Jordan highlights firm commitment to supporting Iraq

Amman, Dec 8 (IANS) King Abdullah II of Jordan reaffirmed Jordan's firm commitment to supporting Iraq and its people, according to a Royal Court statement.The Jordanian king's remarks came during his phone call with Iraqi President Barham Salih on Saturday, in which the king said his country is keen on seeing the Iraqi people overcome current conditions, Xinhua news agency reported.The king expressed hope for a national consensus among all parts of Iraqi society to be reached to bolster Iraq's stability, security, unity, and political independence.He also encouraged the Iraqi people to fight all attempts to intervene in Iraq's internal and security affairs, and to prevent the resurgence of terrorist groups.For his part, the Iraqi president highlighted the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and the strategic, historical ties between their peoples.A total of 10 protesters were killed and some 35 others wounded on Friday in an attack by gunmen on demonstrators in Iraq's capital Baghdad, a security official said.Mass demonstrations have been continuing in Baghdad and other cities in central and southern Iraq since early October, demanding comprehensive reform, anti-corruption, better public services, and more job opportunities.
--IANS rt/