Talabani discusses Iraqi-Arab relations with AL

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi President Jalal Talabani discussed with Arab League’s (AL) representative, Ahmed Ben Helli, Iraq’s relations with its Arab surroundings. “The two sides exchanged ideas about the latest political developments, especially those related to the forthcoming parliamentary election in Iraq,” said a presidential release on Tuesday received by IraqiNews.com news agency. During the meeting, Talabani (a Kurd) stressed Iraq’s strong interest in reinforcing ties with its Arab surroundings. “Talabani also underscored the importance of the AL’s role in supporting the democratic process in Iraq,” the statement said. On Monday (Jan. 11), the Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League (AL), Ahmed Ben Helli, arrived on an official visit to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Lawmaker Jamal al-Bateekh said that Ben Hill’s trip to Iraq aimed at discussing the exclusion of Saleh al-Motlak’s (a Sunni Arab) list from election racing. MH (P) / SS 2