URGENT: Abadi rejects French President’s statements Iraqi army, praises Kurdish fighters

(IraqiNews.com) On Tuesday, Prime Minister, Haider Al-Abadi’s Office said that French President’s statements about the Iraqi army’s abilities to face the terrorist organization ISIS are incorrect, and do not reflect the reality on the ground. He also noted that the government is proud of the victories of the Kurdish Peshmerga, which is part of the national defense system.

Bureau spokesman, Rafid Jabouri said in an interview for IraqiNews.com, “The recent French president’s statements about the Iraqi army are incorrect and do not reflect the reality on the ground,” adding that, “he ignored the military progress and important victories achieved by the security forces in Jurf Al-Sakhar, Diyala, Salahuddin and Anbar.”

Jabouri said, “There is work and distinct coordination between the armed forces and the locals in these areas,” adding, “the Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi met with tribal leaders in the provinces of Anbar, Salahuddin and Nineveh, in order to provide support and backup for the tribesmen fighting ISIS in their areas.”

He considered that, “the French president’s statements contribute to the psychological war against our forces and people, and do not serve but the enemy,” calling on him to “investigate the accuracy and objectivity before releasing such statements.”