Syria wishes Iraqi elections serve as prelude to national reconciliation – Assad tells Allawi

BAGHDAD /Iraqi News Syrian President Bashar al-Assad discussed on Thursday with Iyad Allawi, Head of the Iraqi National List (INL) the latest developments in Iraq and preparations for the parliamentary elections in Iraq, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). Assad reiterated his wishes that parliamentary elections in Iraq would move peacefully and in a secure and safe environment. He also expressed hopes that these elections serve as a starting point for achieving national reconciliation and unity among Iraqi people, and an opportunity for boosting Iraq regional status and achieving peace and stability in the country and region. Allawi, meanwhile, expressed appreciation for the Syrian efforts to support Iraq, and for the facilities Syria offers to guarantee participation of displaced Iraqis in these elections. The meeting was attended by Assistant Vice-president Mohamed Nassif, Presidential Political and Media Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban and Nawaf al-Fares, Syria‘s ambassador to Iraq in addition to the delegation accompanying Allawi. In the same context, Vice President Farouk al-Shara met with Allawi and the accompanying delegation in the presence of Nassif and the Syrian Ambassador in Baghdad. Speaking to reporters Allawi appreciated Syria‘s role and keenness on Iraq‘s safety and stability, especially the issue of embracing Iraqis who were forced to leave their country due to war circumstances. “My talks with President al-Assad dealt with the situation in the region and its stability and integrity of the electoral process in Iraq,” Allawi said, adding that he found full keenness on Iraq‘s security and stability. Allawi said, “The Syrian-Iraqi relations are close and must remain like this as well as Iraq should establish strong fraternal relations with Syria, the Arab countries and with all neighboring countries.” He added that consultation with the Arab brothers is a key issue not only regarding the safety and stability of Iraq, but also concerning the safety and stability of the region as a whole. He hoped that Iraq will be stable after the elections and its relations with the Arab and Islamic world will be strengthened and that Iraqis will return to their country to contribute to the rebuilding process. Earlier, President al-Assad received a message from the Iraqi government which confirms keenness on developing relations between the two brotherly countries. The Message was conveyed by Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi. MH (I)/AmR 2