BAGHDAD, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Sunday that the Iraqi government is surprised at Barrack's recent statements regarding Iraq's internal situation, according to a statement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.

In recent interviews on the U.S. Middle East policy, Barrack said decentralization has never really worked anywhere in this region, citing Iraq as an example.

He also asserted that while the Iraqi prime minister was elected, he has "zero power" as the prime minister "can't form a coalition of the parliament."

During their meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the 23rd Doha Forum in Qatar, Hussein stressed that the choices of the Iraqi people are respected, and that democracy and the federal system are enshrined in the Constitution and have become a firmly established path with no alternative, despite the challenges, read the statement.

Barrack said that "the U.S. administration views the Iraqi experience with respect," and that his remarks "relate to the American experience in Iraq," read the statement.

The two officials also discussed bilateral relations and Syrian affairs, read the statement. Enditem