The declaration urged Iraq to show "more active" cooperation with UN arms inspectors, and embark on policies to inspire confidence in its neighbors.

"We call solemnly on the Iraqi leadership to move irreversibly and sincerely towards assuming its responsibilities in restoring peace and stability in the region," the declaration said.

It noted that "The spector of war in Iraq is looming large. The countries of this region do not wish to live through yet another war and all its devastating consequences. War should not become an option to resolve this crisis."

The declaration called for involvement of the United Nations in solving the Iraqi crisis, saying the UN involvement in the process "must be full, inclusive and persistent", which "must also be in full recognition of the need to fulfill the objectives of the ongoing (UN) inspections (in Iraq)."

"The Iraqi issue is a multilateral one, first and foremost affecting the whole region," the declaration said, adding "we agree that this initiative in Istanbul by the regional countries is a process that has as its immediate objective the peaceful solution of the crisis in Iraq."

"We request Iraq ... to demonstrate a more active approach in providing Iraq's inventory of information and material concerning her capabilities of weapons of mass destruction," it said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi, Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faysal and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk Al-Shara attended the meeting.

The ministerial level meeting was initiated by Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul in a bid to solve the Iraqi crisis peacefully.

The United States, which accuses Iraq of secretly developing weapons of mass destruction, is stepping up preparations for a possible war on Iraq, amassing more troops in the Gulf Region.

Arab and Muslim countries have tried to work out a common vision against war, with many fearing that a war could lead to the break-up of Iraq and spread ethnic conflict to neighboring countries.

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2003)