Baghdad – IA
Today, Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fouad Hussein, expressed Iraq‘s concern about the possibility of the war expanding from Lebanon to other countries, while indicating that Iraq seeks to achieve an immediate ceasefire and spare its airspace from entering into the conflict.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – received by the (INA) – said: “Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein met at his residence in the French capital, Paris, with a number of representatives of the French and Arab media.”
The statement added, “During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the current developments in the region, affirmed Iraq’s continued support for the Lebanese people in various fields, and stressed that the main problem lies in the necessity of a ceasefire, as the continuation of the war threatens the stability of the region.”
The minister explained – according to the statement – that “the attack on Palestine represents a violation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and reflects non-compliance with UN and Security Council resolutions. He also expressed Iraq’s concern about the possibility of expanding the scope of the war from Lebanon to other countries,” indicating, that “Iraq seeks – through its international contacts – to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and is working to avoid entering its airspace into conflict.”
He pointed out, “Communication continues between Iraq and the United States within the framework of the security agreement between the two countries, which includes joint commitments to protect Iraq.”
He stressed, “The American side expressed understanding of the need to keep Iraq away from the conflict,” noting that “the Iraqi government rejects the use of its airspace by any party to carry out attacks against other parties,” stressing that “Iraqi airspace is not an arena for war.”
Regarding the file of Iraqis residing illegally in Europe, the minister explained, “Negotiations are ongoing between Iraq and the European Union, and memorandums of understanding have been signed with countries such as Germany, Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands to coordinate the voluntary return of these people,” stressing, “These agreements It does not include Iraqis residing legally, but rather concerns those who are in an illegal situation and wish to return.”
Hussein condemned “the terrorist operation that took place in Ankara,” stressing “the strength of Iraqi-Turkish relations and their importance to both countries, despite the presence of some controversial points that are resolved through dialogue.”
In the context of hosting refugees, the minister noted, “Iraq hosts about 250,000 Syrian refugees in the Kurdistan region under the supervision of the federal government, the regional government, and the UNHCR.”
He added, “70,000 of these Syrian refugees have entered the labor market in Iraq,” explaining, “Iraq received about 10,000 Lebanese who entered via Syria, describing them as guests,” stressing, “Iraq is dealing with this issue from a humanitarian standpoint, but it is… “It does not encourage any demographic change, whether in Iraq or Lebanon.”
Hussein concluded the meeting by “emphasizing Iraq’s solidarity with the Lebanese people,” stressing that “the Lebanese and Iraqi societies are component societies, and any demographic change in them affects their stability,” stressing “the importance of maintaining the demographic balance in both countries because of its “A direct impact on their stability.”