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Iraqis seek INCORE input on post-conflict issues
Experts from International Conflict Research (INCORE) conducted a briefing session on post-conflict issues with newly-elected Iraqi politicians facing the task of building democracy in the southern city of Basra.
The 22-member delegation was in Northern Ireland on an education study trip organised by Basra Provincial Council (BPC) to give representatives a first-hand look at democratic processes functioning in a range of different political environments.
INCORE associates Professor Tom Fraser, Professor Paul Arthur and Stephen Ryan briefed the delegation about Northern Ireland’s political history, its conflict and peace process and how political factions and communities deal with challenges and rival pressures.
The municipal representatives were elected to the Basrah Provincial Council in January during national and provincial polls that marked an important step on the road to democracy following the fall of the previous regime.
The delegation, which included nine newly elected councillors,
was headed by the BPC Second Deputy Chairman Mrs Israa Abd Al Ali Abdul Wahab
and Deputy Governor Mr Lu’ai Abd Al Amir Abbas Al-Batat.
"We have a lot to learn before we can build the new Iraq we want to see, and coming to Northern Ireland will be a great help to
us," said Mrs Israa Abd Wahab. "I know that the time we spend here will help us develop our knowledge and understanding of how to build strong local government in a post conflict and power sharing environment.”
© 2005 United Nations University