Final statement of Tehran's meeting of Iraq's neighboring states

Interior Ministers of Iraq neighboring countries underscored importance of maintaining the country's territorial integrity and national unity and enabling its people to lead a stable and secure life.

The ministers, wrapping up a two-day meeting in Tehran, said in a final statement they are committed to the UN Security Council resolution No. 1546 and the statements of previous meetings on Iraq, including the recent Cairo and Sharm al-Sheikh gatherings.

The ministers welcomed efforts by the UN and the Iraqi interim government to lay the ground for the participation of all Iraqis in the upcoming general elections before the end of January as stipulated by the UN Security Council resolution 1546. They asserted the key UN role in this regard.

They expressed readiness to help the election process through encouraging Iraqis and facilitating the voting procedures in and outside the country with the cooperation of the UN and the Iraqi interim government.

The conferees emphasized necessity of boosting mutual cooperation regarding border security and crossing points as well as the freedom of movement among their countries in the framework of existing bilateral agreements.

The ministers said they support combating smuggling of arms and drugs and the prevention of capital transfer to prevent giving any support to terrorists activities across the borders, as well as ending the activities and existence of these groups, including Iraq, as they constitute a threat to Iraq and its neighbors.

The final statement condemned acts of terrorism that target the civilians, humanitarian institutions and foreign workers and diplomatic missions and international organizations. They also denounced the desecration of religious places, stressing the need to exchange security information among the neighboring countries to control movements of the terrorist elements or any illegal persons to or from Iraq.

The ministers voiced readiness of the neighboring countries to train and equip Iraqi police and border forces on a demand from Iraq to help the country restore stability and play a more active role in protecting and controlling its own borders as stated by the UN Security Council, the UN and bilateral agreements.

The ministers pointed out to the positive effect of economic development in Iraq and restoration of its security and stability. In this regard the neighboring countries said they are ready to play a more active role in the process of rebuilding the country through the optimal use of its vast economic resources as well as the capabilities of the neighboring countries.