Tariq Aziz welcomes resumption of US-Iraqi negotiations

Iraqi Deputy Premier Tariq Aziz stated that Iraq is ready to resume negotiations with the US, as an important country like the United States cannot be ignored, but that Iraq rejects being subordinate to any country.

Regarding his expectation of the continuation of the sanctions which are currently imposed on Iraq, Aziz said that the recent crisis attracted public attention to Iraqi suffering which is caused by the sanctions. He stated that Iraq will use favorable international public opinion to create a new regional balance that is different from what has prevailed since 1990.

He added that the recent crisis proved Arab solidarity has improved after the Arabs, even those who are allies to the US, were convinced of the arrogance and the double standards practiced by the US.