Iraq is ready to protect diplomatic delegations – FM

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Foreign Affairs Minister (FM) Hoshiyar Zebari stressed through a series of phone calls he had with a number of his Arab counterparts that Iraq’s government is keen to provide the required security to diplomatic delegations in Iraq, according to a release issued by the Foreign Ministry on Monday. “Zebari had a series of phone calls today and yesterday with his counterparts in Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait, and discussed with them how to accelerate the process of starting Arab embassies in Baghdad, and the necessity of mutual delegations and visits between Iraq and Arab countries,” said the release received by IraqiNews.com. “Iraq is keen to provide all security and protection requirements necessary for diplomatic delegations to work in Iraq,” the release quoted Zebari. “Iraqis are comfortable with the steps to activate an Arab presence in Iraq during the coming stage,” he added. MH (P)/SR 1