Conferences & Meetings

A conference on the Future of Iraq organised by the Gulf/2000 Project and the Centre for World Dialogue took place at the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia from 15-17 July 2000. Over thirty-five experts from the region and beyond elaborated on various themes ranging from the strategic significance of Iraq and its vast oil reserves to the future of Iraqi youth. Dr Gary Sick, Director of Gulf/2000 Project, Mr Hans von Sponeck, former Assistant Secretary-General of the UN, Dr Fadhil Chalabi, Director of the Centre for Global Energy Studies in London, Mr Francis Ricciardone, Special Representative

of the US States Department for the Transition of Iraq, Dr Ahmad Moussalli, Senior Fellow of United States Institute of Peace and Mr Giandomenico Picco, President of GDP Associates were among the speakers. Specific topics of interest included inter alia the importance of Iraqi sovereignty, sanctions and their disastrous impact on the Iraqi people and the security threats posed by Iraq to its neighbours. An incisive debate followed detailed and expert presentations by the participants. It was felt that despite the isolation of the Iraqi government, the lack of unity in the opposition and its meagre resources mean there is no realistic chance of a prospect of government in Baghdad. And in any event there seems to be little consensus, if any, among the interested parties on policies regarding Iraq after Saddam. The meeting proved a useful exercise towards gaining a better and deeper understanding of the issues relating to Iraq and its future.