Iraq's PM to call regional conference on security
Source: Reuters
(Adds quotes) BAGHDAD, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki said on Tuesday he was sending envoys to neighbouring countries to seek cooperation in improving security in Iraq and would call for a conference of regional states on the issue. In a televised news conference in Baghdad, Maliki said: "We will send envoys to neighbouring countries to encourage the governments of those countries to reinforce security and stability." He also said Iraqi political leaders would meet in mid-December to try to reconcile rival communities. Iraq is gripped by mounting sectarian violence between majority Shi'ites and once-dominant minority Sunnis. "We are aiming to have this conference in Iraq because it will be a sign of support to Iraq but it is not decided yet. We have formed the delegations which will be sent. "After talking with the governments we will decide whether the conference will be for neighbouring countries, or beyond, a regional or international conference," he said. Maliki did not name which neighbouring countries he was sending envoys to. U.S. and Iraqi officials have long accused Syria of doing too little to stem the flow of foreign Islamist fighters and weapons across its long, porous border. Last month, Iraq and Syria agreed to restore full diplomatic relations after a break of nearly a quarter of a century. Washington and many of Iraq's Sunni-dominated neighbouring states such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia are suspicious of non- Arab, Shi'ite Iran's growing influence in Iraq, where the Shi'ite majority swept to power following the ouster of Saddam Hussein.
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