Egypt objects to appointment of military ruler in Iraq, rejects threats against Syria
Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 4/19/2003

Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said Egypt- objects to the appointment of a US military ruler to Iraq adding it would not admit any government in Iraq that lacks the free will of the Iraqi people, calling for respecting Iraq's unity and territorial integrity.

Maher, in statements in Riyadh following a session of talks he held with Saudi and Syrian counterparts that Egypt also rejects threats to Syria, expressed Egypt's solidarity with Syria.

The regional conference of the countries neighbouring Iraq opened yesterday at the conference center in Riyadh with the participation of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Iran. Bahrain, Jordan, Turkey in addition to Saudi Arabia, the sponsor of the conference.

The conference discussed the implications of the war on Iraq and the threats against Syria.

The Egyptian top diplomat reiterated that all the parties participating in the emergency conference have agreed on the targets, despite the difference expressed due to different evaluations and backgrounds.

The conferees rejected ongoing threats against Syria and discussed means of offering assistance to the Iraqi people, said Maher.

He added that his meeting with Saudi Crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz centered on the prince's evaluation of the situation in the region.

A unified Arab stance towards Iraq should be adopted to guarantee the restoration of the Iraqi people's rights and to serve the best of their interests, Maher said.

Prince Abdullah also stressed the necessity to preserve Iraq's unity and integrity, he added. AM/TS

Asked about a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq, the Egyptian top diplomat expressed withdrawal would be completed as soon as possible.

Maher noted that all the parties concerned should mobilize efforts as regards the rehabilitation of Iraq. Within this context, he highlighted the role of the UN that he said, should sponsor the operation of rebuilding Iraq with the assistance of the parties concerned.

Lifting sanctions imposed on Iraq was not on the agenda as the issue was being discussed in the UN Security Council, said Maher.

The Egyptian foreign minister denied that the conferees have discussed the possibility of sending a joint Arab force to Iraq.

Maher also denied that a regional summit would be held, affirming that the conferees were fully authorized by the heads of state and government to take decisions. Also, the main points on which a movement towards Iraq will be agreed upon, said Maher.

These points stressed the necessity to respect Iraq's sovereignty and rebuild the country, he added.

The Arab top diplomats highlighted the necessity all foreign troops to withdraw from Iraq, reaffirmed Maher.

Maher affirmed that Arab countries could not accept a military government in Iraq, however, an occupation authority, according to the Geneva Conventions should stabilize security and order and respect the rights of civilians in accordance with the international law.

Maher reiterated that the parties participating in the Iraqi neighboring countries conference were not accepting the idea of a military government in Iraq, Maher reiterated.

Previous Stories:
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  Maher sees faint flicker of hope in Iraq   (4/12/2003)
  Freezing activity of Iraqi embassy in Cairo, Mubarak meets Saudi FM   (4/11/2003)

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