Diplomats engage Iraq

BAGHDAD, April 29 (UPI) -- Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Norway and Croatia met separately to discuss formal relations with Iraq and various reconstruction measures.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal met with his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to discuss the need to support a unified Iraq independent from foreign interference, Voices of Iraq reported.

"Regarding situation in Iraq, the viewpoints are identical on maintaining Iraq's security and prosperity within its sovereignty and territorial integrity," Faisal said.

The Saudi foreign minister said Wednesday there are no political obstacles to opening a Saudi embassy in Baghdad, adding his country would consider the measure once the security situation in the Iraqi capital improved.

A delegation from Croatia, meanwhile, traveled to the Kurdish capital Erbil to meet with the regional government there.

A statement from Kurdish officials said the parties discussed improving trade relations and general diplomatic relations.

A German delegation also was in the region Sunday to announce the plan to appoint ministers to Kurdistan.