Saudi Arabia awaites clarification of U.S. new Iraq policy

Saudi Arabia expected U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to make clear Washington's new policy on Iraq during her visit to the Middle Eastern country next week, Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said on Saturday.

"We are waiting for explanations that will detail this strategy and we hope to hear them in the Secretary of State's visit," al-Faisal told a press conference with visiting Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema.

He added that new plans and policies were necessary for Iraq's unity, independence and stability in view of the increasingly grave situation in the country.

"The unity and independence of Iraq are necessities, as well as creating peace, and it's clear that these have not been achieved yet. So there has to be a change in Iraq policy," al-Faisal said.

Saudi Arabia is paying close attention to U.S. President George W. Bush's Wednesday remarks about Washington's new Iraq strategy, including the issues of disarming illegal armed groups and checking terror groups and external interference, he said.

The foreign minister also called for the opening of dialogue with all Iraq's groups without prejudice, saying it is important "to deal with all aspects of the Iraqi society, with all its sects, political groups."

"All should be equal in rights, duties and sharing of national riches" to safeguard Iraq's security and stability, al-Faisal said.

In an address to the nation on Wednesday night, Bush announced his new Iraq strategy, saying he would send more than 20,000 additional troops to help the embattled government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki secure Baghdad and other regions.

Rice started her whirlwind tour of the Middle East on Friday to seek support for the new Iraq policy from U.S. allies in the region.

Source: Xinhua