Speech by Party Leader Mona Sahlin, Social Democratic party of Sweden at PUK congress 2010 June 1st
H.E. President Talabani,
H.E. President Barzani,
H.E. Prime Minister Maliki,
H.E. Prime Minister Salih
Ambassadors,
Friends,
I would first of all extend my gratitude to PUK for having invited me to join your congress and for giving me the opportunity to address you on behalf of the Social Democratic Party of Sweden.
It gives me the pleasure to extend to you the best regards and warm wishes for a successful congress from all our members in Sweden.
We have a long mutual friendship between Sweden and the Kurdish people.
Between Sweden and Iraq.
Between Sweden and Kurdistan region.
And between our parties, both of us as proud members of the Socialist International.
Old friends – stay friends.
Your development and progress is fundamental for a democratic Iraq.
That is why your congress is of utmost importance.
I would like to thank President Mr Talabani for good cooperation and his tireless efforts and strength.
Thank you very much!
* * *
Friends,
Sweden, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are once and for all tied together.
Today more than 120 000 Iraqi live in Sweden.
The small city of Södertalje in Sweden is also your “capital” in Northern Europe.
Södertälje south of Stockholm received more refugees from Iraq during the war than the USA.
We can all see the positive effects between our countries.
Trade doubled last year.
I have met people here in every corner which can speak Swedish.
An enormous asset for our cooperation.
I hope my party can continue to contribute with knowledge and inspiration to the democratic process.
Your political journey towards democracy has not been easy.
When we had leaders like Olof Palme,
who negotiated between Iran and Iraq,
and developed our welfare system in Sweden in the 80s,
you had Saddam Hussein.
When we had Prime Minister Ingvar Carlsson,
who brought Sweden into the European Union in the 90s,
you had Saddam Hussein.
And when I was in government with Prime Minister Göran Persson,
when we invested in education, jobs, and sustainable development,
you still had Saddam Hussein.
The results are to a great extent better than many actually recognize.
And a more stable Kurdistan is gradually emerging.
The increased security and the political decision have played an important role.
This shows – as always – politics do matters.
Democratic decision will change the future to the better.
The fruits of progress must benefit all – irrespectively of religious beliefs or national identity. Justice and the rule of law must be extended to all.
Increased respect for human rights, transparency and women rights are conditions for sustainable security and development.
We all know the road ahead remains long and difficult.
Continued support by the international community is therefore of crucial importance.
In this context, a strong United Nations and an active European Union in Iraq is essential.
* * *
Delegates,
The span of my party’s history is 120 years.
I am the seventh elected leader.
And I am the first woman to be party leader.
I am proud, of course.
Promoting women is a crucial task for both our parties.
I support your steps to increase the women participation in the regional Kurdish Parliament and government.
And,
We cannot shape our visions of the future without understanding the needs of
young people.
They literally are the future.
When we discuss politics and long term visions let us invite the young people in and let us share their reality. Strong youth and student organizations are vital for our parties.
* * *
Finally,
Whenever people are caused great suffering it concerns us all.
I participated at the 22nd memorial for the genocide in Halabja on March 16, in Stockholm.
The abuse of power against the Kurdish people is a tragedy.
My party has decided in Congress to recognize the Anfal-campaign as acts of genocide and crime against humanity.
Sweden and all parties in the Swedish Parliament support that decision.
Anfal shows that national sovereignty can’t rule over democracy and human rights.
I visited the graves in Chamchamal yesterday.
I will visit Halabja tomorrow.
That is my responsibility to the future generation that must not forget.
Democracy can never be taken for granted.
It must constantly be conquered anew.
Once again warm wishes for a successful conference.
Good lucks,
Thank you.
Zor Spas!