Iraq President renews support for Syria sovereignty, integrity
4 Min Read
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid reiterates his country's support for Syria amid the unfolding militant-led battles in the country.
-
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid talks to the media during a press conference at the Presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 (AP)
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid reaffirmed Iraq's unwavering support for Syria's unity and sovereignty during his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh on Friday.
According to a statement from the Iraqi Presidency's media office, Rashid emphasized the urgent need for international action to address the repercussions of Syria's security challenges to maintain global peace and stability. He added, "Iraq dedicates all its efforts to finding solutions that support security and stability in the region."
The meeting also discussed recent developments in Syria and their broader implications for the region, highlighting Iraq's role in seeking regional stability.
Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh expressed gratitude for Iraq's consistent support, stating that the ongoing events in Syria pose significant threats to peace and stability.
Wise handling of Syrian crisis
Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani also addressed the situation, urging a prudent approach to Syria's current challenges. In his meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister, he called for urgent consultations among neighboring countries to find a safe resolution that prioritizes the Syrian people and regional stability.
In a related development, the foreign ministers of Iran, Syria, and Iraq held a trilateral meeting in Baghdad on Friday to discuss the escalating crisis in Syria. The talks aimed to enhance coordination and diplomatic consultations to address the pressing challenges facing the region.
Iraqi Prime Minister highlights diplomatic efforts
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani reiterated Iraq's commitment to standing by Syria and its people. During his meeting with Sabbagh in Baghdad, al-Sudani stressed the importance of preserving Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Al-Sudani noted that Iraq is actively pursuing political and diplomatic initiatives to ensure security in Syria, a measure he said would directly contribute to the security of the wider region. He also underscored the necessity of coordination with Arab states to adopt a unified stance on regional challenges, particularly the ongoing crisis in Syria.
"The situation in Syria is inseparable from the events in Gaza and Lebanon, which have threatened regional security and stability," al-Sudani remarked earlier in the day.
Possible PMF intervention?
The head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Faleh al-Fayyad, said Friday that the Syrian crisis is an internal matter, but not when it involves terrorist groups whose recent crimes are still remembered.
"Although Iraq is not a party to the crisis, it has to protect itself in light of what is happening in a neighboring country, and Syria represents our vital security area that cannot be separated from Iraq, and anyone who says otherwise is delusional," he said.
"Iraq cannot turn a blind eye when terrorist groups dominate Syria,” he underlined, pointing out that "Iraq today is different from Iraq in 2014, as is Mosul, and terrorist groups today bear the same names that we fought, and Nineveh is the largest arena that fought ISIS and others."
Al-Fayyad remarked that the promotion of ISIS and other terrorist organizations was presented under the guise of "fighting for the Sunnis," while the group's terrorism did not distinguish anyone, "even among our own Sunni people."
He explained that "these extremist groups do not recognize the existence of the other and disregard all values," expressing confidence that "the people of Mosul are the most committed to Iraq's security."
