Iraqi President Says Syria Backs Iraqi Stability

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani today said Syria was taking action to prevent foreign fighters from crossing the border into Iraq.

In an interview with Reuters in Damascus, Talabani added that the Syrian president was supporting Iraqi stability.

"The position of President [Bashar] al-Assad is clear -- to support Iraq -- Iraqi independence, stability, and security," Talabani said. "President al-Assad responds to our requests and our intention of establishing security and stability in Iraq. If Iraqi-Syrian relations are enhanced, and if Syria leaves a positive mark on the Iraqi security and stability, all this will help us to facilitate the negotiations between Syria and the United States."

Washington has accused Syria of failing to stop militants from infiltrating from Syria to Iraq.

Syria's official media report that Talabani today held talks with leaders of Syria's ruling Ba'ath Party during which participants affirmed their aim to improve bilateral ties. They also talked about "efforts underway to bolster security and stability in Iraq."

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