Syria is mediating between Iraq and the GCC states, and Kuwait in particular, in an attempt to make a fresh start and normalize the relations between both sides, reported Al Watan Qatari newspaper, quoting Iraqi opposition sources in Damascus as saying.
The sources added that the Gulf States’ attitude towards Iraq has developed in a positive way over the last few days suggesting that this trend has been reflected in the decisions taken by the recent GCC summit in Manama last month.
The sources anticipated that the Syrian mediation would continue during the forthcoming period reiterating that efforts in that direction would be intensified to create an atmosphere of confidence between Iraq and the Gulf states.
The Iraqi opposition sources denied as baseless reports that the US, while not encouraging dialogue between Damascus and Baghdad, is not opposed to it.
They believe that the American position has not changed, and it is escalating against Iraq and its people. This, they say, is proved by the fact that the blockade and sanctions imposed on Iraq more a decade ago are still in force.
Meanwhile, the same sources explained that oil cooperation between Syria and Iraq is currently at a high level with Iraq oil exports to Syria peaking at more than 300,000 barrels per day at the low price of five dollars per barrel.
Syria is also mediating between Iraq and Iran, the sources added. They drew attention to the recent improvement in relations between the two countries, which they say has been the outcome of Damascus’s efforts.
Syria seeks the creation of a regional coalition between Syria, Iraq and Iran to confront the American-Israeli coalition in the area, the sources told the paper – Albawaba.com
