Jordanian PM says his country ready to ease tensions between Iraq, Syria

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Jordanian Prime Minister Nader al-Dahabi voiced his country’s readiness to help easing tensions between Iraq and Syria. This came during his meeting with President Jalal Talabani in the city of Sulaimaniya late Thursday. “The premier reiterated his country’s support to the political process in Iraq and efforts exerted by the Jordanian government to enhance security and stability in the country,” said a statement released by Talabani’s office received by Iraqi News. Iraqi-Syrian relations have been recently strained after the bloody Aug. 19 bombing attacks that left 82 people killed and 1203 others wounded. The Iraqi government accused Baathists residing in Syria of involvement in the blasts and called on Syria to hand them over. “The president praised Jordan’s stances supporting the Iraqi people, asserting the importance of boosting bilateral ties in different fields for the good of the two people,” the statement added. Nader al-Dahabi had arrived in Baghdad on Thursday (Sept. 3) for an official visit to Iraq aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. Dahabi, who is heading a large delegation of Jordanian ministers and businessmen, met with his Iraqi counterpart Nouri al-Maliki, with whom he discussed ways to promote bilateral ties, including economic, political and energy spheres. SH (S) 1