wrbones
04-19-03, 12:51 PM
http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=C6E3A12E-5D59-4300-AB75FD85CFF88287&title=Iraq%27s%20Neighbors%20Seek%20US%2C%20Britis h%20Troop%20Withdrawal
Iraq's Neighbors Seek US, British Troop Withdrawal
VOA News
19 Apr 2003, 07:21 UTC
Iraq's neighbors are calling for U.S. and British forces to establish security in Iraq, then leave the country as soon as possible.
Foreign ministers from Iraq's neighbors, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey, along with Egypt and Bahrain, which currently chairs the Arab League, say occupying forces are obliged by international law to maintain security and stability in Iraq.
The ministers said in a joint statement issued early Saturday that foreign troops are then obligated to withdraw and let Iraqis run their own country, including making decisions on how to use their natural resources. Iraq has the world's second-largest known oil reserves after Saudi Arabia.
Ministers who met in emergency session Friday in Riyadh said at this time they oppose the lifting of U.N. sanctions against Iraq, which limit oil sales until a legitimate Iraqi government is in place. Washington wants sanctions lifted soon, to allow oil sales to pay for reconstruction of the country.
The ministers also called on the United Nations to take a central role in a post-war Iraq, something Washington is reluctant to allow.
The foreign ministers condemned recent U.S. accusations that Syria is harboring members of the former Iraqi regime, and is developing chemical weapons.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, who read the joint statement, has called for dialogue between Washington and Damascus, in order to avoid further conflict which he says could destabilize the region.
Iraq's Neighbors Seek US, British Troop Withdrawal
VOA News
19 Apr 2003, 07:21 UTC
Iraq's neighbors are calling for U.S. and British forces to establish security in Iraq, then leave the country as soon as possible.
Foreign ministers from Iraq's neighbors, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey, along with Egypt and Bahrain, which currently chairs the Arab League, say occupying forces are obliged by international law to maintain security and stability in Iraq.
The ministers said in a joint statement issued early Saturday that foreign troops are then obligated to withdraw and let Iraqis run their own country, including making decisions on how to use their natural resources. Iraq has the world's second-largest known oil reserves after Saudi Arabia.
Ministers who met in emergency session Friday in Riyadh said at this time they oppose the lifting of U.N. sanctions against Iraq, which limit oil sales until a legitimate Iraqi government is in place. Washington wants sanctions lifted soon, to allow oil sales to pay for reconstruction of the country.
The ministers also called on the United Nations to take a central role in a post-war Iraq, something Washington is reluctant to allow.
The foreign ministers condemned recent U.S. accusations that Syria is harboring members of the former Iraqi regime, and is developing chemical weapons.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, who read the joint statement, has called for dialogue between Washington and Damascus, in order to avoid further conflict which he says could destabilize the region.