The Conference of Interior Ministers of Iraq's Neighboring Countries concluded here today. Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior led the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the conference. The final statement welcomed all the communiqués previously issued by Iraq's neighboring countries including recent conferences held in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh, stressing Iraq's sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, national unity, and the right of the Iraqi people to enjoy security and stability. The conference welcomed all steps taken by the United Nations and the Iraqi interim government to provide a groundwork for all groups, classes and parties to take part in the political process including holding elections before the end of January, 2005. The statement emphasized the need to enhance mutual cooperation on borders' security and crossing points, expressing support for combating the smuggling of commodities, weapons, and drugs and for preventing the transfer of capitals that support terrorist activities across borders. --More 2056 Local Time 1756 GMT
