By TARIQ KHONJI
IRAQ sent out an appeal to the GCC and Iran yesterday, calling for their help in rebuilding a secure country.
Their role is vital in restoring order and helping to strengthen Iraq's ability to function and defend itself, said Foreign Affairs Minister Hoshyar Zebari.
"We believe that Iraq and the GCC countries are very close to each other in terms of culture and identity and we hope that this will lead to significant co-operation among our countries," he said.
"Iran should also play a major role."
The US must also continue to play an important role in improving Iraq's security situation and it is hoped that other countries in the region would have something positive to contribute, said Mr Zebari.
"We hope that they will be of assistance to the process," he told delegates on the second day of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue, at the Ritz-Carlton-Bahrain Hotel and Spa.
The three-day event Manama Dialogue has brought together all elements of the national security establishments from the countries in the region, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.
They are joined by the key external powers Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Singapore, the UK and the US.
Mr Zebari said that Iraq's ability to defend itself must be strengthened.
"There needs to be an acceleration of the training of Iraq's security forces," he said.
But Mr Zebari said he had serious concerns about a review of US policy by a bi-partisan panel, co-chaired by former secretary of state James Baker.
The report calls for US troops to switch from a frontline role to training and supporting Iraq's own forces, as well as for the US to open talks with neighbouring Iran and Syria.
"We have some serious concerns about this report," said Mr Zebari.
He said Iraq had already been actively engaged with its neighbours and had no problems talking to them.
"But here is my question. If the US wants to engage these countries, there will be a cost. No country will offer its services free of charge. What is the price?" said Mr Zebari.
He agreed that some of the country's security organisations needed improving, but said the relationship between the Iraqi and multi-national forces got off on the wrong foot.
