interference in the internal affairs of Iraq and to maintain its safety and territorial integrity. The foreign minister said, "The concern of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is focused in the first place on national reconciliation, unity of Iraqi people and consolidation of its Arab identity which always has been the element that maintained Iraq's unity. We understand the peculiarity of the Kurdish situation which has been recognized since a long time in Iraq. But, this unique peculiarity cannot be applied to the rest of the Iraq's regions for concern for its unity. This is vital for the establishment of the legitimate governmental institutions which will have the capability and means to provide conditions for political and security stability. Prince Saud added, "Based on this, I don't conceal that what worries us most is what we see of increased momentum toward the establishment of sectarianism at the Iraqi scene which is against maintenance of Iraq's unity and which leads to more divisions and more suffering. This will only be realized by giving priority to national interest over sectarian interest. This should be translated into reality through the new Iraqi constitution and forthcoming elections and abandonment of any cause threatening this unity especially that it should be in the interest of all categories of the Iraqi people to set up a unified Iraq capable of achieving the interests of its people regardless of their sects instead of dividing it to small entities. Hence, we are hopeful that the leaders of Iraq will bolster the national unity in a framework that guarantees equality in rights and duties for all people of Iraq and that it will be an effective member of its Arab nation and of the international community." --more 2247 Local Time 1947 GMT
