February 2011, President Talibani and Syrian President AssadSaturday, 26 November 2011
Iraq leader worried about ‘radical’ threat in Syria
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on Friday he worries that “radicals” might take power in neighboring Syria and opposes any Western or Turkish military intervention.
Talabani also said Iraqi military commanders favored a continued U.S. troop presence in Iraq due to weaknesses in air and naval defenses.
In an interview with Iraqiya state television, Talabani said he supported peaceful political action and the democratic reforms Syrians are seeking.
“Frankly speaking, we are worried that radicals may replace the old (current) regime. We are afraid that radicals will reach power and antagonize democracy in Iraq,” Talabani said.
“This would be contrary to the main goal of the Arabic Spring.”
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