An Arab water conference began in Baghdad Wednesday (May 30th) to examine international laws addressing water rights in areas where Arab countries share resources with non-Arab countries, the Iraqi government said.

Ali al-Dabbagh, spokesperson for the Iraqi government, told Al-Shorfa that representatives of all Arab countries -- except Syria, which is under Arab League sanctions -- attended the conference.

Iraq is heading the meetings in its capacity as rotating president of the Arab League, he said.

The conference will continue for two days and several important decisions will be ratified, including an Arab water security strategy, al-Dabbagh said.

"Today's meeting will be the start of work that will follow up on the millennium goals, sanitation and other issues related to water," he said.

"Holding the conference in Baghdad sends a clear message about Iraq's restoration of its leading role in the region and is a proof of stable security in the country," al-Dabbagh said.