BAGHDAD, July 14 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi President Barham Salih on Sunday confirmed that Iraq is committed to protecting the diplomatic missions and embassies operating in the country, a statement by the presidency said.

Salih's remarks came during his meeting with the Bahraini ambassador to Iraq Salah al-Maliki, who resumed his work in Bahrain's Embassy in Baghdad after angry protesters attacked the embassy building late in June.

"Iraq is committed to protect the headquarters of the diplomatic missions and embassies, and provide safe environment for their work," the statement quoted Salih as saying.

Salih expressed his gratitude for the king of Bahrain for his support of Iraq and its positive dealing with the incident of storming the embassy building in Baghdad, according to the statement.

For his part, al-Maliki stressed "his country's support for Iraq, its unity and sovereignty, as well as stressing his country's keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and broaden the horizons of joint cooperation," the statement added.

After the demonstration, the Bahraini government summoned al-Maliki for consultation over the condition of the embassy in Baghdad. The Bahraini ambassador returned in recent days to resume his duties in the embassy.

On June 27 evening, angry protesters broke into the Bahrain embassy in Baghdad and brought down the Bahraini flag, protesting the U.S.-sponsored conference in Bahrain aimed at promoting U.S. Mideast peace plan, named "Deal of the Century."

Dozens of the protesters broke into the embassy in western neighborhood of Mansour in Baghdad, expressing their rejection to the so-called "Peace to Prosperity" workshop in Manama, held on June 25 and 26.

Later on, Iraqi security forces arrived at the scene and took control of the situation after they cordoned off the embassy building and blocked the roads leading to the site. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)