National reconciliation not with perpetrators of mass graves

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Premier Nouri al-Maliki said today that the national reconciliation shall not be made with those who are indicted in mass graves, have not repaid their crimes, and did not apologize to the Iraqi people, as happens in many countries in the world.  He praised those who “turned from the ex-regime loyalty to the line of freedom and democracy”.  In a statement issued by Maliki’s Office, a copy of which was received by IraqiNews.com, quoting him during a celebration made by the Ministry of Human Rights on the National Day for Collective Graveyards.  Maliki pointed out that sovereignty cannot be achieved without the stability of the political process and complete constitutional interaction of all parties.  “Without such stability and interaction, we cannot achieve security, reconstruction, education and investments”, he added.  There will be “no solution to the historical problem without equality and reconciliation of the Iraqi society as a whole, but not with those who did not pay for their crimes, or at least denounced them, as was done in some countries of the world,” he added.  “Reconciliation with such people is a kind of illusion. We have to deal in a realistic way. Justice, not vengeance, should prevail”, he added. He welcomed those who turned from the ex-regime to “the line of freedom and democracy.”  On the other hand, he warned the terrorists, al-Qaeda and militias who are presently practicing the same crimes as the ex-regime, calling them “to leave out this conduct and abide by the respect of human rights and principles of freedom and democracy.”  According to the statement, Maliki later met with a delegation of Faili Kurds during which he confirmed that the “Iraqis shall be equal with one identity card.  He insisted on providing the laws and legislation that guarantee the rights of Faili Kurds as citizens, not as a second degree as described by the ex-regime.