Saturday, May 05, 2007
Iraqi Shia MP says 'misunderstanding' between Iraq and Saudi
Conference, International
(DPA) - In the wake of the so-called “neighbours-plus” conference, a member of the ruling coalition in the Iraqi national assembly said there is “a misunderstanding” between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments. In response to remarks made by Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al- Faisal during and after the key conference, Abbas al-Biaty, an MP belonging to the ruling United Iraqi alliance, said that there are differences in views between the two countries, and misunderstanding.
“This we cannot hide,” he added. Al-Faisal, who was considered one of the key players in the Egypt- based conference, told al-Hayat newspaper’s Saturday edition that ”the situation in Iraq is only getting worse” and added: “We fear that the situation will deteriorate into a civil war.” The comments were considered an “exaggeration” by al-Biaty who vehemently denied the possibility of a war based on confessional differences. He said that this and such statements by neighbouring states give “a wrong message” to the Iraqi people.
“These countries should open up their embassies, and send delegations into Iraq in order to receive reports that correctly mirror the situation in Iraq,” he said. “The brothers (in neighbouring states) have incorrect information.”
During the conference, reports even circulated that al-Faisal had refused to meet with al-Maliki. I this were true it could imply the lack of Saudi support for the Shia premier. Such reports have not been confirmed, but al-Biaty said that Al Maliki was “promised a visit to Saudi Arabia. And this visit never happened.” When asked by al-Hayat if the Saudi government was willing to back A lMaliki’s cabinet, al-Faisal said: “We do not interfere in the internal matters of Iraq or any other country. This is up to the Iraqis.”
He added that al-Maliki’s government has an important role in ”convincing” participants in the upcoming and much-anticipated Iraqi national reconciliation meeting “that (the Iraqi government) is the side that they should trust.” He also said that it is up to the Iraqi government to end the troubles of “all Iraqis.” Concerning Iraq’s armed militias, who are said to have infiltrated army, police and government ranks, al-Faisal said: “Is it acceptable that militias are part of a legitimate government now?”
In response, al-Biaty said that Saudi support is indeed needed as his country is embracing a new democracy project. But he added that ”Iraq will not accept ready-made recipes (for reconciliation) from either friendly nations or neighbouring ones.” He also said that Riyadh should facilitate a “direct meeting” between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments. “But it is important that (no country) sides with another regional party or one of the concerned factions,” he added. Saudi Arabia is a strict Sunni state, and in recent statements the Saudi leadership has underlined the importance of incorporating all factions in the Iraqi political arena.
“This we cannot hide,” he added. Al-Faisal, who was considered one of the key players in the Egypt- based conference, told al-Hayat newspaper’s Saturday edition that ”the situation in Iraq is only getting worse” and added: “We fear that the situation will deteriorate into a civil war.” The comments were considered an “exaggeration” by al-Biaty who vehemently denied the possibility of a war based on confessional differences. He said that this and such statements by neighbouring states give “a wrong message” to the Iraqi people.
“These countries should open up their embassies, and send delegations into Iraq in order to receive reports that correctly mirror the situation in Iraq,” he said. “The brothers (in neighbouring states) have incorrect information.”
During the conference, reports even circulated that al-Faisal had refused to meet with al-Maliki. I this were true it could imply the lack of Saudi support for the Shia premier. Such reports have not been confirmed, but al-Biaty said that Al Maliki was “promised a visit to Saudi Arabia. And this visit never happened.” When asked by al-Hayat if the Saudi government was willing to back A lMaliki’s cabinet, al-Faisal said: “We do not interfere in the internal matters of Iraq or any other country. This is up to the Iraqis.”
He added that al-Maliki’s government has an important role in ”convincing” participants in the upcoming and much-anticipated Iraqi national reconciliation meeting “that (the Iraqi government) is the side that they should trust.” He also said that it is up to the Iraqi government to end the troubles of “all Iraqis.” Concerning Iraq’s armed militias, who are said to have infiltrated army, police and government ranks, al-Faisal said: “Is it acceptable that militias are part of a legitimate government now?”
In response, al-Biaty said that Saudi support is indeed needed as his country is embracing a new democracy project. But he added that ”Iraq will not accept ready-made recipes (for reconciliation) from either friendly nations or neighbouring ones.” He also said that Riyadh should facilitate a “direct meeting” between the Iraqi and the Saudi governments. “But it is important that (no country) sides with another regional party or one of the concerned factions,” he added. Saudi Arabia is a strict Sunni state, and in recent statements the Saudi leadership has underlined the importance of incorporating all factions in the Iraqi political arena.
Labels: Abbas al-Biaty, Saud al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia, Sharm el-Sheikh
