Mubarak, Allawi discuss regional developments
Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 6/28/2005

Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak yesterday received former Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, who is currently on an official visit to Egypt.

Emerging from the meeting, Allawi said that his talks with the President covered the development of the situation in Iraq and the region in general.

"Today's talks are part of the continuous communications with the Egyptian leader," he told reporters.

Allawi, who led the Iraqi government from June 2004 until April this year, added that he expressed gratitude for Egypt's stance on Iraq as well as its support for the country's process, noting that Egypt would always remain a supporter of Iraq.

Concerning militants crossing into Iraq from Syria, Allawi said they are not backed by the Syrian government.

"Tensions in Iraq cannot be solved through military means alone," Allawi said.

Last week, the United States and Iraq reiterated that Syria was not doing enough to stop foreign fighters from entering Iraq.

The Syrian government rejected the allegations, arguing it is impossible to seal its 360-mile border with Iraq.

"There are infiltrators," Allawi said, "but that does not necessarily mean that they are supported by the Syrian government. [The infiltrators] are misusing Syria's hospitality and cross into Iraq."

Allawi said Syrian and Iraqi officials were discussing setting up a buffer zone along the border to stop infiltration.

Allawi denied disputes between the two states, noting that he had met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and would meet him again in a week or 10 days.

"We are eager for more cooperation and coordination with Syria to monitor our joint borders," he said, noting that improvements had been made recently, especially following his meeting with the Syrian leader.

Allawi insisted that an end to violence would require talking to anti-government groups.

As to whether a timetable for foreign troop withdrawal from Iraq was set in order to avoid a civil war, Allawi said the timetable is linked with Iraq's capability to build up adequate military and security forces.

"It is difficult to draw up a timetable but there is total agreement between Iraq, the US and the other countries that have sent troops that whenever Iraq is able, foreign forces will leave," he said.

As for the drafting of the new Iraqi constitution, he said the concerned committees have been formed in Iraq and the upcoming elections must take place on time, adding that only 20 percent of the constitution remained to be drafted.

Allawi left Cairo shortly afterwards, having spent several days in Egypt, affording him the opportunity to meet President Mubarak, and Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, among other Egyptian officials.

He also met with other Egyptian officials.

He also met with Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Amr Moussa.

Previous Stories:
  Nazif receives former Iraqi premier   (6/27/2005)
  Abul-Gheit: Egypt sheds light on unity of Iraq   (6/22/2005)
  Abul-Gheit: Participation of all Iraqis in political process important   (4/13/2005)

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