The great and special weight Iraq exerts on the Middle East and the world was reflected in Saturday's high-profile conference on restoring stability in Iraq. Hopefully the Baghdad meeting will be a meaningful step forward.

Especially important was the participation of Syria and Iran, two countries that the United States had refused to talk to.

It is hoped that the conference will pave the way for dialogue between the US and the countries in the region, particularly Iraq's neighbors. They could have a significant role in stabilizing the violence that is destroying the country.

The gathering responded to Iraq Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari's warning that Iraq could be the breeding ground for a wider Middle East meltdown. He fears that no country will be immune to Iraq's failure. In this sense, the meeting was an important attempt to provide an atmosphere for serious and far-reaching discussion.

It left open the possibility of further contacts to discuss Iraq. The delegates ambassadors and foreign ministry officials from Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Syria, Iran and Egypt, a representative from the Arab League and the five permanent United Nations Security Council members - proposed an expanded follow-up meeting next month.

Through dialogue and cooperation, the international community must help Iraq restore peace and stability.

Iraq has been reduced to chaos. Suicide bombers continue to strike with deadly efficiency. Sectarian violence in the country could ignite into a full-scale civil war that could spread beyond Iraq's borders.

The meeting was considered a prime opportunity for overtures between the US and Iran. It was highlighted by their rare direct exchanges.

Hopefully, the conference heralds a good beginning in establishing an understanding between the US and Iran.

Saturday's conference was an episode of political significance for Iraq, the rest of the Middle East and the US.

The approaches that will be designed to help the country restore order and stability must take into consideration the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They must safeguard an Iraq run by Iraqis.

(China Daily March 13, 2007)