Egyptian FM urges solution to Iraqi-Syrian crisis within AL

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Wednesday voiced his government’s concerns regarding the current tension in relations between Iraq and Syria, calling for a solution within the framework of the Arab League (AL). This came in a press release by an official spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossam Zaki, following a meeting between Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and his Egyptian counterpart. “The ministers discussed the recent development in relations between the two countries, which have seen a noticeable progress in all fields, as well as several regional and international issues of mutual concern,” according to the release. During the meeting, the Egyptian official highlighted his country’s interest in achieving stability in Iraq. The release stressed Aboul Gheit’s keenness to put the Egyptian point of view to his Arab counterparts during the meetings of the Arab foreign ministers, which are currently taking place at the league’s headquarters in Cairo. Iraqi-Syrian relations have recently witnessed a heated tension following accusations that Syria is harboring groups believed to be behind the recent suicide blasts that killed and wounded scores of people in the capital Baghdad on Aug. 19. SS (S)/SR 1