Leader of the National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), Ammar al-Hakim, called for Iraqi patriotism that transcends sectarian affiliation.
Speaking at a large public gathering in Baghdad on the occasion of the Iraqi Martyr’s Day, Hakim said: “Some people tell us that we are Shiites, and that our loyalty, speech and work should be for our own people... and I say it frankly and confidently: We are proud that we are followers of the People of the House and are honored by that, and among us are those who belong to other sects and religions.”
He asserted that the Shiite identity “is preserved and our rights as citizens are fulfilled only by our unified Iraqi national identity, which we share with other partners of the homeland.”
He emphasized that sects will have security when the homeland is safe and united, and the state is strong and stable.
“The Shiite Muslims in Iraq, in the Arab region and everywhere will adhere to the choice of state and citizenship and will fulfill their rights in their countries, as is the case for the rest of confessions and components. They constitute a major and integral part of their homelands and must participate in decision-making as builders of a state and nation, not as members of an isolated and closed sect, or with affiliations outside the borders,” Hakim stated.
These stances are the first of their kind to be issued by a senior Shiite leader and come as the Iraqi political forces are preparing for the early elections, which are scheduled to be held in October.
