Iraq to Reopen Jordan and Syria Crossings

Iraq will re-open two border points to Jordan and Syria, more than a week after they were shut due to rallies blocking the main route linking Baghdad to the two countries, an official said Thursday.

The Trebil crossing, the only checkpoint linking Iraq to Jordan, and the al-Walid crossing, Iraq's southernmost checkpoint along its border with Syria, will open from 6:00 am (0300 GMT) on Friday, according to Mohammed Fathi, a spokesman for the provincial government of the western Iraqi province of Anbar.

Protests by Sunni Muslims against Shiite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Anbar have blocked the road since December 23.

Trebil was closed on January 9 and al-Walid was shut shortly thereafter by Iraq's government citing unspecified security threats to do with the demonstrations.

Iraq's protesters call for the release of prisoners they say are detained because of their Sunni background, and an end to the alleged misuse of anti-terror legislation by the Shiite-led authorities against their community.

The demonstrations have worsened a political crisis in Iraq and hardened opposition against Maliki's rule.