NATIONAL DECLARATION
OF PRESIDENT SADDAM HUSSEIN
(FEBRUARY 8, 1980)
In view of the present international situation and its possible future developments, and in light of the serious possibilities threatening the Arab sovereignty and national security, on the one hand, and world peace and security, on the other, and in response to the calls of national responsibility towards the Arab nation's land, culture and heritage, and in accordance with the principles of the Nonaligned Movement,
Iraq finds it proper to take an initiative by issuing the following declaration which it intends to be taken, first, as a charter regulating the national relations among Arab countries, and secondly, as a pledge from the Arab nation to the states neighboring the Arab homeland, which declares its respect and commitment to it.
The following are the tenets of the Declaration:
I - The rejection of the presence of foreign armies and military forces or any foreign forces and military bases or any facilities in any form, or under any pretext or cover or for any reason whatsoever in the Arab homeland. Any Arab regime that fails to abide by this tenet should be isolated and boycotted politically and economically. Its policies should be resisted by all means available.
II - Prohibiting the use of armed forces by any Arab country against any other Arab country. All disputes that may arise among Arab countries should be settled by peaceful means and in accordance with the principles of joint national action and the supreme Arab interests.
III - The tenet mentioned in Article 2 applies to the relations of the Arab nation and its countries with the neighboring nations and states - no armed forces should be used to resolve disputes with these states except in defending sovereignty or in self-defense and in cases where the security and fundamental interests of the Arab countries are threatened.
IV - Solidarity of all Arab countries in the face of any foreign aggression or violation committed by any foreign power against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any Arab country, and in the event of any foreign power declaring war on any Arab country, all Arab countries should jointly resist that aggression or violation and use all means available including military action to thwart it, while a total political and economic embargo should be imposed upon the aggressor. The embargo can be extended to cover all other fields, should that be necessary and in the interest of the nation.
V - Affirming the commitments of Arab countries to the international laws and conventions regarding the use of water, air and land by any country that is not at war with any Arab country.
VI - Keeping away from the arenas of international conflicts and wars, and adopting a neutral and nonaligned stand towards any party of the conflict or war except when the Arab territorial integrity and sovereignty and the rights of Arab countries which international laws and conventions guarantee are violated by any side in the conflict; prohibiting the participation of Arab military forces - whether in full or in part - in wars and military disputes inside and outside the area on behalf of any foreign country or foreign party.
VII - Commitment of Arab countries to establish advanced and constructive inter-Arab relations so as to prepare a solid ground for an advanced joint Arab economic structure and Arab unity. Arab countries should be keen not to commit any act that may harm these relations or preclude their continuity and development, regardless of the differences in the Arab regimes and the inconsequential political disputes which may arise among them, so long as they remain committed to the tenets of this Declaration.
Arab countries abide by the complementary national economic principle while Arab countries of competent economies pledge to offer all kinds of economic aid to the Arab countries so as to prevent them from depending on foreign powers - a dependence that may affect their autonomy and national will.
VIII - While laying down the tenets of this Declaration, Iraq affirms its readiness to abide by it in respect of every Arab country and every party that is committed to it. Iraq is also ready to discuss it with the Arab brothers and to listen to their comments about it so as to enhance the effectiveness of its tenets and improve upon its contents.
Iraq also affirms that this Declaration is by no means intended to be a substitute for the existing Arab League Charter and the Joint Arab Defense and Economic Cooperation Treaty. Rather, Iraq deems it a reinforcement of the Charter and Treaty and an attempt to develop them in such a manner as to help them match the newly created conditions and dangers threatening the Arab nation, and a fulfillment of the national responsibilities to face the present and future circumstances.
Great people of Iraq!
Masses of the glorious Arab nation!
In making this Declaration, Iraq is prompted by its sense of national responsibility, which surpasses any subjective or regional interest. While offering this Declaration to the Arab governments which will be responsible for ratifying and abiding by it, we strongly uphold the view that the tenets of this National Declaration can be implemented so as to make it a Charter of Arab relations only through the struggle of the Arab masses and with their support and backing, as it guarantees their national aspirations of freedom and independence and paves the way for Arab unity.
SADDAM HUSSEIN
Chairman of
The Revolution Command Council President of the Republic of Iraq
Baghdad, February 8, 1980