World powers to meet Iraq neighbours again in May

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Source: Sabah Jerges

The Iraqi government has agreed to a new meeting between its neighbours and world powers in Egypt next month in a bid to help stabilise the country, Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Saturday.

"The Iraqi government agreed to hold the next ministerial meeting of Iraq neighbouring countries, plus the G5 (UN Security Council veto-wielding permanent members) and G8 (most industrialised nations) in Egypt, most probably in Sharm el-Sheikh on May 3 and 4," Zebari told a Baghdad news conference.

The aim of the meeting would be to engage Iraq's neighbours constructively in restoring security to the war-torn country, follow up on an initial meeting in Baghdad last month and reduce regional tension.

The ambassador-level talks on March 10 saw the United States and regional foes Iran and Syria, two key Iraq neighbours, hold rare direct talks.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070407/ts_afp/iraqdiplomacyneighboursegypt_070407135752