Iraq urges talks with Kuwait to solve pending problems

Dubai: The Iraqi government has called for negotiations with Kuwait to solve pending problems between the two countries left behind by the former Iraqi regime.

Dr. Ali Al Dabbagh, the Iraqi government's spokes-man told Gulf News that a ministers' council discussed at its regular meeting yesterday the issues to be settled with Kuwait, according to a press release.

Al Dabbagh did not elaborate about these issues, adding that the Iraqi government is keen on maintaining good relations with its Kuwaiti neighbour.

Al Dabbagh called for serious negotiations based on mutual respect.

The Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al Mashhadani announced late last year that he would be travelling to Kuwait to conduct direct negotiations with the Kuwaitis concerning issues between the two countries.

The visit did not take place, although 100 Iraqi parliament members signed a formal request for the negotiations between the two countries to start.

The stickiest issue is the alleged Kuwaiti debt of over $12.5 billion (about Dh45.6 billion) left as a heavy burden on Iraq's shoulders by the former Baathist regime.

It is worthy to note here that the UN cuts 5 per cent of the Iraqi annual oil revenues to go to the Kuwaiti Compensation Fund which was established as a result of the Saddam Hussain's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990.