Iraqi delegate at AL: Delay in foreign ministers meeting reflect internal conflict in Arab states

Sultan El-Shawi, Iraqi's new delegate at the Arab League, stated that delaying the meeting of the Arab foreign ministers to January 24 revealed that there is a gap between public opinion and that adopted by Arab officials.

He said that the official Arab position "must express what was expressed by the Arab people."

He added that Iraq renewed its demands after the US - British attacks earlier this month, reinforcing the importance of severely condemning this attack as well as the importance of lifting the siege and paying compensation for the damage caused by these attacks.

He added that Iraq will not recognize the no-fly zones imposed in northern and southern Iraq. Sultan urged the Arab states on backing Iraq in this demand because it is a part of the Arab nation and this could happen to any other Arab state.