President Salih Says a Stable Iraq Is Essential to Regional, Int’l Security

Arab World

June 4th, 6:53am

Baghdad - Asharq Al-Awsat

Barham Salih, with his wife Sarbagh, show their ink-stained fingers after casting their votes at a polling station during the parliamentary election in Sulaimaniyah in May 2018. (Reuters)

Iraq’s President Barham Salih stressed that a secure, stable and sovereign Iraq is an essential pillar in establishing regional and international security. Salih met at the Al-Salam Palace on Thursday with Qatar's ambassador to Iraq Khalid bin Hamad al-Sulaiti. They tackled bilateral relations and boosting them in all fields to serve the interests and peoples of both countries. They also reviewed regional developments, stressing the importance of easing tensions and preserving regional security and stability. Salih stressed that a secure and stable Iraq with balanced and open ties with all sides is a significant factor for regional security and stability. Iraq is facing major internal challenges, such as confronting the ISIS terrorist group, which is reviving is operations in several provinces, and the widespread possession of weapons outside state control. These challenges are heightened as the country prepares to hold early elections, seen as fateful to Iraq’s future. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi underscored the importance of working on consolidating loyalty to the nation among members of the security forces. During a meeting of the national security ministerial council, he stressed the importance of providing the necessary safe environment to hold the elections, which are set for October.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3008671/president-salih-says-stable-iraq-essential-regional-int%E2%80%99l-security