US wants better Iraq-Gulf ties

The United States has revealed that it is working to strengthen the relationship between Iraq and the Gulf states. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday saying that Deputy Foreign Minister Nizar Kayrullah, met with the US Chargé d'Affaires Douglas Solomon at the American embassy in Baghdad to discuss the political situation in Iraq and in the region. According to the statement, the Iraqi official said establishing democracy needs time and effort as well as consensus among all political parties, pointing out to Solomon that Iraq will continue to build all relevant institutions despite the challenges it is facing. The US chargé d'affaires, meanwhile, said the United States is working very hard “to strengthen the ties between Iraq and Gulf States," and expressed optimism about the dialogue taking place between Iraq’s political parties. Iraqi relations with most Gulf countries, particularly Kuwait, have witnessed significant progress since the United Nations decided to lift the chapter VII sanctions. The sanctions were imposed on Iraq after former leader Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in the 1990’s. The embargo on Iraq fell under Chapter VII of the UN charter. Iraq still owes around $11 billion to Kuwait. In total, Iraq was ordered by the UN to pay the Gulf country just over $52 billion. The debt is expected to be fully paid off by 2015. However Iraq’s relationship with Qatar still remains uncertain, despite a visit by the leader of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, Ammar al-Hakim on July 16 to discuss Qatar to discuss bilateral relations. Ties with Saudi Arabia however are progressing, as Riyadh decided to appoint a non-residing ambassador in Baghdad. The countries are also working towards a prisoner exchange deal, which was ratified by the Iraqi parliament last week. Safia al-Suhail, a member of Iraqi Foreign Relations Committee said "what was expressed by the United States to work on improving ties between Iraq and the Gulf states is a renewal of US commitment to Baghdad,” pointing out that Washington will always find Iraq keen to further develop relations with the Gulf. According to Suhail, ties can be further improved if Iraq’s leadership opens the door for tribal relations since many Iraqi tribes can also be found in the Gulf states.   Iraq currently has embassies in all Gulf States, as well as a consulate in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.