Obama discusses increasing security in Baghdad with Abadi


Date : 22/05/2016 Print

WASHINGTON, May 21 (KUNA) --

President Barack Obama spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi over the phone on Saturday to discuss how to improve the security situation in Baghdad and offer condolences after a string of attacks hit the city over the past week.

In their discussion, the leaders "agreed on the critical importance of improving the security of Baghdad and the International Zone, noting the importance of continued dialogue among all parties in Iraq so that the Iraqi people can address their aspirations through their democratic institutions," said a White House statement.

They then highlighted the progress made in the campaign against the so-called Islamic State as Iraqi forces have continued their advances into Anbar Province.
Obama reiterated that the US will continue to support Iraq.

Finally, Obama "commended" Abadi for finalizing an agreement with the International Monetary Fund and noted that it is "important" for the international community to support the country's recovery, the statement said.

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