Baghdad, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, confirmed today, Wednesday, that Iraq has come a long way in the field of democratic construction of its institutions. A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Minister met, today, Wednesday, in Baghdad, with the US Assistant Secretary of State for Civil Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Ezra Zia, and during the meeting, the outcomes of the Prime Minister's visit to the United States were reviewed, and topics of common interest were discussed. Zia praised the steps taken by Iraq, which reflect its commitment to democracy and the promotion of human rights, stressing: 'The partnership of the United States of America and Iraq is the basis for the institutional building of democracy and human rights,' pointing to some Iraqi legislation and the extent of its consistency with Iraq's international obligations in the field of human rights and its presence. International. For his part, the minister affirmed, accord ing to the statement, that Iraq has come a long way in the field of democratic construction of its institutions, and that its people have suffered from widespread human rights violations under the previous regime. Iraq is working to make human rights a culture by providing the appropriate climate for their sustainability and seeks to strengthen its presence in international forums and clarify its views in a way that serves the development of its foreign relations.' As for legislation, the minister stressed that this issue concerns the Iraqi side and the culture of Iraqi society must be taken into consideration, indicating Iraq's keenness to protect and develop relations with other countries on the basis of common interests. Source: National Iraqi News Agency