Middle East ministers hope to meet in Baghdad in two months

UNITED NATIONS: The foreign ministers of Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey and Egypt agreed here Thursday to meet again in two months in Baghdad if the security situation allows, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mekdad said. He said the decision was made at a meeting here on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to show solidarity with the Iraqi people and show support for their unity. There were good consultations among all ministers who reaffirmed their positions on the need to preserve the unity of the Iraqi people and the territoral integrity of Iraq, Mekdad said. He said that it was agreed to hold the next meeting in Baghdad, if the security situation permits, or in Cairo. Another diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said all ministers condemned terrorism, including Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem who reaffirmed that his country was doing its utmost to control its borders and prevent insurgents and arms from flowing into Iraq. The diplomat said there was a good atmosphere among all participants, with the Syrian and Iraqi ministers exchanging jokes. AFP