"The Iraqi people must be quickly allowed to assume their responsibilities (to run) their country and their affairs," the kings said in a joint statement after talks in the Bahraini capital Manama.

They stressed the need to "preserve the unity and independence of Iraq," said the statement, quoted by Bahrain's official BNA news agency.

The kings called on the international community to take measures "to allow the Iraqi people to express themselves and determine their future ... on the principles of democracy."

Iraqis should be united and "avoid divisions, hatred and the settling of scores," they said, urging the "Iraqi people to turn the page on the past and look at the future."

Abdullah and Hamad also asked the international community and Arab countries "to assume their responsibilities toward the Iraqi people and contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq."

After Bahrain, Abdullah is to move on to Saudi Arabia for more talks on Iraq.

The Jordanian king is also expected to discuss ways to advance the "roadmap" plan by the Middle East quartet of the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States aimed at jumpstarting dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians.

Abdullah is accompanied on his trip by Jordan's Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb and Foreign Minister Marwan Moasher.

SPACE.WIRE