Iraqi President worries about radicals taking power in Syria

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said on Friday that he worries that "radicals" might take power in neighboring Syria and opposes any Western or Turkish military intervention, Al Jazeera reported.

In his interview with Iraqiya state television, Talabani said that he supported peaceful political actions and the democratic reforms that Syrians are seeking.

"Frankly speaking, we are worried that radicals may replace the current regime in Syria," Talabani said. "We are afraid that radicals will reach power and antagonize democracy in Iraq. This would be contrary to the main goal of the Arabic Spring".

"But we are against Western or Turkish military interference," president added.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki last month urged Syria to open up its political system to end one-party Baath rule as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad faces increasing international condemnation over a crackdown on protests.

The United Nations says more than 3,500 people have been killed since March.

edited by: S. Isayev