Iraqi TV Rounds Up Prime Minister’s Discussions With UAE’s Leaders

Baghdad Al-Iraqiyah TV highlighted in its 1500 gmt and 1700 gmt newscasts on 6 July Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, his meeting with the UAE president and vice-president, and the UAE’s decision to write off the entire debt owned to it by Iraq.

– “Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki met with UAE President Shaykh Khalifah Bin-Zayid Al Nuhayyan and his counterpart Shaykh Muhammad Bin-Rashid Al Maktum in Abu Dhabi today. During the meetings, the two sides discussed means of bolstering the relations between Iraq and the UAE, the reopening of the UAE embassy in Baghdad, and other regional and international issues. Prior to his departure from Baghdad, Al-Maliki said that his visit to the UAE reflects the Iraqi Government’s desire to integrate with its Arab surrounding and bolster its relations with all Arab countries. “

Al-Maliki is shown saying: “I am leaving for the UAE in response to an invitation by the prime minister. This visit is a step towards strengthening and developing the positive relations between the two countries and indicates Iraq’s desire to integrate with its Arab surrounding on all political, economic, and security levels because we are part of this Arab surrounding and this region, which will not enjoy stability unless there are strong relations. The two sides, the Iraqi Government and the UAE Government, have mutual desire to find the best means to develop their relations. We hope that this visit will be successful and leads to naming the UAE ambassador to Iraq, signing economic agreements, increasing trade exchange, and [discussing] other issues that might lead to establishing strong ties between the two countries.”

– “Iraqi Government Spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said that Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s meetings with the UAE officials resulted in the naming of a new ambassador to Iraq. He pointed out that the visit will open the door wide for a new phase of relations between the two countries.”

Al-Dabbagh is then shown saying: “His Highness Shaykh Abdallah Bin-Zayid told us that the ambassador has been named and approved by the Council of Ministers, which is waiting for the Federal National Council to approve his appointment. They also chose the building in Baghdad, and the ambassador will, of course, be among his family and brothers. If the building is not ready yet, we can arrange for a temporary place. We are optimistic that the UAE will quickly send the ambassador in order to activate the relations. I believe that the shaykhs here in Abu Dhabi and the UAE have big and clear desire to turn over a new leaf in the UAE’s relations with Iraq.”

– “Vice President Adil Abd-al-Mahdi received a delegation of experts in national reconciliation in Baghdad. During the meeting, the vice president said that the solidness of the Iraqi social fabric and the Iraqis’ commitment to strengthening it are the best guarantee for the country’s unity and stability. The members of the delegation briefed the vice president on their meetings and contacts with all the shades of the Iraqi [political] spectrum to help in implementing the principles and mechanisms stipulated in the second Helsinki agreement signed by representatives of the various shades of the Iraqi spectrum last June.”

– “Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi arrived in Kirkuk today to acquaint himself with the security and service situation there. During the visit, the vice president, who is accompanied by a number of members of the Council of Representatives, members of the governorate council, and the directors of government institutions, will inspect a number of areas in the city.”

Originally published by Al-Iraqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 0000 6 Jul 08.

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