Abadi: Liberation of Tikrit going according to schedule

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi assured that the security and military operations in Salah-il-Din province are going on according to set schedule.

Statement by Abadi’s office quoted him as saying while meeting several military commanders “Liberating Tikrit is possible now but we are keen in protecting the civilians and preparing for a perfect spread for the soldiers in the positions of the battle field.”

Abadi clarified “The changes of some security commands do not mean that those commands are not qualified but this is required in the military techniques in order to push new blood.”

Abadi warned from “listening to rumors of those who do not want good things for Iraq.”

The Commanding General of the Iraqi Armed Forces confirmed “The region witness international struggle but Iraq will not be a part of this struggle since we are interested in the interest of our country and people.”

The Iraqi PM renewed his calls for the security leaders to preserve the souls and properties of the citizens in all areas of Iraq, noting that “Some rumors speak about pressures practiced on the Iraqi leader to stop war against the terrorist groups but we confirm for all Iraqis that We will response only for the pressures practiced by Iraqis.”

“Iraq enjoys a wide international support and we stress the necessity of respecting the Iraqi sovereignty since victories were achieved by Iraqi hands,” Abadi added.

He finally highly appreciated the Fatwa of the Supreme Religious Authority Ali al-Sistani concerning Jihad for fighting terrorist groups in Iraq. /End/