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Ministry of Religious Affairs

The vision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs [AWQAF] is to enable the people of Iraq to realize the benefits of tolerant, moderate, ecumenical religious practices by supporting respected religious and political leaders in the establishment of religious institutions and processes that reinforce these practices

The AWQAF directly engages respected, tolerant, moderate religious leaders as advisors to the OCPA in the administration of the AWQAF until such a time as OCPA can effectively transition ministry administration to an Iraqi Authority

Primary efforts have been limited almost solely to administrative activities (e.g., salary payments). However, as complex religious, social and political dimensions become more important, it is critical that OCPA leadership be assigned to a respected and knowledgeable Iraqi and that the advisory team be more effectively engaged

As of July 2003, emergency $20 payments had been made to AWQAF employees with salaries paid to AWQAF employees within Baghdad and most parts of the country in April. De-Ba'athification process has been implemented for the Ministry while meetings and discussions have been held with respected religious Sunni, Shiite, and Christian leaders

As of early July 2003, plans called for establishing the security for key facilities; developping the 2003 Budget; ensuring the return of all employees to work; the complete payment of April salaries and begin payment of May/June salaries; and implementing the initial coordination of a meeting of about 35-45 respected religious leaders to discuss formation of an Advisory Team to assist OCPA in the administration of the AWQAF.

The OCPA was planning to eventually conduct a meeting in Baghdad of 35-45 respected leaders representing various religious and ethnic groups to discuss future of the AWQAF. From a larger group, it would select a religious and ethnically diverse Advisory Team of approximately seven respected, moderate religious leaders to advise on the administration of Iraqi Religious Affairs. The goal of this process would be the establishment of tolerant, moderate, ecumenical religious practices, institutions and processes throughout Iraq. In addition to advising on current issues, this team would be used to advise OCPA on the effective and timely transition of the AWQAF to a future Iraqi Authority