Iraq discusses with neighbors the risks of partition, sneaking operations
Iraq-Regional, Politics, 2/14/2004

Kuwaiti hosts today and tomorrow a meeting for the foreign ministers of countries adjoining Iraq, attended by the Iraqi foreign minister, and concentrating on the Iraqi situation and its reflections on security in the region.

This meeting, which will be attended by the foreign ministers of Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait will allow the chance for Iraq to "discuss matters that raise its concern and also for its neighbors to express their fears," according to a senior high ranking Arab officials, who also explained that the "state of instability in Iraq adversely affects the region as a whole, therefore governments adjoining Iraq feel concern over the internal political developments in Iraq."

The official continued that the Iraqi interim governing council hopes from its neighbors " if not complete recognition of it, at least greater coordination and cooperation between these countries and the Iraqi government." The Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zeibari announced from Baghdad his participation in Kuwait's meeting. This is the fifth meeting of its kind for Iraq's neighboring states, noting he will "explain" for his counterparts during the meeting the situation in Iraq.

The Jordanian foreign minister Marwan Muasher said " Jordan considers that there should be an Arab position towards Iraq and to help Iraq in this phase will help in eliminating the occupation and vis a vis."

According to the said Arab official "the participants in Kuwait's meeting will discuss issues that raise their fears." He added that Iraq, in particular "fears the sneaking of armed elements to its lands from neighboring states, especially from Syria, while other countries fear the partition of Iraq and the foundation of a Kurdish state in the north and another Shiite one in the south."

Previous Stories:
  al-Ahram: Moussa calls for Iraq's unity, UN role stressed   (1/16/2004)
  Joint Arab and international journalists delegation visits Iraq   (1/13/2004)
  Hakim vows to end occupation, missile attacks continue in Baghdad   (12/26/2003)

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