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Iraq is inseparable from Arab World: Iraq veep
Apparently from a press conference after meeting Egyptian officials. Not addressed: Iraq's separability from Persian world.
As an inseparable part from the Arab world, it is hoped that Iraq would regain its powerful unity to play its suitable role in Arab and Islamic arenas, said Iraqi Vice-President Adel Abdulmahdi on Tuesday. During a press conference with Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmad Nazif, Abdulmahdi said he agreed with Egypt's stance that Iraq must maintain its Arab identity, sovereignty and independence. He said it was only a matter of time before Iraq reassumed its active and efficient role within the Arab family.

Iraq is about to settle all arising problems and no one can claim that Iraqis would hesitate when it comes to achieving sovereignty, said Abdulmahdi, expressing believe that Iraq has come a long way in this regard and that results would appear as time went on. Despite having some ministerial predicaments and mistakes at times, Iraq seeks to settle all arising problems and overcome all obstacles, he said.

As for reopening the Egyptian Embassy in Baghdad, he hoped the entire Egyptian diplomatic staff would return to Iraq, adding that the death of Egyptian Ambassador in Baghdad Ihab Al-Sherif was a loss for both nations. Abdulmahdi lauded Egypt's role in supporting Iraq in various sectors, noting that both nations shared mutual views on regional issues. He expected boosting overall Iraqi-Egyptian exchange in economic, commercial, and investment issues, as well as diplomatic affairs, especially after settling his nation's situation.

On his part, Nazif said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry was studying means of securing the presence of an ambassador in Iraq, adding that his nation fully supported Iraq's political process to ensure its security, stability and reconstruction efforts. He expressed Egypt's absolute readiness to help, support and assist Iraq in all sectors, noting that certain matters of cooperation in economic and social affairs were dsicussed during visits to Cairo by Iraqi officials. He lauded overall historical Egyptian-Iraqi ties, hoping to boost economic and commercial exchange to reach their previous levels.

Egypt is encouraging the return of companies to Iraq to resume and pickup activities, said Nazif.

As for issuing visas for Iraqis to reunite with their relatives in Egypt, he said this was a legitimate request and this matter was discussed with Iraqi Vice-President Tareq Al-Hashemi. Nazif noted that there were a number of security measures that needed finalization before issuing the visas. He said his nation was working to ensure the wellbeing of Iraqi families in Egypt by admitting their children to schools so they would feel right at home.

Abdulmahdi arrived here earlier today discuss Iraq's political process with Egyptian officials.

Prior to the press conference, Abdulmahdi and Nazif held a session of talks regarding Iraq's security situation, as well as Egypt's efforts to maintain stability in Iraq and help in the reconstruction process.
Posted by: Seafarious 2007-09-26
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=200204