Middle East News
Iraqi interior minister in Syria to discuss border security
Dec 15, 2006, 16:40 GMT
Damascus(dpa) - Iraq's interior minister arrived in Syria Friday to discuss with Syrian officials security issues along the borders of the two countries and other issues of common interest.
Al-Boulani, who comes from Jordan accompanied by the minister of the Iraqi National security affairs Sharwan al-Waeli, said he would sign security agreements with the Syrians and discuss ways of stationing joint security patrols along the borders.
Jawad al-Boulani, who was greeted by his Syrian counterpart Bassam Abdul-Meguid, told reporters that there would be a chance to discuss with Syrian officials 'important files ... in a way that would ensure security cooperation for the interest of the two countries.'
Abdul-Meguid said that agreements would emerge aimed at bringing about stability and security to Iraq, adding: 'We are absolutely ready to help in this field.'
Al-Boulani's visit to Syria came following the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries after a rupture of more than 24 years.
Syria has been accused by both the US and Iraq of allowing militants to infiltrate into Iraq to launch attacks against US-led troops. Syria has denied the charge repeatedly and complained that it cannot control the long and porous border with Iraq.
Syrian officials have recently declared their readiness to help with the security situation in Iraq and Washington is under pressure to reach out to Damascus for assistance.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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