Iraq Press Roundup

In its editorial, the daily Al Sabah newspaper highlighted Monday the role neighboring counties should play in improving Iraq's security, leading to an economic, social and political revival.

With the title "The significant role Iraq's neighbors can play," the editorial said the conference in Kuwait -- attended by major international powers, ministries of 23 countries, foreign ministers of neighboring countries, five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and six Gulf countries -- was the first of its kind.

"In spite of the improvement of the security in Baghdad and other cities, the government's attempt to force the law using Iraqi security and intelligence forces, and its control over the borders, the conference's final statement focused on old issues unrelated to the current security situation," it said.

The paper said that after the successful "march for democracy" in Iraq, there is no need for statements as much as there is a need for real action on opening embassies of, specifically, Arab countries in Iraq.

"Iraq is being accused of being open only to Iran as the latter opened its embassy and consulates in Iraq, but the fact is none of the other countries has made an effort to be present in Iraq," it said.

Al Sabah said it is of importance Arab countries, especially Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, realize it is in their interest to open embassies and offices of representation in Iraq.

The editorial also urged neighboring countries to stop all financial and media support to terrorists, gangs and former Saddamists who want to destabilize Iraq and accuse the Iraqi government of being loyal to Iran.

The editorial also encouraged neighboring countries to support the Iraqi government's efforts in enforcing the law to dissolve Sunnis and Shiite militias, and ensure weapons are in the hands of the state only.

"When clashes in Basra took place, the neighboring countries … gave the media a role to express their view, which contradicted the Iraqi government's goals," it said.

Al Sabah criticized Kuwaiti authorities as they, at the conference, focused on the 5 percent of oil revenue to be given as compensation for the Saddam Hussein-led invasion of Kuwait.

"When that agreement was signed with the old Iraqi government, oil was $50 a barrel whereas now oil has exceeded double that price, a fact that gives Iraq the right to demand a review of the agreement," it said.

The fact Iraq focuses on one aspect of the situation while other countries demand different aspects makes such meetings predictable, it said. The paper said Iraq needs solidarity from Arab countries, Turkey and Iran as Iraq realizes the positive role these countries can play in stabilizing the entire region.