Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki hoped that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or a representative from his side would attend the next Arab summit that would be held in Baghdad late March

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki hoped that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or a representative from his side would attend the next Arab summit that would be held in Baghdad late March.

In a press talk, Maliki said that “Iraq would prefer there will be participation by Syria, because it opens the page of dialogue away from interference and sectarian atmosphere, since it’s not to anybody’s interest if the situation in Syria deteriorates.” “We hope that all the Arab leaders will participate in the summit.”

But, if the Arab League suspension bars Syrian participation in the summit, Iraq will abide by that decision, Maliki added.