Odierno optimistic about country's political future

Dubai: Although election observers are currently examining a growing list of complaints, including claims that hundreds of names were omitted from voting lists in areas across Iraq, the elections went well.

Any political bitterness could further complicate the difficult task ahead for Iraq's leaders, which is getting hundreds of factions to accept the results as credible and start forming alliances among 14,000 candidates for the influencial regional posts.

Against this backdrop, Gulf News spoke to General Raymond Odierno, Iraq's Multi National Forces Commander, who observed the elections and the preliminary results.

The General pointed out that "Iraqis are using the political process rather than violence to achieve their objectives. This is extremely positive."

General Odierno also touched on the new growing sentiments of a unified Iraq, based on the elections last week.

"The provincial elections last week were fundamentally different than those of 2005. The elections were Iraqi-led, Iraqi-managed and Iraqi-financed. Nearly 14,400 candidates vied for 440 offices. It appears that issues were more important than sectarian loyalties. The United Nations Assistance Mission-Iraq, 300 international observers and media provided intense oversight to reach the goal of legitimate and credible elections." He added.

"The next few months are important as we observe new government officials seated and election certification. We'll also see provinces implementing Provincial Powers."

Odierno also said that each step of the way has challenges, but the provincial elections help pave the way for district and national elections later this year.

In General Odierno's view, Iraq is developing an ever-increasing self-reliance. US forces have been assisting Iraqi security forces in training as well as developing the planning skills necessary to create and conduct their own operations. Iraqi security forces have progressed tremendously in the last few years and continue to impress him with their dedication to providing a stable and secure Iraq.

He further asserted that key to the success of the implementation of the Security Agreement is the spirit of partnership between the US and the Iraqis. The US is intent on being a good partner. The US is working hard to fully implement the agreement in coordination with the government of Iraq.

General Odierno added that while much is said about the Security Agreement, perhaps of greater long-term importance is the Strategic Framework Agreement. Harnessing and sharing the power of economic, medical, scientific and education capabilities of our nation with the Iraqi people will have a long-lasting impact on the continued development of Iraq.

On Iraq's future as a country, and where it is headed, General Odierno told Gulf News: "When I took up my post as Commanding General of Multi-National Corps Iraq at the end of 2006, Iraq appeared to be heading towards all out civil war; tens of thousands of Iraqis had fled their homes; Baghdad had degenerated into armed, sectarian enclaves; and public support in the US for the war was waning.

Today, violence no longer threatens to consume Iraq; the Iraqi Security Forces are able to protect the Iraqi people; the State has emerged from a failed one into a fragile one; and thousands of displaced people have returned to their homes. Iraq is still a state and society under construction. But it is moving in the right direction.

The aim of rebuilding Iraq is to concentrate on building up the capabilities of the Government to fully exercise its sovereignty; and help the country transition from a fragile to a stable state.

The General said he is pleased with the direction Iraq is headed. He admits that there are obstacles to overcome when it comes to improving infrastructure, developing their government, and providing security. "Iraq must continue to develop a government concerned with providing opportunities and safety for all Iraqis," he added.