Iraqi president calls for dialogue to end rift with Syria

Sep 8, 2009, 12:52 GMT

Baghdad - Iraqi president Jalal Talabani on Tuesday called for dialogue to end the latest rift with Syria, started when Baghdad accused its neighbour of giving sanctuary to Baathists involved in terror attacks in Iraq.

'Mutual cooperation and dialogue are the only way to contain the situation with our neighbour Syria. This is in the interest of both countries,' a presidential statement read.

Baghdad has accused Damascus of giving sanctuary to former Baathist leaders from Iraq involved in deadly August blasts that shook Baghdad and left more than 100 dead and 1,200 injured.

Syria and Iraq each recalled their ambassadors in the dispute that arose after Iraqi authorities demanded that Damascus turn over two suspects.

As tensions heightened between the two neighbours, Iraqi authorities deployed additional national police to the border with Syria to prevent fighters from entering the country.

Talabani explained that Iraq's calls for an international investigation in the Baghdad bombings 'does not target Syria, but targets terrorism.'

Talabani's reconciliatory tone comes days after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, accused an unnamed country, assumed to be Syria, of 'provide[ing] shelter for criminals,' and warned that those who 'shelter criminals will pay a high price.'

'[I] will send letters to that effect to the office of the prime minister and underline the importance of consultations before adopting any position in major issues,' the statement added.