Press Briefing with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin

[Synopsis]

1 hour ago, Butifldrm said:

Maya added that "Iraq has coordination with the Syrian side to combat terrorism, especially as Iraq has shared borders with Syria, which are still fighting ISIS terrorism," noting that "the Russian system will enhance Iraqi defense and offensive capabilities."

 

      

 

Iraq: Aziz Visits Moscow Amid Differences Over UN Policy

December 01, 2000 00:00 GMT

• By Charles Recknagel

 

Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz made a trip to Moscow this week to stress closer economic and political cooperation. But news reports say the talks ran into difficulties over the two countries' opposing positions on what Iraq must do to get sanctions lifted. RFE/RL correspondent Charles Recknagel reports:



Prague, 1 December 2000 (RFE/RL) -- Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz's trip to Russia this week began as a strong symbol of how much both countries would like to see an end to the UN sanctions on Baghdad.

Aziz flew into the Russian capital Tuesday for the first time aboard an Iraqi commercial jet -- underlining Moscow's support for loosening the once tight UN bans on air contacts with Baghdad. Previously, Aziz had to begin his travel abroad by first driving overland to Amman.

Russian analysts were quick to note the significance of the fly-in, which brought Aziz to Russia as part of a world tour, stopping first in Damascus and China. To many, the airborne arrival looked like a clear effort by both host and guest to emphasize differences on the UN Security Council over how to apply the sanctions regime.

Irina Zviagelskaya of the International Center for Strategic and Political Studies in Moscow says Russian officials intended the fly-in to be a step forward in Baghdad's efforts to break out of its political isolation.

"What should be noted is that it was probably for the first time that Mr. Tariq Aziz came by Iraqi Airways and it means that Russia made a step forward to ease sanctions which are imposed upon Iraq. This was a breakthrough."

Aziz's flight came as planes from dozens of countries have gone to Baghdad in recent months bearing humanitarian aid or foreign officials without first seeking the approval of the UN sanctions committee.

The US and Britain have criticized the air traffic as violating the UN restrictions on air travel. But Russia, France and China have supported the flights, saying the restrictions only call for planes to file their flight plans with the UN before going.

Yet if Aziz's Moscow trip began with a sign of Iraqi-Russian agreement that UN sanctions should come to an end, strains soon emerged over the different ways the two sides want to reach that goal.

Aziz and Russia's Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov held long talks on Wednesday but called off a planned news conference later amid reports from Russia's official Itar-Tass news agency that the talks had been "difficult."

Analysts say the difficulties centered over Moscow's urging Baghdad to bring the sanctions regime to an end by complying with UN Security Council resolutions. Those call for Baghdad to re-admit weapons inspectors -- banned by Iraq two years ago -- before sanctions are lifted. But Baghdad has so far said it will only speak with the UN about ending the sanctions.

Zviagelskaya describes Russia's stance this way:

"Russia believes that there should be a sort of package deal [whereby] Iraq does something positive that is demanded of it by the international community and then the international community eases sanctions, step by step." She continues:

"What is important from Russia's point of view is the fact that Iraq should know that every positive step is linked to the easing of some sanctions."

But if Russia's policy is to urge Iraq to start talking with the UN again about arms inspections, there were few signs this week that Baghdad wanted to heed that advice.

Both sides put out mildly conflicting statements during Aziz's talks with Russian officials. On Wednesday, a Russian foreign ministry spokesman said Aziz had confirmed Iraq is ready to resume dialogue with the UN. But leaving Moscow the next day, Aziz said Iraq categorically opposes resuming UN weapons inspections. He added, however, that Iraq is studying proposals by UN chief Kofi Annan to resume talks.

Beyond focusing on the sanctions regime, Aziz's visit to Moscow also sought to promote trade and economic contacts -- both within the UN oil-for-food program and looking forward to once sanctions are lifted.

Russian energy companies are reported to be keenly interested in helping develop Iraq's oil sector and Moscow sees the profits as one way to recoup thousands of millions of dollars Baghdad still owes Moscow for past arms sales.

https://www.rferl.org/a/1095256.html

Well, OK, did NOT turn out well for THEE Bicraqi Iraqi OR Tariq Aziz THEN. WILL NOT turn out well for THEE Bicraqi Iraqi NOW!!!

 

So, OK, THEE Bicraqi Iraqi ARE ALLOWING THEE Insanians, to INCLUDE the Insanian IRGC AND Affiliates, to operate FREELY on Bicraqi Iraqi soil TO SHOOT MISSILES AT The United States Of America Embassy IN THEE Green Zone IN Baghdad, Iraq THEE "capital" OF THEE Bicraqi Iraqi AND WANT TO GET Russian Missile Defense Systems???!!!

 

Shame, Shame, Shame ON THEE Bicraqi Iraqi!!!

 

      

 

           

 

Go Moola Nova!

 

[Butifldrm]

Pompeo to Abdul-Mahdi: Preserve your sovereignty by confronting Iran

January 27, 2020

 

Pompeo

 

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi on Monday to "preserve the sovereignty of Iraq."

The minister said in a tweet on Twitter that the attack on the American embassy in Baghdad was a serious attack on Iraqi sovereignty.

Secretary Pompeo✔@SecPompeo

Spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Abd al-Mahdi about yesterday’s rocket attack against our Embassy, a flagrant attack on Iraq’s sovereignty.

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Pompeo called on the Iraqi government "to take immediate measures to protect our diplomatic facilities as required by international law."

Secretary Pompeo✔@SecPompeo

 · 4h

Spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Abd al-Mahdi about yesterday’s rocket attack against our Embassy, a flagrant attack on Iraq’s sovereignty.

Secretary Pompeo✔@SecPompeo

As I emphasized in our conversation, the Government of #Iraq must take immediate steps to protect our diplomatic facilities as required by international law.

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US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagos said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had expressed to Abdul-Mahdi his outrage over the ongoing attacks by Iranian armed groups on US installations in Iraq.

Ortagos added that Minister Pompeo once again stressed to Abdul Mahdi that these attacks demonstrate a deliberate disregard for Iraqi sovereignty and a failure to rein in these dangerous armed groups. He appreciated the commitment of the Iraqi Prime Minister to strengthening security to protect American personnel and facilities.

Ortagos said Minister Pompeo indicated, "We consider last night's attack on the embassy an attempt to divert Iraqi and international attention from the brutal repression of peaceful Iraqi demonstrators by Iran and its agents."

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the attack on the American embassy, stressing that the government will investigate the incident to uncover the rocket launchers.

The ministry denounced the words of its spokesperson, Ahmed Al-Sahaf, in tweets via Twitter, "The aggression," which targeted the United States embassy by bombing "Katyusha" missiles, noting that this violence was legally and customarily condemned.

Three of the five rockets that targeted the Green Zone in central Baghdad, on Sunday evening, landed right inside the campus of the American embassy, and one of them hit the restaurant at dinner time, according to a security source told AFP.

At least one person was injured by the missiles.

The American diplomatic mission has been subjected to several missile attacks in recent months, and this is the second attack in a week.

Although this is the first time that a direct hit has been announced, a US official told France Press that the missiles targeting the US embassy on January 21 "landed near the deputy ambassador's house."

In a statement, the resigned Iraqi Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, condemned "the fall of a number of Katyusha rockets inside the campus of the American embassy."

He added, "We deplore the continuation of these condemned and outlaw acts that weaken the state and violate its sovereignty and the sanctity of the diplomatic missions on its soil."

Abdul-Mahdi described the firing of the missiles as a "unilateral, not responsible" act, which "could drag Iraq into a battlefield, especially at a time when the government started measures to implement the House’s decision to withdraw foreign forces from the country."

The Iraqi parliament held a session on the fifth of January, in which it voted on the government's mandate to end the presence of foreign forces in the country, including about 5,200 American soldiers.

https://www.alhurra.com/a/بومبيو-لعبد-المهدي-حافظوا-على-سيادتكم-بمواجهة-إيران/531212.html

[Butifldrm]

Pompeo assures Abdel Mahdi that his country is ready to hold talks on the presence of foreign forces in Iraq

Policy

2020-01-27 | 15:16

 

On Monday, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi stressed the importance of calm in the region and everyone’s respect for the sovereignty of Iraq, while US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed his country’s readiness to conduct serious discussions on the presence of foreign forces in Iraq.

The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that Alsumaria News received a copy of it, "Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi received today a phone call from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo," noting that "friendship relations between the two countries were emphasized and condemnation of the attacks that targeted the American embassy in Baghdad and strengthening the actions of the Iraqi forces responsible for protecting them, following up on investigations and procedures to prevent attacks on diplomatic missions and bringing their perpetrators to justice. "

 

The Prime Minister stressed "the importance of calm in the region and respect for all of the sovereignty and decisions of Iraq and non-interference in its internal affairs and make constructive and serious efforts to achieve this."

 

The US Secretary of State stressed, "His country's readiness to conduct serious discussions on the presence of foreign forces in Iraq and cooperation to achieve Iraqi sovereignty."

 Editor: Ammar Tariq

https://www.alsumaria.tv/news/سياسة/332785/بومبيو-يؤكد-لعبد-المهدي-استعداد-بلاده-إجراء-مباحثا?src=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_source=Rss-articles&utm_term=Rss&utm_medium=Rss-332785

[ChuckFinley]

On 1/21/2020 at 11:05 AM, moneysoon said:

Hello All,

 

For some strange reason, I have the feeling that this is exactly what we need to see to get this thing finalized. Should we neutralize Iran, establish a permanent regional base in Erbil, and PERSUADE the GOI to stay in the pocket, we have perfect situation for the outcomes we desire...

I would have to agree. Iraq will never be free until the Iranian leadership is taken out. 

[Butifldrm]

Political

Tuesday 28 January 2020 | 10:07 am

| Views: 67

Pompeo to Abdul-Mahdi: The attack on the embassy is an attempt to divert attention from the suppression of demonstrators by Iran and its agents

 

 

Baghdad / ... US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to "preserve the sovereignty of Iraq."

"The attack on the American embassy in Baghdad is a serious attack on Iraqi sovereignty," Pompeo said in a tweet on Twitter.

 
Pompeo called on the Iraqi government "to take immediate measures to protect our diplomatic facilities as required by international law."
 
"US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed to Abdul-Mahdi his deep anger at the ongoing attacks by Iranian armed groups on American installations in Iraq," said State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagos.
 
Ortagos added that "Pompeo stressed to Abdul Mahdi again that these attacks demonstrate a deliberate disregard for Iraqi sovereignty and a failure to rein in these dangerous armed groups."
 
He appreciated the "commitment of the Iraqi prime minister to enhance security to protect American personnel and diplomatic facilities."
 
"Minister Pompeo indicated that we consider the recent embassy attack as an attempt to divert Iraqi and international attention from the brutal repression of peaceful Iraqi demonstrators by Iran and its agents," Ortagos said.
 
It is noteworthy that five Katyusha rockets landed Sunday evening on the Green Zone without losses, according to what the security media cell announced, while a security source confirmed that one of the missiles hit the US embassy building. End 2

http://aynaliraqnews.com/index.php?aa=news&id22=129496

[Markinsa]

**** Topic Exceeding Readable Content  -  Please Start New Topic ****

 

On 7/24/2019 at 8:42 AM, Adam Montana said:

One more thought before I wrap this up - a lot of our news threads here have exceeded thousands of posts. Those threads will be locked (mods, please help me out here) in an effort to bring the most current news to the attention of those of us interested in reading. If you see a locked thread in the news sections, this does not mean we don't want to continue the conversation! It just means it's time to start a new thread on the topic.