Iraq´s neighbors agree to promote security co-op

Source: Xinhua | 04-15-2008 13:34

DAMASCUS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's neighbors agreed here on Monday to promote security cooperation in an effort to help restore stability in the war-torn country as they wrapped up a two-day meeting of the security coordination committee.

Iraqi and U.S. security forces gather at the scene of a bomb attack in Baghdad April 14, 2008. A blast in central Baghdad's Tayaran Square killed five  people and wounded nine, police said.  (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

In a statement issued at the end of the meeting, the participants praised "positive cooperation" between Iraq and its neighbors in fighting terrorism and efforts to improve the security situation in Iraq.

Such cooperation has already led to an improvement in security, the statement said, adding that "control of the borders is the responsibility of Iraq and its neighbors."

The participants underlined their respect to Iraq's unity, sovereignty and independence as well as their commitment to preserving Iraq's Arab and Islamic identity, said the document.

It also expressed support for the Iraqi government's efforts to take over illegal weapons and disband all militias in a bid to improve internal security.

The participants stressed the significance of coordination and adoption of practical steps to fight all types of terrorism and eradicate its financial resources, while calling for an increase of bilateral and regional cooperation to fight organized crime and drug.

They also called for exchange of information on security issues and suspected elements through channels and mechanisms agreed upon during the meetings of foreign ministers of Iraq's neighbors.

Resolutions of the meeting will be submitted to a ministerial conference on security in Iraq to be held in Kuwait on April 22.

Meanwhile, Washington called on Iraq's neighbors to stop the flow of militants and weapons to the country, according to a statement by the U.S. embassy here.

"We hope that this meeting will result in a strong commitment by all parties to stop the flow of both terrorists and the weapons they use across Iraq's borders and throughout the region," it said.

Mourners chant slogans as they carry the coffin of a civilian killed in an air strike during a  funeral in Baghdad's Sadr City April 14, 2008.  Eight civilians were also wounded in the same  air strike, residents said.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

"Terrorist facilitation networks operating throughout the region continue to be a significant threat to the stability of Iraq, and by extension, the entire region," it added.

Delegations from Iraq's six neighbors and Egypt and Bahrain, as well as representatives of the Arab League (AL), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), permanent members of the UN Security Council and the European Union (EU), attended the gathering.

Ali al-Jaroush, representative of the AL to the conference, said after the meeting that the AL stressed the importance of finding an immediate solution to the Iraqi issue.

He called for more concerted Arab efforts to support the Iraqi people, noting that AL Secretary General Amr Moussa is making continued contacts with various parties involved to reach a fast-track solution.

The meeting is the second of its kind of the security coordination committee of Iraq's neighbors. The first one was also held in Damascus last August with a statement on helping Iraq restore law and order.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei