Baghdad A number of heads of Iraqi national forces and parties held a meeting at the Government Palace in Baghdad at the invitation of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, and Parliament Speaker Muhammad Al-Halbousi.
During the meeting, Al-Kadhimi reviewed the results of the strategic dialogue with the United States during his recent visit to Washington, and what was included in the joint final statement of the strategic dialogue.
Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi said, according to a statement by his media office: “The results of the strategic dialogue rounds with the United States concluded that there were no combat forces in Iraq at the end of this year, and that the relationship between the two sides would turn into a relationship of training, security cooperation, and intelligence only “.
He added: “In this sense, on (December 31 of the year 2021), Iraq will return its relationship with the United States to before the official request for the arrival of these forces in 2014, and return it to the normal formula of the relationship that was voted by the Iraqi parliament and approved in the name (Strategic Framework Agreement)..
The attendees affirmed support for the results of the dialogue and the points contained in the joint statement.
With regard to the security relationship between the two sides, and the transition of the relationship to advice, training, intelligence cooperation, and the absence of combat forces by the end of this year, the participants stressed: “It is consistent with the Iraqi national constants, and with the requirements of national sovereignty, national security, and the fight against terrorism.”
The attendees welcomed the dedication of cooperation on the (political, economic, cultural, health, educational) and other levels between Iraq and the United States of America, in a way that guarantees strong and fruitful relations between the two friendly countries, and in a manner that serves the interests of Iraq.
They commended the efforts of the government and the Iraqi negotiating delegation at all levels in achieving this agreement, stressing keenness to adhere to its outputs, and to ensure its implementation according to the contexts and timelines contained in it.
In another context, the attendees discussed the current preparations for the elections and affirmed their commitment to the timelines set for the electoral process on October 10, 2021, and their commitment to the standards and controls that were approved for the success of the electoral process.
The attendees called on the government to provide all requirements of electoral security, and all support to the Independent High Electoral Commission to ensure the success of the electoral process and to ensure its integrity.
In this regard, the they called on the political forces that announced, during the past period, not to participate in the electoral process for any reason, to return from this decision, and to start a frank dialogue to fortify the electoral process, and fortify democracy in the country.
The attendees affirmed: “The participation of all political parties in the electoral process represents a sound national choice, and achieves the desired goals to serve our people and achieve their legitimate aspirations.”
Source: National Iraqi News Agency