Iraqi presidency, cabinet reject Maliki remarks on Saudi Arabia

The Iraqi presidency and cabinet said on Thursday that Iraq is committed to having excellent relations with Saudi Arabia.

This came in response to controversial remarks by Iraqi vice president Nuri al Maliki, in which he called for placing Saudi Arabia under global supervision.

Spokesman for the Iraqi presidency Khalid Shawani said such remarks are personal and do not represent the official position of the Iraqi presidency.

Iraqi President Fuad Masum is keen on having better relations with Saudi Arabia, Shawani said.

The Iraqi cabinet, meanwhile, said Iraq's firm stance to develop relations with Saudi Arabia is unchangeable.

In statements to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, spokesman for the prime minister's office Saad al Hadithi said the government has been keen adopting the policy of openness and developing relations with all countries, atop of which is Saudi Arabia.

He further invited Saudi officials to visit Iraq as soon as possible to discuss ways of boosting bilateral relations.

In an interview with an Iraqi satellite channel, Maliki described Saudi Arabia as the breeding ground of terrorism.

Maliki urged the international community to intervene to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies emanating from Saudi Arabia and put the monarchy under global supervision.