Objective: To continue establishment and capacity building of the Iraqi Institute of Peace (IIP) as the vehicle for inter-religious dialogue:
1. To engage participation of senior religious and tribal leaders in Iraq in negotiating a process to assure religious harmony;
2. To establish mechanisms to indicate, prevent and resolve conflict;
3. To develop community engagement activities that foster improved inter-community/religious relations and address the long-term cause of inter-community/religious conflict;
4. To ensure that every aspect of IIP’s work contributes toward economic development and the move towards a free market economy in conjunction with USIP and the Iraqi Institute for Economic Reform.

Commitment: The Foundation for Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRME) commits to continue supporting the establishment of the Iraqi Institute of Peace as a vehicle for inter-religious dialogue in Iraq, through financial and professional support and guidance.

Background: The Foundation for Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRME) developed out of the International Centre for Reconciliation (ICR) at Coventry Cathedral, UK. Coventry Cathedral has one of the oldest worldwide Centres for Reconciliation and Conflict Resolution, created after it was bombed in World War II. Canon Andrew White recently finished as a director of the ICR at Coventry Cathedral. During his time as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Middle East representative he facilitated the Alexandria Declaration (2002); this continues to engage the key religious leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Territories in the Middle East Peace Process. Canon White has moved to establish a Foundation for Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRME) to continue the work in the Middle East of the ICR Coventry Cathedral. The management of the Iraq project and oversight and responsibility for Iraqi Institute of Peace (IIP) has passed, along with the same personnel team, to the FRME.

The Iraqi Institute of Peace was established in June 2003. The original aim has been, at the request of the Iraqi religious leaders, to bring together key religious and tribal figures in Iraq. The institute sets in place mechanisms to resolve conflict and to act as a tool for conflict prevention. This project has the support and backing of the Transitional Iraqi Government and has been discussed with and approved by Prime Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al Jafari and National Security Advisor Dr. Mowaffak Al Rubaie. Detailed proposal available upon request.

Partnership Opportunity: The Iraq institute for Peace has spent over $1.3 million to date. Partners are sought to fund its continuous activities, and reach the target budget of $2.8 million.

Update:
December 2005:
The Iraqi Institute of Peace was very involved in the Constitutional Referendum, holding conferences throughout the country and partaking in the organization of the December elections, specifically in the Al Anbar area, one of the most dangerous areas in Iraq. Contacts with partner organizations are maintained regularly, on a monthly basis, including the Iraqi government. Media coverage of the Institute’s work in Iraq has been significant.