Al-Assad discusses with Barazani consolidation of Iraq's unity, security

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has discussed the situation in Iraq with the chairman of the Iraq's Kurdistan Democratic Party Masoud al-Barazani. Talks dealt with the care to "consolidate national unity, restoring security and stability so as to ensure the restoration of normal life to Iraq," according to a official Syrian source.

This is, however, the first meeting of its kind for President al-Assad with a member in the Iraqi Interim Council. Following the meeting, al-Barazani said "there is a good understanding and complete readiness from the Syrian side to provide all possible aid to Iraq."

On the American accusations against Syria of permitting fighters to sneaking through the borders to Iraq, al-Barazani said "the borders are open and sneaking takes place in all parts of the world." Al-Barazani said that the Iraqis do not want an imposition for foreign forces in their country for long periods, but at the meantime a nearby American withdrawal might create problems. He explained "we do not want foreign forces to stay in Iraq, but at the meantime there should be full arrangements to build the institutions."

He indicated that "the withdrawal of the American forces will create problems. Withdrawal should be made when conditions are suitable, and according to prior agreements and arrangements between the two sides." Al-Barazani said that efforts are being made to create optimal atmospheres for free elections, considering that this might one year or more.