German Ambassador to Iraq Discusses Security, Refugees, and Women’s Rights

The German Ambassador to Iraq, Christiane Hohmann, outlined the extensive partnership between Germany and Iraq, focusing on critical areas such as security cooperation against terrorism, economic diversification efforts, refugee management, and women’s rights. The interview highlighted the joint initiatives aimed at enhancing stability and prosperity in Iraq.

Germany and Iraq enjoy a broad partnership that encompasses security cooperation, counterterrorism, economic development, refugee issues, and women’s rights as articulated by German Ambassador Christiane Hohmann during an interview with Shafaq News Agency. The ambassador emphasized the significance of bilateral ties, focusing on the imperative collaboration between Baghdad, Erbil, and Berlin.

Highlighting concerns regarding ISIS resurgence and regional security, Ambassador Hohmann stated that the cooperation between Baghdad and Berlin revolves around stabilizing Iraq and countering terrorism. Germany has supported Iraq through various frameworks, including the Global Coalition against ISIS, NATO Mission Iraq, and the EU Advisory Mission. Reinforcing this collaboration, Hohmann referenced a recent meeting between defense ministers of Iraq and Germany, which aimed to strengthen their defense associations.

Ambassador Hohmann accentuated the necessity of Iraq’s economic diversification for sustainable prosperity. She cautioned that Iraq’s heavy dependency on oil, which constitutes 90-95% of its revenues, limits economic growth. She pointed to a recent joint work program initiated by Germany and Iraq to enhance public services and diversify the economy. Germany’s involvement includes modernizing Iraq’s electricity infrastructure and supporting projects that foster job creation and renewable energy.

Addressing the topic of refugees, the Ambassador stated that while many Iraqis have sought refuge in Germany, irregular migration poses significant risks. Hohmann mentioned that around 20,000 Iraqi nationals face deportation from Germany, emphasizing the effort to facilitate voluntary returns through counseling programs in collaboration with the Iraqi government and the EU.

Regarding relationships with the Kurdistan Region, Hohmann characterized it as crucial for Iraq’s stability, highlighting Germany’s strong connections with Erbil. She noted the challenges faced by approximately one million internally displaced persons in the Kurdistan Region and Germany’s commitment to aid in reconstruction efforts, particularly for the Yazidi community.

On the pressing issue of women’s rights, Hohmann acknowledged that both Germany and Iraq face significant gender equality challenges. Despite Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s commitment, conservative pushback in Iraq poses barriers to women’s rights advancement. Hohmann warned about potential legislative amendments that could erode women’s rights in various aspects governed by Iraq’s Personal Status Law.

In summary, the German Ambassador to Iraq, Christiane Hohmann, delineated the multifaceted partnership between the two nations regarding security, economic diversification, refugee management, and women’s rights. The ongoing collaborations aim to combat terrorism, expand economic opportunities beyond oil, and address the needs of vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons and women facing rights challenges. These efforts underscore the commitment of both Germany and Iraq to fostering stability and prosperity in the region.

Original Source: shafaq.com