Al-Maliki reveals to the US chargé d’affaires a timeframe and program for restricting weapons by September 30
On Wednesday, Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, discussed with Steven Fagin, the acting US ambassador to Iraq, relations between the two countries, the latest political and security developments in Iraq and the region, and ways to enhance cooperation between Baghdad and Washington. FinancialNews Reports
During his meeting with Fagin in Baghdad, Maliki stressed the importance of developing relations between Iraq and the United States on the basis of mutual respect and common interests, especially in light of the Strategic Framework Agreement concluded between the two countries.
Both sides noted the importance of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Washington last July, and its contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and opening new horizons for cooperation in a number of fields.
On the security front, Maliki affirmed that Iraq is proceeding with addressing the issue of restricting weapons to the state in accordance with the constitution and the law, and in a way that preserves the country’s security and stability. He pointed out that work is underway through the committee formed by the coordination framework to reach a clear and specific program, and stressed that addressing this issue must be done through dialogue and understanding and in accordance with constitutional and legal contexts.
He pointed out that there is a time limit and a program that will be announced on September 30 regarding restricting weapons to the state, noting at the same time that dealing with these issues should be done in a balanced and simultaneous manner that preserves Iraq’s sovereignty and national interests.
Regarding the attacks targeting neighboring countries, Maliki reiterated Iraq’s position rejecting the use of its territory as a launching pad for attacks on any country, whether by Iraqi or non-Iraqi groups, stressing the need to wait for the results of official investigations and not to issue premature statements or conclusions before they are completed.
He added that Iraq is looking forward to a new phase characterized by stability, construction, reconstruction, and enhanced services, and to taking advantage of the end of the foreign presence phase to move to a broader phase of economic and investment cooperation, calling on American companies to come and contribute to development and reconstruction projects in Iraq.
For his part, Fagin affirmed his country’s desire to continue cooperation with Iraq and strengthen the economic and investment partnership, noting that the United States seeks to support Iraq in strengthening its relations with its Arab neighbors and expanding areas of cooperation between the two countries, and stressing the keen interest of a number of American companies to work and invest in Iraq, and the need to create a suitable environment to enhance their presence in the Iraqi market.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of continued communication and dialogue between Baghdad and Washington, which contributes to strengthening bilateral relations, supporting Iraq’s security and stability, and serving the common interests of the two countries and the stability of the region, according to a statement issued by Maliki’s media office.
Shafaq.com