Iraq hails Iran nuclear deal as major step for regional stability

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki on Sunday welcomed the nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group, considering it a major step for stability in the Middle East region. "Reaching an agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the six nations over Iran's nuclear program is a major step in the security and stability of the region," Maliki said in a statement issued by his office. "We hope that the process of confidence-building and dialogue will continue in the interest of both sides to prevent nuclear proliferation and to recognize the right of Iran's peaceful nuclear program," Maliki said. Maliki also expressed his hope that the agreement will be an introduction for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction in the region, the statement said. "We congratulate all the states that contributed in such success, in particular the related parties, and look forward that such step will open a new phase in security, stability and development," it added. Iran and the P5+1 announced they have reached a deal early Sunday morning after five days of marathon talks in Geneva. According to the deal, the United States and its allies will afford Iran with sanctions relief equivalent to 7 billion U.S. dollars under the terms of the six-month nuclear deal. In exchange, Iran will halt uranium enrichment above five percent in purity, according to a White House statement.