Baghdad to end international coalition’s presence in Iraq
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez. Photo: INA
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, confirmed on Thursday that the Iraqi government is moving toward ending the presence of the international coalition in Iraq.
Al-Sudani’s remarks took place during a joint press conference with the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, at the Government Palace in Baghdad, where he indicated that the government rejects attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq, the state news agency (INA) reported.
The two sides held a detailed conversation related to the status of the international coalition, especially since Spain is part of this coalition, addressing the role of the international coalition and Spain in supporting Iraq’s efforts to confront ISIS terrorist groups.
The Iraqi Prime Minister explained that the Iraqi government is rearranging its relationship with the international coalition, considering the increased capabilities of the Iraqi forces.
Al-Sudani emphasized that the Iraqi government is moving toward ending the presence of the international coalition forces, which includes security advisors who support the security forces in the areas of training, advice, and intelligence cooperation.
“There have recently been attacks on Iraqi military bases and diplomatic missions. We affirmed the government’s official and clear position rejecting these attacks, which we believe are hostile acts that harm the national interest of Iraq and affect the security and stability of the country,” Al-Sudani said.
“It is unacceptable that the international coalition forces carry out military strikes as they impact Iraq’s sovereignty,” the Iraqi Prime Minister stated.
Al-Sudani elaborated that the Iraqi government is committed and capable of carrying out its duties to preserve the safety of diplomatic missions and the sites of security advisors.