Russia to open two consulates in Iraq

BAGHDAD, April 22 (KUNA) -- Russia said Saturday it is planning to open two consulates in Iraq at a time Moscow expressed satisfaction with the Iraqi political factions' agreement on the candidates for the country's top posts.

The announcement was made by Sergei Kiriyenko, the Russian special envoy to Iraq, at a joint press conference with Jalal Talabani in Baghdad.

Kiriyenko said that they are awaiting official acceptance by the new Iraqi government to open these two consulates, one in Irbil and the other in Basra.

He added that these two consulates will have all the authority that consulates around the world have, such as strengthing Iraqi-Russian cultural and scientific ties.

Kiriyenko said, he was pleased to meet with Iraq's President, and was also pleased with the progress Iraqis have made in sharing leadership positions in the new government. Yesterday, the Da'wa Party nominated Jawad Al-Maleki for the Prime Minister's post to succeed Ibrahim Al-Jaafari.

He added this compromise will encourage Iraq's development towards peace and security. (end) ahh.
Kuna

Not sure if this is good or bad news?