JEDDAH/WASHINGTON: UN deputy spokesman Farhan Al-Haq has said that King Abdullah's initiative to bring Iraqi politicians together in Riyadh represents a “turning point in the frozen situation concerning the formation of an Iraqi government”. Al-Haq told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that the King's invitation, which follows over eight months of political stagnancy in Iraq, shows King Abdullah's “awareness of the danger of leaving things as they are, and the Kingdom's concern for the unity, sovereignty and stability of Iraq”. “The United Nations greatly appreciates the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the positive positions taken to address regional and international political crises,” Al-Haq said, citing the gathering in Makkah of Palestinians, and efforts to combat terrorism. “The initiative on Iraq will help tackle the danger of the political situation in Iraq and suspension of the announcement of the new Iraqi government which has become of extreme concern for the countries in the region,” he said. “The initiative will help bring political stability and security in the region.” The deputy spokesman added that the Kingdom's excellent relations with countries across the world have placed it in an “ideal position” and that the invitation is “perfectly placed” to work in the interests of the Iraqi people and the rest of the peoples of the region.
