Delegation hopes for Iraq reconciliation

05/07/2008 19:58:17

An international delegation is visiting Iraq to encourage reconciliation between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Delegation member, Martin McGuiness, is a former member of the Irish Republican Army which fought against British rule in Northern Ireland.

Mr McGuiness, now deputy head of the Northern Ireland Government, says all Iraqi factions have to realise they must accept the need for dialogue.

"The right response is to embark on a meaningful process of negotiations to try and bring all that to an end," he said,

"All of us are deeply saddened when we hear these ongoing reports of car bomb, after car bomb, after car bomb and the huge numbers of people being killed by these car bombs.

"I want to see an end to all conflict in Iraq."

The delegation also includes Cyril Ramaphosa, a leading politician from South Africa.

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network