Iraqi Pres., UN official discuss ways to ease Iraq's political tension

BAGHDAD, Aug 3 (KUNA) -- The outgoing President of Iraq Barham Saleh and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met on Wednesday to discuss ways to ease the political tension in Iraq.
According to a source at the Iraqi Presidency, the two sides focused on the recent developments in the country and finding solutions obstructing political stability and security.
Honest dialogue and calmness are the way forward to resolve all pending issues, said President Saleh, adding that it was paramount for all Iraqis to set their gaze on what benefits the nation rather than quarrel amongst each other.
On her part, Hennis-Plasschaert affirmed the United Nations support to the stability and welfare in Iraq, saying that it was important to listen to all those involved in the current tension sweeping the country.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Khadimi launched recently an initiative aimed at ending protests in the nation and finding middle grounds for disputing parties. (end) ahh.gta