Middle East News
Syria and Iraq sign security cooperation agreement
Dec 18, 2006, 16:40 GMT
Damascus - Syria and Iraq signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in combating terrorism, crime, immigration and the exchange of fugitives, Syria's official news agency SANA reported.
The memorandum, signed in Damascus by Syrian Interior Minister Bassam Abdul-Majid and his visiting Iraqi counterpart Jawad al- Bolani, sets the ground for cooperation on 'developing border monitoring systems and exchanging information on different types of organized crime; economic crimes, drugs, forgery ... robbery and smuggling.' SANA said.
The agreement also stipulates for research and expertise exchange that may help combat crime and demands regular meetings of 'follow-up committees' to guarantee the implementation of the memorandum, the agency added.
Monday's agreement follows the recent resumption of diplomatic relations between Iraq and Syria after a rupture for more than 24 years.
Al-Bolani, who arrived in Damascus on Friday, told reporters at the end of the signing ceremony that Iraq appreciates Syria's efforts to stabilize Iraq.
Both the United States and Iraq have in the past accused Syria of failing to take sufficient steps to stop militants from infiltrating into Iraq.
Syria has repeatedly denied the charge, complaining that it cannot completely seal its border with Iraq.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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