Al-Nujaifi keen to focus on role of media in Iraq-Kuwait ties

Media is essential in developing relations with Kuwait and broaden apsects of cooperation in all levels, especially in terms of pending issues, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Osama Al-Nujeifi said here Thursday. "Media in Iraq used to be unilateral, representing one party. Media after 2003 is very open, contributing to democratic transformation, spotting defecincies and taking part in achievements," Al-Nujeifi said during his meeting with a visiting Kuwaiti media delegation that is headed by Chairman of the Kuwaiti Journalists' Association (KJA) Ahmad Behbehani. The meeting was attended by first deputy speaker Qusei Al-Suheil. "Now, we must turn a new leaf of peace and stability-based brotherly relations; the ones that give hope for future generations," Al-Nujeifi noted. "You (Kuwait) surpassed Iraq in democratic experience. Kuwait is a distinguished country in the region when it comes to state adminstration through democratic mechanisms." On the other hand, Al-Nujeifi noted, "Iraq faced many obstacles due to military occupation and agenda, as well as a foreign 'will' that wanted the country to go in a certain direction that doesn't go along with its history and nature." Iraq, after 2003, faced much change with the country building towards democracy, writing a new constitution and the changes that accompany this, he said. "The Kuwait Airways issues were solved two days ago in our Cabinet and the issues of borders and water are currently being discussed. I think the visit of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon can ease these problems and we are pushing for this," he said on the level bilateral discussions between the neighbours have reached. Al-Nujaifi said that the Iraqi parliament was keen on helping to build better relations between the country and Kuwait. Meanwhile, First Deputy Speaker Qusai Al-Sehail suggested further bilateral media cooperation, proposiing a joint TV broadcast. For their part, the visiting Kuwaiti delegation expressed delight at the hospitality they had recieved during their stay. The delegation includes chief editors of Kuwaiti newspapers and other written media, including Kuwait News Agency chief Rashid Al-Rowaishid, Al-Anbaa, Yousif Al-Marzoug, Annahar, Imad Bukhamseen, Al-Rai, Majid Al-Ali, Kuwait Times, Abdulrahman Al-Olayan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Al Yaqaza magazine, Dalia Behbehani and Kuwait Journalists Association President Ahmad Behbehani and its Director and chief organiser of the trip Anan Al-Rashid.