Foreign ministers of Iraq neighboring states conclude meetings

Deliberations of the 6th Conference of Iraq Neighboring Countries' Foreign Ministers were concluded Wednesday in participation of Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara and the Special Advisor of UN Secretary General in Iraq Lakhdar al-Ibrahimi.

In a final statement, the ministers stressed the necessity of preserving Iraq's territorial integrity, restoring complete sovereignty and running its own affairs.

The ministers also discussed the deteriorating situation of security in Iraq and means of helping Iraq and neighboring countries achieve security.

They stressed the important role the UN and neighboring countries should assume in meeting the hopes of the Iraqi people.

Foreign Minister al-Shara, in an interposition, said Syria backs Iraq's unity, sovereignty and independence, expressing willingness to cooperate with Iraq and help it achieve security and stability. "The contacts with brothers in Iraq and the forthcoming visit of Iraqi Premier Iyad Allawi to Damascus come in the interest of Iraq and the neighbouring countries during this sensitive time," al-Shara added.

He warned against the Israeli infiltration in Iraq which constitutes a danger on Iraq's security and a threat to the neighbouring countries.

On the sidelines of the meetings, al-Shara met Wednesday his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul. Talks during the meeting dealt with the latest developments in Iraq, referring to the necessity of continuing consultations between both countries.

Talks also focused on the relations between Syria and Turkey, where both sides expressed relief over the advanced relations and the necessity of enhancing them in all domains.