Allawi describes relations with Syria as excellent

Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on Monday described Iraq's relations with Syria as excellent and are moving in the right direction in the interest of the two states' peoples.

In a joint press conference held with the British Foreign Minister Jack Straw in London, Allawi referred to his latest visit to Syria and his meeting with President Bashar al-Assad; " During that visit, we discussed several issues that concern Syria and Iraq," he said, adding that both countries are a pivotal part in the region and that they are basically interested in keeping and securing its people.

He described his visit to Britain and the talks held there as very positive, saying " The talks dealt with issues related to the Iraq-British relations and means of strengthening them, and mechanism of setting up a profound British-Iraqi partnership."