Iraqi govt moving towards ending US-led coalition presence in country
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The Iraq government condemned, in a statement on Tuesday, the United States’ targeting of the headquarters of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi Resistance faction.
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Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks during a parliamentry session in Baghdad Iraq on October 27, 2022. (AP)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani declared that the government condemns attacks on diplomatic posts in Iraq and that actions are being taken to remove the international coalition's presence in the country.
The Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported that during a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday, al-Sudani expressed "We had an important dialogue in our bilateral meeting, and our meeting with the two delegations."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his country's unwavering support for Iraq's "sovereignty", during a press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani concluding a formal visit to the country.
During his visit, he said he was dedicated to developing trade relations between the two countries and emphasized that "at the request of the Iraqi authorities," Spain will support "the unity, sovereignty, and stability of Iraq".
Al-Sudani highlighted the importance of developing the friendship between Spain and Iraq since there are "many commonalities and promising opportunities" to further their relationship.
The leaders agreed to implement a partnership in economic, political, security, cultural, and societal fields," as well as "holding a meeting of the Iraqi-Spanish Joint Committee at its thirteenth session in Baghdad in mid-2024, " and beginning discussions between the two nations and increasing mutual visits between the two.
The Iraqi PM praised Spain for its "courageous position" in condemning the attacks on the people of Gaza, which he considers to be "crimes and genocide, and exceeded all international laws and the laws of war."
Al-Sudani called for increased global pressure to end the war and allow additional humanitarian aid to Gaza as well as the release of all captives and prisoners.
The Iraqi PM emphasized that "the Iraqi government is moving towards ending the presence of the international coalition forces, which includes security advisers who support the security forces in the fields of training, advice, and intelligence cooperation," and that "the Iraqi government is in the process of rearranging the relationship under capable Iraqi forces."
Regarding the attacks on diplomatic missions and Iraqi military bases, the Iraqi PM stated that "these attacks are hostile acts that harm Iraq's national interest and affect the security and stability of the country. "
Iraq condemns violation of sovereignty by US, warns of repercussions
The Iraq government condemned, in a statement on Tuesday, the United States’ targeting of the headquarters of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi Resistance faction, noting that such attacks on Iraqi sovereign soil are "unacceptable" under "any circumstances, pretext, or justification."
He also emphasized the importance of adhering to the laws implemented by previous governments regarding the coalition's presence, and noted that the coalition should not and "exceed the limit of carrying out military actions as they represent an unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty."
"The Iraqi government is aware of its responsibilities to maintain the security of diplomatic missions and the whereabouts of security advisers, and it is committed to doing so."
Early this month al-Sudani, confirmed Iraq’s position rejecting any aggression against Iraqi lands during a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
During his call with Blinken, al-Sudani emphasized that the attack on the Jurf al-Nasr area constituted a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, as indicated in a statement by his office.
Simultaneously, al-Sudani reiterated "the Iraqi government's commitment to safeguarding international coalition advisors present in Iraq," as stated in the release.
