Baghdad, 2007 August 19, IRIB
   
Despite Iraq's will to boost ties with all countries, certain Arab countries are not willing to strengthen ties with the democratically elected government of Iraq. Iraqi president Jalal Talebani says Iraq is being accused of not wanting to establish ties with Arab states, but the issue is quite the opposite.

He said his country has made many efforts to revive ties with Arab sates that had supported the reign of terror of Ba'ath minority dictator Saddam against the Iraqi nation.

After the toppling of Saddam and the creation of new conditions in Iraq there was hopes about the opening of a new chapter of ties between the Arab states and Baghdad. But four years later, these Arab states are not showing interest in this regard. Some have not reopened their embassies in Baghdad and some are actively supporting rebel groups in Iraq, thereby betraying their animosity toward the political trend in Iraq.

Iraqi politicians consider that Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and some other Arab states are interfering in Iraq's affairs. Although many Arab states apparently support the Iraqi government, they have not taken any effective step in this regard. Some are even considered an obstacle in the way of the elected Iraqi government's path due to their support for terrorist groups.

Thus President Talebani has given an ultimatum saying: "We do not want to enter into conflict with countries hostile to Iraq, but we don't want to remain silent either. If our differences are not solved in a friendly way these states should know that contrary to their belief, Iraq is a strong country."