Iraqi governing council holds official talks in Jordan, Yemen

Jordanian officials said yesterday that a delegation representing the governing council in Iraq, which is appointed by the USA will hold talks in Jordan on the developments of conditions in Iraq.

The officials added that it is expected that the council's delegation chaired by Ibrahim al-Jaafari is expected to arrive in Amman in the framework of efforts to build bridges with the Arab states through tours covering the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Jordan had welcomed the council saying that it is a step into the right track but he called for hurrying in Making the elections to form a national government representing all social strata in Iraq.

The Islamic opposition at the Jordanian parliament criticized the official stand concerning the council which it considered as illegal and called on the government not to recognize nor deal with it.

By the beginning of this month, Egypt and other Arab states said they cannot recognize the council but are ready to meet with representatives of any Iraqi political parties.

Meantime, the Yemeni foreign ministry said that an Iraqi delegation including the chairman and members of the Iraqi transitional council will arrive in Yemen today (Monday) in the framework of a tour it is making to several Arab states.

The Yemeni news agency Sabaa quoted Abdullah al-Rida, the secretary of the foreign ministry as saying that the visit of the Iraqi delegation "comes after Yemen's consent on the request of members of the delegation to visit the country."

The Iraqi transitional governing council which was formed on July 13 met hardships to be recognized by the Arab states. Several Arab states called for forming an elected government from the Iraq people.