Final statement of Iraq's neighboring states FM s's meeting
Iraq-Regional, Politics, 11/3/2003

The meetings of Iraq's neighboring countries' Foreign Ministers started in Damascus on Sunday with the participation of the Foreign Ministers Farouk al-Shara of Syria, Saud al-Fausal of Saudi Arabia, Marwan al-Muasher of Jordan, Kamal Kharazi of Iran, Ahmad Maher of Egypt, Abdullah Gul of Turkey and Mohammed Salem al-Sabah of Kuwait.

The discussions dealt with the current situation in Iraq and its repercussions on the Arab, regional and international situations.

In the press conference held following the conclusion of the meetings, Foreign Minister al-Shara described the deliberations as "important and positive" stressing that the final statement expressed common understanding among the participating Foreign Ministers.

Later, al-Shara recited the Following final statement: Upon the Syrian Arab Republic's invitation, Iraq's neighboring courtiers' Foreign Ministers held a meeting to debate the current situation in Iraq and its repercussions on the Arab, regional and international situation.

The Foreign Ministers invited the Foreign Minister of the Iraqi Transitional Government to attend the meeting but they did not receive an answer expressing hope that he will participate in their next meetings.

They stressed the "importance of supporting Iraqi unity and integrity according to UN Security Council resolution No. 1511 and expressed full solidarity with the Iraqi people in their plight due to the dangerous deterioration of security, economic, and living situation."

They stressed their "rejection of any procedures that lead to the division of Iraq" asserting respect to the Iraqi unity and sovereignty and adherence " to not interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq."

They stressed the right of the Iraqi people to exercise their political self-determination asserting the importance of enhancing the pivotal role of the United Nations in Iraq particularly in the supervision in forming the constitution, holding elections, putting a timetable to end occupation and accelerating the transfer of authority to the Iraqis.

They asserted the Iraqi Transitional Governing Council exert effort until the establishment of the elected Iraqi government.

They held the occupation authority responsible for security and stability in Iraq, according to UN Security Council relevant resolutions and international law, particularly Geneva 4th convention of the year 1949.

They condemned the "terrorist explosions that target the civilians, religious and humanitarian establishments, international organizations and diplomatic delegations in Iraq" calling on the Iraqi authorities to bear responsibility, calling their representative at the UN to make contact with the UN to act for supporting security and stability in Iraq.

Finally, the Foreign Ministers expressed solidarity with Syria's national stance and agreed on continuing consultations and contacts until restoring the Iraqi unity and integrity. SANA

Previous Stories:
  Iraqi national and Islamic forces delegation in Beirut   (11/1/2003)
  Arab, international journalists delegation to visit Iraq   (10/31/2003)
  State of fear in Baghdad; Saddam calls for general strik; Damascus meeting to 'accelerate end of occupation'   (10/31/2003)

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