Al-Faisal calls for installing an interim government in Iraq
Saudi Arabia-Iraq, Politics, 4/19/2003

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal called at the inauguration of the conference on the Anglo-American occupation authorities to abide by the Geneva Convention in offer to maintain stability and security in Iraq.

He called for accelerating the establishment of an interim Iraqi government as an initial step towards the establishment of the Iraqi constitutional government that represents all categories of the Iraqi people.

He said the participating states in the conference support the need for enhancing the UN role in Iraq so that it can play a vital role in the post war-Iraq.

He said the participating countries do not interfere in Iraq's domestic affairs and were looking forward to the establishment of the modern state of Iraq which has friendly relations with its neighbours.

He said it is time to provide the chance for maintaining security and stability in Iraq adding the war in Iraq should be the last link of violence in the region.

He said the participating countries reject US threats against Syria, Prince Al-Faisal called on the United States to enter into a dialogue with Syria adding Arabia welcomed the statement by Secretary of State Colin Powell about his plan to visit Damascus.

He called for reactivating the peace process according to the roadmap plan in order to end the Arab Israeli conflict.

Prince Abdullah, the Saudi Crown Prince had reviewed with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Syria, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait the topics to be tackled by the conference.

Following yesterday session the participating countries under lined the importance of Iraq's independence and territorial integrity.

In a press conference late Friday, the Foreign ministers participating in the Iraq neighbours conference underlined that British and American forces should pull out of all Iraq territories. They highlighted the importance of humanitarian assistance and said an Iraqi government should be formed.

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal said in a press conference that the foreign ministers wanted the occupation authorities to honour the fourth Geneva Convention on maintaining security and stability.

They underlined the need for a pullout from Iraq and said the Iraqis should rule themselves, he added.

The ministers underlined commitment to the integrity of Iraq territories and called for a government representing all Iraqis.

They reiterated readiness to provide whatever assistance the Iraqis need whether in the field of humanitarian aid or the reconstruction of Iraq.

Prince Al-Faisal said the foreign ministers have affirmed that their countries did not agree to accusations leveled against Syria and welcome news that US State Secretary Colin Powell would discuss Syrian-US relations.

Asked about a US and British pullout of Iraq, the Saudi Foreign Minister said the final communiqu? focused on the basic principles for solving the Iraq conflict.

On Saudi Arabia's invitation to certain Iraqi parties to meet in the kingdom on the future government. Prince Saudi said that his country wanted Iraqis to rule their country and it did not meddle in the domestic affairs of Iraq.

On the lift of sanctions on Iraq, Prince Saud said there were some procedures, pertaining to the UN role, needed before lifting sanctions.

He added that waiting is required till a legitimate government is established that will be committed to Security Council resolutions.

The Saudi Foreign minister praised the role Egypt played in Arab issues and said it has offered sacrifices for Arab causes.

He stressed that the Egyptian role would continue and Arabs would remain counting on it.

The meeting stressed the importance of Iraqi territorial integrity and sovereignty, Prince Saudi said.

Participant countries pledged not to meddle in Iraq's domestic affairs, he added.

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