Maliki urges US to speed up arming ISF

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki urged the US to speed up arming the Iraqi Security Forces to enable Iraqis secure the Iraqi sovereignty.

The call came during the meeting between Maliki and the US Chief of Staff General Martin Dempsey who replied by reiterating “The US readiness to discuss all the needs of Iraq in the security field to ensure its unity and independence.”

A statement by Maliki’s office cited “Maliki met in his office General Dempsey and accompanying delegation on Thursday,” noting that “Maliki assured that these arrangements are organized by the Strategic Frame Work Agreement concluded by Iraq and the US.”

“Equipping Iraq with modern weapons will participate in stabilizing the whole region,” Maliki added.

“Both sides also discussed in details the situation in Syria and the region,” the statement mentioned.

Maliki clarified that “Iraq has already encouraged the peaceful settlement for the Syrian crisis,” calling for a quick move to stop the blood shedding in Syria and achieve the desired goal of the Syrian People.”

For his part, the US General Dempsey expressed his believe that “Iraq has the capacity to play an effective role in the Syrian Crisis more than any other country due to its distinctive stance towards this crisis.”

The US Chief of Staff assured that “The US is proud towards its partnership with Iraq and the security achievements as well as building the Iraqi Army on sound and scientific bases,” reiterating the readiness of the US to “discuss the defensive requirements of Iraq to sustain Iraqi unity and sovereignty.”