Iraq objects to final statement of Arab summit
Damascus - Iraqi Vice-President Adel Abdel-Mahdi objected to the final declaration issued by the Arab summit in Damascus Sunday because it failed to condemn terrorism in Iraq and did not acknowledge Baghdad's efforts to foster national reconciliation.
Abdel-Mahdi told delegates that Iraq had reservations over the final declaration because it had not taken Iraq's point view on condemning acts of terrorism targeting civilians in the country.
Abdel-Mahdi's spokesman, Laith Shibr, told the Voices of Iraq news agency the article concerning Iraq in the declaration was being amended to reflect the Iraqi government's efforts in fighting terrorism and promoting reconciliation.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told the Dubai-based al- Arabyia television that the article on Iraq was contrary to what was previously agreed by Arab foreign ministers in their pre-summit meeting in Cairo.
Zebari blamed Syria for changing the agreed statement.
Iraq is represented by its vice president at the summit, which will be wrapped up later on Sunday. (dpa)
