Saudi says backs U.S. plan to stabilise Iraq

[maddezmom]

RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday that Arab countries were ready to back a U.S. plan to stabilise Iraq but insisted that only Iraqis can make it succeed.

"We agree fully with the goals set by the new strategy, which in our view are the goals that -- if implemented -- would solve the problems that face Iraq," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said at a joint news conference with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Riyadh.

"(But) implementation also requires a (positive) response by the Iraqis themselves to these goals... Other countries can help but the main responsibility in taking decisions rests on the Iraqis," he added.

~snip~

"I want to underscore that the Saudis were very helpful in helping us to think through some of the elements of Iraq. We have the same goal, which is an Iraq unified with its integrity and territory intact which doesn't face outside interference," Rice said.

more:http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=worldNews&storyid=2007-01-16T113938Z_01_L16203845_RTRUKOC_0_UK-RICE-DIPLOMACY-SAUDI.xml

~snip~

"We hope to contribute as an Arab group to reach the objectives of the strategy in seeking national reconciliation that will allow all Iraqis to gain confidence in the state dealing with them on equal basis," he added.

more:http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2007-01-16T113749Z_01_L15167289_RTRUKOC_0_US-RICE-DIPLOMACY.xml

[Eugene]

1. And when the "surge" fails, do they expect us to take on Iran?

This whole enterprise depends on Nouri al-Maliki keeping his promises,
something he has failed to do repeatedly. Are they really expecting
any different this time?

[Missy M]

2. Sure Condi....

"an Iraq unified with its integrity and territory intact which doesn't face outside intererence" with the interference of the Bush administration being the exception.

[Nickster]

3. Something doesn't compute for me. The Dubya Doctrine calls for us to back the Shia

against the Sunnis, and we've shown at every opportunity that we are throwing our support to the Shia. This is helping to install an Iranian style gov't in Iraq, right on the doorstep of Saudi Arabia. This could eventually lead to the Iranians stirring up unrest in Saudi Arabia against their Royals, but SA backs this plan? What do they get out of it? The only thing that works for SA is having anyone but the Shia in charge. Are they just backing it because they hope to keep the chaos going and it keeps the focus off of them?

[olddad56]

4. Saudis back our plan? or visa versa. maybe they both back Exxons plan.

it is someone's plan, but it can't be our plan because we are owned and operated by someone else. Maybe it is Exxon's plan.