'Gates of hell' open in Iraq

2004-09-14 21:13

Cairo - The "gates of hell are open" in Iraq, said Arab League chief Amr Moussa on Tuesday, urging Arab leaders to make the right decisions to help their neighbour overcome the crisis.

The security situation in Iraq is not improving, Moussa told a meeting of Arab foreign ministers at the League's headquarters in Cairo.

"The gates of hell are open in Iraq and the situation is getting more complicated and tense," said Moussa.

"We have to help Iraq to overcome this crisis and move events in a positive direction.

"This would help Iraq regain its full sovereignty, fortify its unity, end the occupation and rebuild its institutions according to its free will and sovereign rights as a member state of the league."

Moussa appealed to Arab League foreign ministers to make "the right Arab decision to help the government and people of Iraq".

Late into Tuesday evening, delegates were still discussing clauses of the final resolution pertaining to Iraq.

A draft resolution presented by Iraq to the meeting called for a restoration of full diplomatic relations with all Arab countries.

Appointed 40 ambassadors for abroad

This would be a way for them to share their support for the interim government's "political efforts".

Iraq's interim government announced in July the appointment of 40 ambassadors abroad in an attempt to re-engage the world.

Foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari said on Sunday a new ambassador to Egypt would present her credentials soon.

A newly appointed Iraqi ambassador to Jordan presented his credentials last week to King Abdullah II.

Arab countries have yet to reciprocate the moves.

No Iraqi ambassadors have been nominated yet to Kuwait or Saudi Arabia.

- AP