Political Figure Slams US Military Presence in Iraq
Tehran (Basirat) : Leader of Iraq’s Fatah Alliance Hadi al-Ameri expressed strong opposition to the presence of American military forces in his country, stressing that such presence needs permission from the Baghdad government.
Even if the US military forces intend to stay in Iraq for training or technical programs, it must take place at the request of the Iraqi government, and any such request from Baghdad has to be discussed and appropriate decisions be made about it, he added.
Ameri further paid tribute to Iranian military advisers for helping Iraqi forces in the fight against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group.
The political figure finally pointed to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s upcoming trip to Iraq, saying Baghdad welcomes the foreign officials, particularly Iranians, who visit the Arab country to promote political and economic cooperation.
The Iranian president is planned to travel to Iraq on March 11 for an official visit.
Heading a high-ranking delegation, he will be visiting the Arab country at the official invitation of Baghdad.
It will be Rouhani’s first official visit to Iraq during his tenure.Last week, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Prime Minister of Iraq Adil Abdul-Mahdi in Baghdad to make arrangements for Rouhani’s trip.
The Iranian president’s visit would come against the backdrop of Tehran’s efforts to boost its foreign trade in the US sanctions era.
Iraq’s foreign minister said recently that his country is "not obliged” to abide by sanctions imposed by the US against Iran and would be pursuing options to continue bilateral trade.
Source:Tasnim
