Saudi Arabia: tension in Iraq result of sectarian, exclusionary policies

Saudi Arabia said on Monday it rejected any foreign intervention in Iraq's domestic affairs as the country is trying to turn around a worsening security situation, according to an official statement.

The statement said Riyadh is highly concerned over the situation in Iraq, and believed that years of sectarian and exclusionary policies are the source of the on-going crisis.

The wealthy oil supplier urged the Iraqi government to ensure the participation by all factions of the Iraqi people in determining the future of their country on an equal footing.

The Saudi cabinet also called for political and constitutional reforms in Iraq, and a speedy formation of a government of national consensus that can restore security and stability, and avoid policies that will instigate religious extremism and sectarianism.

Last week, extremist militants captured key cities in Iraq, including Mosul and Tikrit as they kept marching towards the capital of Baghdad.