Maliki :Iraq keen to resolve pending issues with Kuwait

Iraq will continue to fulfill its obligations towards Kuwait and such commitment to resolve pending issues is within the interests of both nations, said Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki here on Thursday. Speaking during a meeting with Kuwaiti journalists, Al-Maliki said that resolving pending issues would further improve relations, noting that finding closure for files such as the one concerning the Iraqi Airways was an indication that solutions for other issues could be found. "Outlining the borders between the two countries, compensating former Kuwaiti owners of farms in Iraq, and returning the remains of Kuwaiti martyrs are amongst chief issues for future discussions," said Al-Maliki who affirmed that Kuwait is a respected sovereign neighboring state. The Iraqi Prime Minister said that his country was eager to rebuild itself after many years of hardship, affirming that finding resolutions for pending issues with Kuwait and Iran were amongst the top priorities for his country. "We will not stop paying compensations to Kuwait and do not expect Kuwaitis to waiver from it. There is still around USD 13 billion remaining to be paid (to Kuwait)," stressed Al-Maliki. The Iraqi official lauded His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his role in the process and noted that the Kuwaiti leadership and people were for "finding final solutions to pending issues." The Iraqi Prime Minister also praised Iraqi and Kuwait relations, saying that what the former regime did during the invasion and in the past should be countered by improving ties as well as through interaction and dialogue between the people and leaderships of the two countries. In regards to Iraq's reaction to regional developments, Maliki stressed that his country was not in a position to interfere with the situation in neighboring countries, citing the Iraqi position on the Syrian crisis as an example of his country's policy. Al-Maliki also refuted claims that Iraq was allowing arms to enter Syria, noting that his country would only allow necessities and relief aid for the Syrian people as a humanitarian obligation towards brethrens in Syria. The Iraqi official also warned from sectarian violence in Syria and said that all involved parties should not dwell into such territory because grave consequences would occur. Shifting the discussions to internal Iraqi affairs, Al-Maliki said that the current tension between the central government and its counterpart in Iraq's Kurdistan should not lead to in-fighting, affirming that any misunderstanding should be resolved through the Iraqi constitution. The meeting with Maliki was attended by Chairman of Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) Ahmad Yousif Behbehani and Chief Editor of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Rashed Al-Ruwaished. Also present were chief editors at Al-Anbaa, Annahar, Al-Rai, Kuwait Times newspapers as well as an official from Al-Yaqaza magazine. Charge D'affair at Kuwait's Embassy in Baghdad Khaled Al-Jina'ee was also amongst the attendees.