Syrian president hopes Iraqi election to mark beginning of reconciliation

DAMASCUS, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday expressed hope that the Iraqi parliamentary elections will be a beginning of achieving national reconciliation and unity among Iraqi people, the official SANA news agency reported.

Assad discussed Thursday with Iraqi former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on the latest developments in Iraq and preparations for parliamentary elections which have begun on Thursday, the report said.

The president also hoped that the elections could bring peace and stability in the country and the region, reiterating his wishes that the elections be hold in a secure and safe atmosphere.

Allawi expressed appreciation for Syria's efforts in supporting Iraq and facilitating displaced Iraqis in Syria to participate in the elections.

Allawi visited Damascus on Thursday, during which he also held talks with Iraqi community in Syria.