Arab conflict was as much a threat to the region as Iraq's instability. "Efforts to achieve stability in Iraq cannot be separated from strenuous efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East," Abu Gheit said in the opening address, calling for a quick resolution of "the Palestine question." The gathering in Egypt of 20 nations, including many opposed to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, represented hard-won acknowledgment of the need for international cooperation to deal with the consequences of the war. "It is a world duty to save Iraq from its tragic situation," Aboul Gheit said. While sharp difference remain on how to proceed, the 20 nations have committed themselves to supporting the U.S.-backed Iraqi interim government and have already completed a draft communique, which was obtained by The Associated Press. In it, they gave strong backing to the Iraqi government's war against insurgents. --MORE 1251 Local Time 0951 GMT
