added: "I do not think Americans regard Arabs as terrorists. The Arab world is not dominated by terrorism, and Americans do not believe the region is dominated by terror just because the majority of terrorists involved in the September 11 incidents were from the Arab world.
"We are all creatures and since we are creatures there should be a creator to whom we are committed. All religions have that in common.
- With additional input from WAM
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