Embassy Row

’Dark prison’ opened

Iraq’s top diplomat in Washington is looking toward the future, a year after the U.S.-led coalition freed the country from the “dark prison” under Saddam Hussein.

Rend al-Rahim, chief of mission at the Iraqi Interests Section, hosted a commemoration of the anniversary this week to express her appreciation to the United States, condolences to the relatives of the troops who have been killed and hopes for a democratic Iraq.

Her guests at the Park Hyatt Hotel included Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, one of the key architects of the invasion.

Mrs. al-Rahim said that when coalition forces toppled Saddam on April 9, 2003, they released the Iraqi people from “a dark prison,” our correspondent Sharon Behn reports.

“We grieve for the loss of life … but that should never make us lose sight of that historic day a year ago,” she said. “It was a pivotal moment in Iraq’s history — a moment of jubilation and release.”

She called the current wave of terrorist attacks and militia violence in Iraq a “time of instability.”

“Liberation has given us hope and a future to look forward to,” she added. “We know there will be more challenges. … We know the fight for freedom has not yet been won.”

Mrs. al-Rahim said that despite the turmoil, “Iraqi society is vibrant today.”

“Iraqis are learning what democracy is by practicing it. … As we take steps forward, the enemies of freedom and democracy are pushing back,” she said.

Mrs. al-Rahim urged Americans to stick with the Iraqis who are working to transform their country.

“We are here to celebrate April 9, 2003, and look forward to what can happen. Continue to help us and support us because this matters not just for Iraq, but for all of you,” she said.

Mrs. al-Rahim called for a moment of silence to honor the fallen troops, aid workers and civilians.

“Their sacrifice should be honored,” she said.

Northern focus

The Lithuanian ambassador yesterday urged the United States to concentrate more on Northern European areas around the Baltic Sea to “advance the cause of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”

The goal of a “Europe whole and free … still retains some important gaps,” Ambassador Vygaudas Usackas told the House International Relations subcommittee on Europe.

Mr. Usackas and Swedish Ambassador Jan Eliasson, who also testified, expressed concerns about nations that are outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union. Mr. Eliasson listed Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia and the former Soviet republics in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

The ambassadors congratulated the subcommittee for holding a hearing on the Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (EPINE), a U.S. initiative to promote stability and democracy in the region.

Mr. Eliasson called EPINE a “subject that is close to the heart of the Swedish people” because it promotes cooperation in the Baltic area. He added that his government “very much values the continued involvement of the United States in our region.”

“The changes that have taken place in our neighborhood are indeed historic,” he said, referring to the latest round of NATO expansion. “We are united not only by history and geography, but by interests and, most importantly, by values.”

Mr. Usackas also pledged his government’s support for the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq, where Lithuania has 120 troops.

“We recognize the dangers and challenges facing the coalition forces and the international community in Iraq and the greater Middle East. We see the tragic pictures on television every day, but we know what must be done,” he said.

“From our history, we know that freedom cannot be taken for granted. We are proud to be your ally and friend, and you can rest assured that we will be there during the hard times when you need your friends to stand up and be counted.”

• Call Embassy Row at 202/636-3297, fax 202/832-7278 or e-mail jmorrison @washingtontimes.com.