Italy’s Berlusconi says Iraq needs support to play positive role

BAGHDAD /Iraqi News Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has called on the Arab League (AL) to support Iraq in its efforts to play a positive role in the region, describing the results of the election as “encouraging indicators.” “Iraq needs support to be able to play its positive role in the region once again, especially after the encouraging indicators brought by the election, and the platform for a foreign troop withdrawal from the country in a matter of few months,” Berlusconi said in his speech at the 22 nd Arab summit, which kicked off earlier today in the Libyan city of Sirte. The Arab summit began today with the participation of 13 Arab leaders. The Iraqi delegation was led by Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari. SS (P)/SR 1