Jan 2, 2009, 7:50 PM

MP proposes stabilizing Iran-Iraq ties through resolving remaining problems

TEHRAN, Jan. 2 (MNA) – The head of Iran-Iraq parliamentary friendship group has suggested that one of the ways to stabilize ties between Iran and Iraq is to resolve the remaining problems left from the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war as he said economic ties between the two neighbors are on the threshold of a ‘big jump’ in a post-Saddam era.

Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh told Mehr News Agency on Thursday that Tehran expects the Iraqi government to present all documents about Saddam regime’s atrocities against Iran and provide Tehran with a complete list of foreign companies that provided the material for building chemical weapons to Iraq.

The United Nations faulted the Saddam Hussein regime for invading Iran in 1980. Saddam's army also used chemical weapons against Iranian civilians and forces during the war.

The MP added that Iran was not also happy with Saddam Hussein's trial as it did not include Iran and that Tehran wants Iraq to fix this fault.

The United States handed over security control of the Green Zone to Iraq on Thursday as a UN mandate for foreign troops ran out and bilateral military accords took effect.

In another step towards full sovereignty, Iraq was also handed control of Basra airport by British forces.

“Iraq is gradually approaching a period of stability after Saddam Hussein’s downfall,” Falahatpisheh explained.

PA/BA

END

MNA

News ID 31559