Iraq, US agree to outline timetable for US-led coalition withdrawal
Military vehicles of US soldiers at the Al-Asad air base in Anbar governorate, Iraq. Photo: Reuters
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday that Baghdad agreed with Washington to establish a timetable for the withdrawal of the international coalition from Iraq.
The Iraqi ministry mentioned in a statement that the step follows the growing capabilities of the Iraqi forces, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
Iraq and the United States agreed to launch a High Military Committee to evaluate the threat ISIS poses and to draw up a timetable for the gradual withdrawal of the advisors of the international coalition combating ISIS in Iraq.
The agreement includes a transition to comprehensive political, economic, cultural, security, and military bilateral relations with the countries taking part in the international coalition to be consistent with the vision of the Iraqi government.
The agreement calls for a shift to full bilateral cooperation in the areas of politics, economy, culture, security, and the armed forces with the other members of the international coalition, in accordance with the goals of the Iraqi government.
The statement also indicated that Iraq is reaffirming its commitment to the security of the advisers of the international coalition throughout the negotiating phase to preserve stability and avoid escalation.