Iraqi opposition conference convened in London

A conference for the Iraqi opposition was opened in London on Monday with the participation of some 10 groups to discuss means of eliminating disputes among them as well as in preparation for coming activities aimed at toppling the Iraqi government led by President Saddam Hussein.

The conference is being held under the supervision of the British government which has recently adopted a new strategy to intensify the efforts of the Iraqi opposition to topple the current Iraqi government.

A spokesman for the British Foreign Office said that British Minister of State Derek Fatchett will supervise this conference. The spokesman added that Fatchett will make efforts with the Iraqi opposition groups to end disputes dividing them.

The spokesman added that these groups are expected to ask Britain to provide military and media support in their war against Saddam Hussein.

Taking part in the conference are the Iraqi communist party and Kurdish parties as well as groups representing Iraqi Shiite parties headquartered in Iran.