Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said that “Iraq is the one who determines the need for the survival of American forces or not,” stressing that the international coalition forces “exist at the invitation of the Iraqi government.”
“We do not want to create a chaotic situation in relations with Washington,” Hussein added, considering that “the interior must be prepared before negotiations begin for the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq. In light of the results of the negotiations, the necessary decision will be made, whether to withdraw or to schedule withdrawal.”
He continued: “There have been negotiations in the past, and there was a security military delegation in Washington several months ago. The negotiating process with Washington has stalled but the dialogue continues. And soon we will announce the start date of negotiations at what level and in any form.”
He also said that Baghdad assured Washington that the Iraqi government is “committed to calm,” considering that “recent events are unacceptable, as there have been attacks and counter-attacks.”
Attacks targeting military bases should be “addressed by both parties,” he said, adding that the prime minister was constantly working to reach out to all parties to reach calm.
He also considered that “the situation has changed in the region after the war on Gaza, and there is a tanglement in national and regional matters, explaining that “the decision of the war is determined by the Constitution and the law and there is no decision outside the state. The decision to war is a dangerous decision and we are not war advocates as Iraq needs security and stability.”
Hussein stressed that “the violation of the security situation in Iraq is not allowed by any party, whether external or internal.”
On the attacks affecting the Kurdistan region, Hussein said, “The attack on the Kurdistan region is an attack on the federal government. The continuation of drone attacks on the Kurdistan Region will affect the general situation in Iraq where security in Iraq and the security of Kurdistan cannot be divided with the security of Iraq.”
He said that “part of the problems that Iraq suffers from is caused by the American-Iranian conflict. This conflict will be reflected in the Iraqi arena because it is an open arena.”
Hussein also explained that “part of the problems inside Iraq are related to neighboring countries,” adding that Baghdad held intensive meetings in Turkey to reach a security agreement similar to the agreement with Iran.
