Iraq: US objections will not stop Iraq- Syria oil pipeline

Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf has stressed his country's support for operating the Iraqi oil pipeline through Syria and completing the equipment needed for this procedure.

In press statements he made in Cairo today following his meeting with the UN Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid the Iraqi minister said "operating the Iraqi pipelines through Syria constitutes one of the main steps to strengthen relations between the two countries."

The Iraqi foreign minister called upon the Arab states to intensify its efforts to lift the embargo imposed on Iraq after Iraq had committed itself to the implementation of UNSCOM decisions.

Meanwhile, After his meeting with Arab League Secretary -General Esmat Abd El-Maguid Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Said al-Sahaf announced that Iraq insists on activating the petroleum line "Tabline" across Syria despite U.S.A.'s objection and regardless of what the others say.