Iraqi president appreciates Syria

Iraqi President Jalal Talibani has expressed appreciation over "Syria's favor offered to the Iraqi people", asserting that he "didn't criticized and would never criticize Syria."

In a statement to London-based the Middle East newspaper published Sunday, Talibani called on the Iraqi officials to discuss any concerns with the Syrian officials when they meet them.

On the withdrawal of the American forces from Iraq, Talibani said that it is up to the Americans. He expressed hope that Iraq's relations will be improved with all the Arab states and that Iraq will play important role in the Arab League.