Egypt and Iran Against a Military Government in Iraq

The primary question of the summit was "How will Iraq be ruled in the post Saddam period?" As they stated earlier, Egypt and Iran reiterated that they would not recognize a military government established by the U.S. On the other hand, some of the countries including Turkey joining the summit are inclined to recognize the government established by the U.S.

Representing Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that their goal was to contribute to the stability in Iraq. It is also stated that Turkey transmitted a message to Syria asking "Not to increase the tension in the region".

Due to its being the first regional meeting after Saddam, this important meeting is the continuation of the ‘Neighbors of Iraq Summit’ held in Istanbul on January 23, upon Turkey’s invitation. However, Kuwait and Bahrain had not participated in Istanbul meeting. Restructuring of Iraq and new government to be established in Bagdat (Baghdad) were on the agenda of the summit. The U.S. accusations against Iran and Syria as well as Israel-Palestine Issue were among the topics discussed in the summit.

Salih Boztas / Riyadh / SAUDI ARABIA