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Iran, Syria presidents demand an end to occupation in Iraq

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Beirut, July 5, Itar-Tass/IRNA -- The presidents of Iran and Syria 
have demanded that the occupation of Iraq be ended as soon as 
possible and that the Iraqi people be granted the right to determine 
their fate themselves. 
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and Syrian President Bashar 
al-Assad, in talks in Tehran Sunday evening, said that the presence 
of US-led forces in Iraq is the main reason behind the instability in 
that neighboring country as well as in the region as a whole. 
hey believe the evacuation of the occupation forces and 
Both leaders believe the formation of a government that would 
represent the entire Iraqi people is the best way out of the crisis. 
The two also discussed measures to strengthen security in their 
territories in the light of the new challenges. 
They expressed support for Iraq`s territorial integrity and the 
cause of the Palestinian Intifada. 
The Iranian and Syrian leaders met in February and May 2003, 
ahead of and right after the armed intervention of coalition forces 
in Iraq. 
The US accuses both Tehran and Damascus of supporting the armed 
resistance and demands that they strengthen control over their 
borders with Iraq. US officials maintain that gunmen infiltrate 
into Iraq across their borders. 
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