Constitution Does Not Allow Iraqis to Fight Abroad: PM


Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said that the Iraqi constitution does not allow Iraqis to fight beyond the borders of the country, referring to the statements of Hashd al-Shaabi militia commanders who have repeatedly said that they would cross the Syrian border to fight the Islamic State (IS).

“We do not want our forces and our people taking part in fighting outside the borders,” Abadi said, explaining that it is against the Iraqi constitution.

“Our constitution does not allow this," he said.

He continued by adding “We do not want to undermine the security of countries.” However, Iraq is willing to cooperate with others to combat terrorism," he said.

Abadi made these remarks during his meeting with Muslim clerics from the Shi’ite and Sunni sects on Sunday, in which he urged them to combat the ideology of extremism.

Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandes, deputy commander of Hashd al-Shaabi, said in a press release on Sunday, that his forces will assist the Iraqi army and police forces in securing the borders with Syria. He explained that the Shi'ite militia will join the fight against IS on the Syrian territory if the national security in Iraq is at threat.


https://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/iraq/355428