Iraq studies opening diplomatic channels with Southern Sudan

BAGHDAD / Awat al-Iraq: Iraq’s decision to open diplomatic channels with the newly-formed State of Southern Sudan needs further study by the Iraqi government, the Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary, Lubeid Abbawi, said on Saturday.   “As far as I know no official Iraqi delegation shall attend the celebrations on the occasion of the establishment of the State of Southern Sudan,” Abbawi said.  “The opening of diplomatic and political channels with Southern Sudan shall be studied by the Iraqi government,” Abbawi commented.   “There is no problem in opening contacts with Southern Sudan, particularly considering that it was established as result of a general referendum. The Iraq’s Council of Ministers however is the authority that decides on whether to open communications with that State,” Abbawi said.    The capital of the State of South Sudan, Juba, has been witnessing nationwide celebrations on the occasion of its announcement as an independent State from Sudan, with the presence of official delegations from the United Nations and different world states.   SKH (TS)/SR 2110