On his part, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, rejected theinclusion of insurgents or Saddam Hussein loyalists in thecountry's political process and declared the insurgency wasonly delaying the day that U.S.-led forces would withdraw,leaving Iraq as a country with "complete sovereignty andindependence." In an address, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said Iraq was at aturning point. "Iraq now is at cross roads and the future of Iraq willdepend on national accord that you'll shape with open mindsand hearts, that raise above sects, and religious andracial identity." The top U.N. envoy to Iraq, Ashraf Qazi, read a messagefrom Secretary-General Kofi Annan, urging all sides to worktoward dialogue and peace. "I hope that this preparatory meeting will help the Iraqisides to agree on the steps needed to realize mutualconfidence and a mutual feeling of responsibility. ... Iwant to reiterate the full support of the United Nations toa comprehensive and transparent political process thatmeets the demands of the Iraqis," Annan's statement said. Moussa invited about 100 Iraqi leaders to the gathering,which aims to prepare for a full reconciliation conferenceto be held in Iraq _ probably in January. The weekendsession is expected to tackle the issue of who willparticipate in the full conference.--SPA1457 Local Time 1157 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/303785