Egyptian president asserts importance of forming new government

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met on Tuesday with head of the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (SIIC) Ammar al-Hakim and his accompanying delegation currently visiting here, during which he asserted the importance of forming the new Iraqi government. “The meeting dealt with the latest Iraqi developments especially following the recent legislative elections and efforts to form the new Iraqi government, Egypt‘s al-Joumhouriya newspaper reported on Wednesday. The visiting SIIC chief termed as “fruitful and friendly” Tuesday’s talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The lengthy talks focused on means of promoting relations between Egypt and Iraq, Ammar al-Hakim said. Hakim noted that he posted the president on the current political conditions in Iraq, lauding Mubarak’s keenness on following up the developments in Iraq. The Egyptian leadership underlined the importance of protecting Iraq‘s unity and coming up with solutions to the Iraqi political crisis from within, Hakim said. Failing to form a government over seven months embarrassed Iraqi political powers that won the elections, he said, voicing hope that there would be a breakthrough soon. Realizing stability in Iraq is a prerequisite for securing the proper climate for making use of the country’s huge investment capabilities, especially in view of a boost in oil revenues in the past few years, the head of the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council said. Ammar al-Hakim said he believes that the council’s proposal on holding a round table for all parties which won the elections to reach a common understanding is a good way to unify views among the political powers in the country to set the stage for forming a new government capable of winning the confidence of all Iraqis. Hakim lauded Egypt‘s role in supporting Iraq, noting that Iraq wants to resume its regional and international role after a hiatus that lasted more than two decades. SH (S)/SR 1