Blinken says to the Sudanese: I’m ‘amazed’
Baghdad – Mil
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed his “surprise” at the changes in Baghdad, noting that there is “important work” that has been done to ensure that Iraqis receive the necessary services to build a better life.
“I just had the opportunity to meet with the prime minister,” Blinken told reporters in a speech after leaving Baghdad. I have been frequenting Iraq for more than twenty years, and one of the things I mentioned to the president was my surprise when flying from the airport and seeing all these constructions, the vitality of the city, and the movement of cars.”
Blinken added: “I also know that important work has been done to ensure that Iraqis have access to the necessary services, and the increasing opportunities to build a better life so it was impressive to see these changes, and I think they underscore the importance of Iraq continuing to maintain a space for development. That’s what their people deserve.”
He added: “We talked, of course, about the situation in Syria, and about the conviction of many countries in the region and beyond that Syria is in a transition from the dictatorship of Assad to democracy in the hope that it will be so in a way that protects all minorities in Syria, establishes an inclusive and non-sectarian government, and is not a platform for terrorism in any way.”
Blinken continued: “No one realizes the importance of this more than Iraq because of the presence of ISIS in Syria, and we are determined to prevent the return of ISIS. The United States and Iraq have had great success in eliminating the regional caliphate that ISIS established years ago, and now, putting ISIS in its box, we cannot allow it out, and we are determined to ensure that it does not return.”
He added: “I assured the Prime Minister of our commitment to work with Iraq in the security field, and always seek to support Iraq’s sovereignty and ensure its strengthening and preservation. I believe that this is an important opportunity for Iraq to strengthen its sovereignty, as well as achieve stability, security and success in the future. In the midst of all this, what is happening in Syria is having a great impact, and it is essential that Iraq and many countries in the region and beyond do their utmost to support the Syrian people in the stage of their exit from the Assad era. We will have the opportunity to meet tomorrow in Aqaba with colleagues from around the region, including the Iraqi Foreign Minister, and I look forward to continuing these talks.”
“Today, I am also happy to be here with General Leahy, Deputy Chief of Mission Elizabeth Trudeo, and the team present to hear directly from our diplomats and military on their vision of the situation in Iraq, Syria and the region. I am very grateful to each of them, and to our teams as I mentioned earlier, I have been frequenting this country for more than twenty years, and during this period I witnessed a special succession of diplomats and extraordinary military commanders in Iraq, and today I am grateful to being with you and your team.