US president, Iraqi PM rule out partition of Iraq

Source: CCTV.com | 12-01-2006 08:46

And in the Jordanian city of Amman US President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki have agreed not to partition Iraq into separate, semi-autonomous zones.

Bush made the remarks following high-stakes talks with the Iraqi Prime Minister.

Both Bush and al-Maliki agreed that the Iraqi people do not want to split the country. And any partition of Iraq would lead to an increase in sectarian violence.

The leaders also agreed to a speedy handover of security responsibilities from US to Iraqi forces.

But President Bush said US troops would remain in Iraq as long as needed to strengthen the prime minister's authority.

He labelled the Iraqi Prime Minister a strong leader, saying ultimately, they both want a free and democratic Iraq.

"I told the Prime Minister that we are ready to make changes to better support the unity government of Iraq and that certain key principals behind our strategy remain firm and are fixed." said Bush.

He went on to say he believes the success of Prime Minister Maliki's government is critical to the success of Iraq. He emphasized the importance of denying a safe haven for al-Qaida in the country.

While Bush continued to reject drawing Iran into helping Iraq in its struggle for peace, al-Maliki left the door open for neighbors like Iran and Syria to play a part.

Al-Maliki said, "We are ready to cooperate with everybody who believes and wants to cooperate with the national unity government, especially our neighbors. Iraq is for Iraqis, and its borders should be secure, so that nobody can interfere in our internal affairs."

Bush and al-Maliki had been set to meet Wednesday, but that opening session was cancelled.

It followed a leaked disclosure of US doubts about the Iraqi leader's capabilities, and a Baghdad protest over his attendance.

Editor:Du Xiaodan