Syrian FM: Iraqis should take initiative for stability

Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muaallem today said that the Iraqis should take initiative to restore security and stability in the war-torn country otherwise no one could assist them.

Speaking on the first day of the meeting of foreign ministers of Iraq's neighboring states plus Egypt, being held in Iran, he criticized the performance of Iraqi politicians and said if Iraqi politicians shun obstinacy, the grounds for subsequent steps would be much more prepared.

If they keep up their religious and ethnic fanaticism, the would not create a much better situation in that country, he said.

"It is not wise for any political party or coalition to have military forces," he said.

"I strongly recommend that the Iraqis themselves to take initiative while being supported by the Arab world who should respect the country's territorial integrity," he underlined.

He said "Syria is ready to cooperate with Iraq in all political, economic, and social fields and to have broad presence in the course of that country's reconstruction."

The foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt are the main participants in the Tehran meeting.