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ISTANBUL, July
28, (AFP) - Representatives from the main political
parties in Iraq ended a three day UN-sponsored
meeting in Istanbul called for them to discuss their
views on the reforms the country needs.
The 36 representatives, drawn from Sunni, Shiite,
Kurdish and Turkmen groups, addressed issues such as
the functioning of public services, transparency of
government action and the organisation of the armed
forces.
In their conclusions, presented to reporters by the
former president of the country's constitutional
commission Sheikh Humam Hammudi, they underlined the
importance of the separation of powers within the
state, civilian control of the armed forces and the
disarming of militias.
Most participants welcomed the chance to exchange
views.
"It's a chance for discussion between the Iraqi
parties and experts on critical issues with a lot of
differences of views," said Ayyad Samarrai,
secretary general of the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party.
"Everybody was willing to overcome the
disagreements."
"The spirit of the discussions was very healthy, the
people have been trying to find solutions beyond
political lines," said Nicholas Hayson of the United
Nations assistance mission for Iraq.
"We hope they will be able to take the tone and the
content of the discussions to Baghdad."
AFP
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