Jordan's king renews support for Iraq's stability (Roundup)

Jun 27, 2010, 14:20 GMT

Amman - King Abdullah II on Sunday assured Iraqi President Jalal Talabani of Jordan's full backing for efforts that seek to re- establish stability and security in Iraq.

'The king reaffirmed Jordan's full support for the Iraqi brethren in their endeavours to maintain Iraq's security and stability, which is a cornerstone for stability in the region,' a royal court statement said.

Talabani made a surprise visit to Jordan Sunday, apparently seeking Abdullah's help to defuse the current political crisis in Iraq, which has been unable to form a new government since elections in March elections.

Jordan maintains close ties with Iraqi Sunni leaders and former Shiite Prime Minister Iyad Allawi who formed the Iraqiya bloc.

The Sunni-Shiite alliance clinched the largest number of seats in the parliament, and has since been attempting to form a new cabinet.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has so far insisted on the right of his State of Law bloc to lead the new government, depending on support from other Shiite and Kurdish lawmakers.

Abdullah and Talabani also discussed latest Middle East developments and stressed the need for coming up with 'pan-Arab attitudes for addressing common challenges', the statement said.