KUWAIT, March 28 (KUNA) -- Visiting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on the Iraqi government on Wednesday to implement fully the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions stemming from the invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and settle the sticking issues between the two neighboring countries. The UN chief made the call during a joint press conference with Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry Khalid Al-Jarallah. He said he encourages Iraq to fully meet its commitments towards Kuwait, notably those relating to the Kuwaitis missing in action, the stolen property and the damages for the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Ban, meanwhile, appreciated the progress made in the normalization of the bilateral relations particularly "the good step" taken in this direction during the visit to Kuwait by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki in mid-March. He commended the launching of a joint ministerial committee between the two countries during "the very successful" visit of Al-Maliki. The Iraqi government has to pursue steps towards settling all sticking issues with Kuwait in order to rid Iraq of the sanctions imposed more than two decades ago under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, he urged. The UN works to promote security and stability in the Gulf region pursuant to all relevant UNSC resolutions, he stressed, noting that Kuwait is a very strong partner of the UN in the efforts to promote democracy and human rights. Commenting on the democratization of Kuwait, he said the country is a very lively and democratic one that enjoys free press. He voiced joy for the parliamentary elections in Kuwait in last February, saying that the polls were fully successful, credible and democratic and provided a good example to be followed by other countries particularly under the ongoing changes in the Arab world. Earlier today Ban and his entourage were received byHis Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He said the meeting dealt with regional issues, the Arab summit meeting, due to open in Baghdad tomorrow, and the Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations as well as the relations between Kuwait and the UN. Ban said he was briefed on the draft report, worked out by the Arab foreign ministers on the eve of the summit. He added that he took "great delight in seeing the team spirit" with which the Arab League is working notably in addressing the serious situations in Syria, noting that he has worked with the League' Secretary General Nabil Al-Araby since the very beginning of the crisis. On his part, Al-Jarallah expressed hope that the Baghdad summit will lead to positive results in addressing the problems of the Arab world and restoring Iraq's normal role in the region. He also voiced confidence that "the brothers in Iraq will spare no effort in making this summit a complete success and iron out all problems with Kuwait. (end) jy.tb.gb KUNA 282052 Mar 12NNNN |
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