jimpeel
Well-Known Member
UAE forgives billions in debt, will establish full diplomatic relations, and rebuild their diplomatic mission in Baghdad.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,376844,00.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,376844,00.html
Oil-Rich United Arab Emirates Cancels Total Iraq Debt
Sunday, July 06, 2008
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates canceled billions of dollars of Iraqi debt Sunday and moved to restore a full diplomatic mission in Baghdad, evidence of Iraq's improved security and growing acceptance of its Shiite-led government.
The Abu Dhabi government announced the debt relief and the naming of a new ambassador to Baghdad shortly after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki began a visit to the wealthy Gulf nation.
The news was sure to bolster al-Maliki's government, which has been urging Iraq's Sunni Arab neighbors to forgive loans made during Saddam Hussein's regime and restore diplomatic relations.
Al-Maliki, who has been in office since May 2006, thanked the UAE for the debt cancellation, telling local businessmen it was a "swift and courageous" decision.
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