Iraq PM rebukes neighbours for lack of support

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters

Iraq PM rebukes neighbours for lack of support
Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:31 AM BST
Email This Article | Print This Article | RSS <-> Text <+> By Sue Pleming and Ulf Laessing

KUWAIT (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki rebuked neighbouring states on Tuesday for not doing enough to strengthen ties with Baghdad, write off Iraq's debts or stop militants entering the war-torn country.

Maliki, speaking at a meeting in Kuwait of foreign ministers from the region and Western powers, did not name any countries but his remarks appeared aimed at Sunni Arab states that have only low-level ties with his Shi'ite-led government.

~snip~

"Iraq today is different from the previous Iraq which assaulted its neighbours. Iraq ... is ready to play a constructive role in security and stability in the region," Maliki said at the start of the meeting.

He rattled off a list of grievances his government had with neighbouring states.

"It's difficult for us to explain why diplomatic ties have not been resumed with Iraq. Many other foreign countries have kept diplomatic missions in Baghdad regardless of security considerations," Maliki said.



Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L22521368.htm