A prospective round of strategic dialogue between Baghdad and Washington

[Mary B]

A prospective round of strategic dialogue between Baghdad and Washington

Publish date: 16.07.2020 | 00:23 GMT |Arab World New

 

Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Araji announced that the upcoming strategic dialogue between Iraq and the United States will focus on scheduling the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.

He pointed out that the objectives of the dialogue will confirm the

 

https://arabic.rt.com/features/1134681-جولة-مرتقبة-للحوار-الاستراتيجي-بين-بغداد-وواشنطن/

[Mary B]

A government source: Al-Kazimi's visit to Washington, Tehran, and Riyadh aims to keep Baghdad out of conflicts

by EditorIraq news2 Hours ago

A government source revealed the agenda of the visits of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi to Washington, Tehran and Riyadh this month.

International agencies quoted the source as saying that, during his upcoming visits, Al-Kazemi will discuss bringing the views between Washington and Tehran closer, and reducing tension between Tehran and Riyadh, as well as discussing with officials in these countries the need to keep Iraq away from the conflicts between them.

He added that Al-Kazemi will work to hold the stick in the middle and will try to reach stages that remove the danger of these conflicts from Iraq, and pointed out that the visits will also focus on the role of these countries in easing tensions in Iraq and the region.

 

https://altaghier.tv/2020/07/16/مصدر-حكومي-زيارة-الكاظمي-لواشنطن-وطهر/

[Mary B]

Al-Araji and the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States discuss the file of the withdrawal of US forces

 16 minutes ago

22

 

Today, Thursday, National Security Adviser Qasim Al-A’raji discussed with the US Chargé d'Affaires and Commander of the International Allied Forces the importance of Iraqi-American relations.

The media office of the National Security Adviser said, in a statement that he received a "progress" version of it, that "the National Security Adviser Qassim Al-Araji received the US Chargé d'Affaires and Commander of the International Alliance Forces," noting that "during the meeting, a number of issues of common interest were discussed in the forefront of which Iraqi-American relations and their importance, as well as the importance of cooperation and coordination to provide support to Iraq.

The meeting also reviewed the developments of the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, and what they have verified, and they stressed the need for relations with the United States in its civilian aspects to be in various aspects and areas supportive of Iraq.

 

https://takadum-news.com/الاعرجي-والقائم-بالاعمال-الامريكي-وي/

[Mary B]

Iraq and France stress the importance of building a true strategic partnership in light of full respect for Iraqi sovereignty

Thursday 16, July 2020 

Baghdad / Nina / Iraq and France stressed the importance of building a true strategic partnership between Baghdad and Paris in light of full respect for Iraqi sovereignty.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Sahaf said in a statement that the Iraqi National News Agency ( NINA ) received a copy of it: "The Foreign Minister, Fouad Hussein, held in-depth discussions with his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian, which centered on various issues of concern to the common interests of both countries."

Emphasis was placed on building a real strategic partnership between Baghdad and Paris in light of full respect for Iraqi sovereignty, and making this relationship a factor of balance and stability in the Middle East. "

He added that "the health file and confronting the viral pandemic were present in the bilateral discussions, and Ludrian has expressed his country's readiness to provide more support in facing this epidemic, revealing the near delivery of French medical equipment to Iraq in this field."

He continued: "-aly level talks dealt with Alomna- confirm sides determination to preserve the gains achieved in the war on the organization Daesh terrorist, and their welcome higher coordination in the field of security cooperation, and the desire to develop it further.

He praised the Odrian, including by Iraq of great sacrifices in the war Ali ISIS terrorist, and welcome the initial results of operations (heroes of Iraq) launched by the Iraqi security forces.

He explained that: "On the regional level, the French Foreign Minister expressed his country's support for Iraq in its efforts to play a balanced role in the Middle East region, and its confidence in its ability to contribute fully to achieving regional stability."

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein mentioned that Iraq wishes to establish peaceful relations with all countries of the region, calling for Iraq to be a meeting place for cooperation, not for confrontation. ”And

he stated:“ On the level of economic cooperation, France expressed its assurance of continuing its financial support to Iraq to restore stability in the regions. Editor of the ISIS terrorist organization, supporting the government's efforts in the reconstruction process, and its desire to implement reforms that meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed: "The vision of the two sides agreed on the importance of achieving a strategic economic partnership between the two countries, and that France implement important projects as quickly as possible in Iraq, especially in the sectors of transportation, energy, water, and the e-government project."

On the cultural and scientific levels, the press said: "The two sides praised the tireless activity of bilateral cooperation in this field through the university scholarship program, and the implementation of important projects in the north of the country in the city of Mosul, whose university will be transferred to be a digital university."

He pointed out that the bilateral cooperation between Baghdad and Paris in the scientific field witnessed an expansion that included areas in southern Iraq through ambitious projects, as well as the French Institute in Baghdad, as it is an important place for dialogue and support for Iraqi creativity, and a fundamental pillar of youth and their aspirations, and works to expand its activities to include all regions of Iraq Through the development of its cultural and educational digital programs. "

The French Foreign Minister, his counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian, had arrived earlier today in Baghdad on a visit during which he will meet a number of officials." / End 2

https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?Key=844320

[Mary B]

This is the number of our soldiers in Iraq .. US General: Baghdad's attempts to limit attacks by some factions are "aggressive and beneficial"

 

American General Kenneth McKinsey

Photo: Archive

 

2 hours ago

 

The commander of US forces in the Middle East, General Kenneth McKinsey, described the Iraqi government's attempts to limit attacks by some factions as "very aggressive and beneficial", indicating that the United States could continue to pressure ISIS and build military capabilities for Iraq, with fewer American forces On the ground .

"We can accomplish the mission with a smaller number of American forces in Iraq, and it will be reduced in consultation with everyone," McKinsey said, in comments to US media, followed by Digital Media on RT, today, Thursday, July 16, 2020. Between 5,000 and 6,000 soldiers in Iraq .

He added, "I think the government of Iraq recognizes the benefit that the United States, coalition and NATO forces are bringing to their fight against ISIS, and I believe that we will reach a solution during negotiations with them ."

He stressed that "Washington's continuing to help Iraq in its war against ISIS represents a setback for Iran," saying that Tehran is trying hard to get the United States out of the Iraqi theater, explaining that he "believes that this dream has reached a dead end for them, because they find that the new Iraqi government is not Fully loyal to them and take decisions that serve the interests of her country against Iran . "

"The Iraqi government has been very aggressive and extremely beneficial in its efforts to limit attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Iraqi bases that include American forces, and Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi takes his responsibility seriously to fight these militias and protect the coalition forces that are helping him," McKinsey said. .

He continued, "For this reason, we have witnessed fewer attacks on American bases than we would have seen in the past few weeks," noting that "Iran understands that it will not be able to remove the American forces from Iraq politically, so it is trying to do this by force through its militia." Iran's control of these factions has declined dramatically after the killing of the former Iranian Quds Force commander, Qassem Soleimani .

The commander of the US Central Command for the Middle East indicated that Iran was under great diplomatic and economic pressure, but "made sacrifices" at the expense of its people to ensure its continued military threat, including its ballistic missile forces, and said, "I do not consider Iran as less threatening now than it was several months ago." ".

An American defense official had previously said that "more details about possible reduction plans for the American force in Iraq can be revealed after the American-Iraqi dialogue scheduled later this month ."

 

https://www.nrttv.com/Ar/News.aspx?id=29115&MapID=2

[ronscarpa]

A prospective round of strategic dialogue between Baghdad and Washington

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 hours ago, Mary B said:

A government source: Al-Kazimi's visit to Washington, Tehran, and Riyadh aims to keep Baghdad out of conflicts

 

8 minutes ago, Mary B said:

Al-Araji and the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States discuss the file of the withdrawal of US forces

 

7 minutes ago, Mary B said:

Iraq and France stress the importance of building a true strategic partnership in light of full respect for Iraqi sovereignty

 

Thanks for all these good articles Mary B ... RON

[dinarham]

Approximately 45000  US troops are still in Germany , 30,000 in South Korea, and no numbers available for Vietnam . We're the thing that won't leave .

[bkeiller]

 

 

One thing flying out of there, but folks also need to fly in to invest, etc. Looks like there is a plan for that:

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/160720202

Iraq to reopen airports to international flights July 23: state media

6 hours ago

 

Karwan Faidhi Dri

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iraq will reopen its airports to international commercial flights on July 23 as it eases coronavirus-related lockdown measures, state media reported Thursday. 

The decision also affects airports within the Kurdistan Region, which operate under federal authority

As part of efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority on March 17 banned commercial passenger flights. The ban was extended multiple times as the virus continued to spread quickly throughout the country.

The government committee overseeing Iraq’s response to the pandemic, led by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, on Thursday decided to ease several lockdown measures in Iraq. Shopping malls may now re-open and curfew will be imposed for shorter hours, form 9:30pm to 6:00am. The curfew will be lifted in early August, the state news reported.

In addition to the airports, on July 23, the border crossings of al-Munzariya and al-Shaib with Iran, and Safwan with Kuwait will be opened.

The Kurdistan Region has imposed its own set of coronavirus restrictions, including shops, markets, and restaurants closing from midnight to 5:00am. Public places such as religious sites, parks, cinemas, and gyms must remain closed.

Iraq recorded 2,281 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, including the Kurdistan Region. This brings the total number of the cases to 86,148. Of this, 3,522 people have died. 

[horsesoldier]

NOT going to Iraq - NO, NO, NO !!!!   

[DinarThug]

LINK

Al-Araji and the US Chargé d'Affaires discussed the file of the withdrawal of US forces

 

16th July, 2020

National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Araji discussed, Thursday, with the US charge d'affaires and the commander of the international coalition forces, the Iraqi-American relations and their importance.

Al-Araji's office stated in a statement, "The latter received, the US charge d'affaires and the commander of the international coalition forces, and during the meeting, a number of issues of common interest were discussed in the forefront of Iraqi-American relations and their importance, as well as the importance of cooperation and coordination to provide support to Iraq."

He added, "The meeting reviewed the developments of the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, and what they have verified, and they stressed the need for relations with the United States with its civilian aspects in various aspects and areas of support."

[DinarThug]

LINK

Al-Asadi discusses with American officials the American military withdrawal from Iraq

 

 

18:28 - 16/07/2020
 

On Thursday, the Iraqi National Security Adviser discussed with the US charge d'affaires and the commander of the international coalition forces the future presence of US forces in Iraq .

The official news agency said, "The National Security Adviser (Lieutenant General Abdul-Ghani al-Assad) discussed with the US charge d'affaires and commander of the international coalition forces, Iraqi-American relations and the American withdrawal from Iraq."

It is noteworthy that last month witnessed the end of the first session of the strategic dialogue between Baghdad and Washington, while Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi announced that the American forces would withdraw from the country and close all its bases according to a specific timetable. 

[DinarThug]

Thursday، 16 July 2020 05:31 PM

 

Iraq, France FMs urges Iraq to keep away from regional tensions

 

 

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Thursday received his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Baghdad where they discussed various topics, including security and military relations between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters after their meeting, Hussein noted that they exchanged views on the security and military ties between Baghdad and Paris as well as the issue of French prisoners of ISIS held in Iraq.

The role of French companies in doing investments in Iraq, the fight against IS, and regional tensions were also discussed during the meeting.

On his part, Le Drian expressed his country's support for the operations carried out by the Iraqi forces against the extremist IS group to protect Iraq's sovereignty and its democratic system.

Le Drian also said that Iraq's sovereignty is important and confirmed that his country is looking forward to seeing Iraq "restoring its pioneering role to create balance for the Middle East."

As for the coronavirus pandemic, Le Drian told reporters that France is supporting Iraq in facing the disease.


In October 2019, Le Drian also visited Baghdad and held meetings with Iraqi top officials, discussing bilateral cooperation and means to end the threat of IS militants.

France is part of a U.S.-led international coalition tasked with helping the Iraqi security forces in the fight against the IS militants by carrying out airstrikes against their positions in Iraq and Syria as well as providing military equipment and training to Iraqi forces. Enditem

 

https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/48893/Iraq-France-FMs-urges-Iraq-to-keep-away-from-regional-tensions

[DinarThug]

15 hours ago, Mary B said:

Iraq and France stress the importance of building a true strategic partnership in light of full respect for Iraqi sovereignty

Thursday 16, July 2020 

 

LINK

Saleh stresses the need for the international community to support Iraq and appreciates the role of France

 

 

07/16/2020 17:26:18

 

Today, Thursday, at the Palace of Baghdad, President of the Republic Barham Salih received French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his accompanying delegation.
 

During the meeting, according to the statement of the Information Office of the Presidency of the Republic, "they discussed ways to develop cooperation relations between the two countries and expand the horizons of cooperation in the economic and cultural fields in a manner that realizes the common interests of the two friendly peoples." "The necessity of supporting the international community for the capable, fully sovereign Iraqi state as the basis for a national project that preserves the stability of Iraq and achieves a regional system that secures peace, security and prosperity for the peoples of the region," Saleh stressed.

Saleh stressed that "Iraq is looking for an international position supportive to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to stop the repeated Turkish military violations on Iraqi lands, stressing that the solution to the border problems is through cooperation between the two neighboring countries and away from unilateral measures." Saleh appreciated "France's support for Iraq and its contribution to the efforts of the international coalition in the war against ISIS gangs, noting that cooperation, coordination and joint action internationally and regionally must be continued to complete the victory by eradicating the hotbeds of terrorism and extremism and drying its sources."

Emphasis was placed on "activating strategic cooperation between the two countries and the contribution of French companies in the reconstruction of liberated cities, as well as solidarity and synergy to confront the Corona Virus pandemic and its implications for public life."

For his part, "Ludryan renewed his country's support for Iraq’s efforts to protect its sovereignty, secure its stability, and realize the aspirations of its people for prosperity and prosperity." The latest regional and international developments were reviewed, and the constructive dialogue was emphasized to address crises and tensions in the region.

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Saleh asks for France's support to take an international position on Turkey's violations  LINK

[DinarThug]

 
 

LINK

Al-Bayati: Al-Kazimi's visit to Washington will not be useful if it does not include the "American exit"

 

 

09:57 - 17/07/2020

Political analyst Kamel Al-Bayati said that the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazimi to Washington will not be useful if it does not include the removal of American forces and confirmation of the implementation of the parliament’s decision.

Al-Bayati told Al-Maalouma that "the coming days will witness Al-Kazemi's visit to Washington with the aim of bringing the views of the region closer and easing the current external tensions." He added, "The visit should be in the primary interest of Iraq, before it is to solve the problems of the region, especially those related to the American presence."

He pointed out the importance of “the parliament’s interference and exercising its oversight role regarding the goals of the visit, and putting its touches on its agenda, where it can be used to benefit Iraq and an understanding about removing American forces of the country, with an emphasis on informing the parliament of the results of the visit with a session in which Al-Kazemi is hosted." 

[Rochester]

3 minutes ago, DinarThug said:

 
 

LINK

Al-Bayati: Al-Kazimi's visit to Washington will not be useful if it does not include the "American exit"

 

 

09:57 - 17/07/2020

Political analyst Kamel Al-Bayati said that the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazimi to Washington will not be useful if it does not include the removal of American forces and confirmation of the implementation of the parliament’s decision.

Al-Bayati told Al-Maalouma that "the coming days will witness Al-Kazemi's visit to Washington with the aim of bringing the views of the region closer and easing the current external tensions." He added, "The visit should be in the primary interest of Iraq, before it is to solve the problems of the region, especially those related to the American presence."

He pointed out the importance of “the parliament’s interference and exercising its oversight role regarding the goals of the visit, and putting its touches on its agenda, where it can be used to benefit Iraq and an understanding about removing American forces of the country, with an emphasis on informing the parliament of the results of the visit with a session in which Al-Kazemi is hosted." 

My guess: Washington told Iraq gov't we will not pull American troops out, unless our list of conditions are met, including Oil Law passed and agreed to by all parties. Trump doesn't want American troops there. My guess is the U.N. will stick troops in Iraq, to replace American troops...but some U.S. Troops will stay. This would give the Iraq gov't claim to have removed American troops, bolster it's legitimacy and independence, for internal political purposes. And it would allow an honorable withdraw of American troops, to a few hours drive away, across the desert in a neighboring country.....all just speculation on my part. 

 

We are close to a  potential solution. Meetings with Washington and Trump scheduled soon. Unless some Arabs pull a stinker, this is a go. If they pull a stinker, Iraq can suffer a bit longer. Trump won't be played for a fool. He gets even with people who cross him. There will be no trading currency unless this goes through. Likely Iraq will have to wait a few more years, if they blow this chance.  

[Rochester]

I should have said "redeployment" instead of "withdrawal"....my mistake, my apologies.

[Rochester]

[DinarThug]

2 minutes ago, Rochester said:

I should have said "redeployment" instead of "withdrawal"....my mistake, my apologies.

Yo Rochester, If U Hit The Edit Button At The Bottom Of Ur Post Within The First 10 Minutes - U Can Fix It !  

 

 

After 10 Minutes The Edit Option Disappears !  

 

     

[Rochester]

2 hours ago, DinarThug said:

Yo Rochester, If U Hit The Edit Button At The Bottom Of Ur Post Within The First 10 Minutes - U Can Fix It !  

 

 

After 10 Minutes The Edit Option Disappears !  

 

     

OKIE DOKIE 🖥️

[Mary B]

A delegation headed by Talabani to visit Baghdad soon and "optimism" to solve a dilemma

 Time: 7/17/2020 23:50:07

 

 

  

{Baghdad: Al Furat News} The head of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s representative in Baghdad, Faris Issa, revealed today, Friday, that a delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani will conduct a visit soon (not specified) to Baghdad to complete previous negotiations on outstanding issues.

Essa said in a press statement that "the government of Erbil has no problem with managing the oil file in accordance with the country's constitution, which recognizes the management of oil by the federal government with the participation of the region and the provinces."
With regard to the border ports of Kurdistan, which posed a dilemma between the region and Baghdad, Issa said, "The Iraqi government has controlled border ports in some provinces that were not under its control, while all border ports in the region are under the control of its government."
He added, "Federal institutions of the customs and passports police operating inside the border crossings in the Kurdistan region will reach an understanding with the federal government regarding the financial imports of the border outlets." Without further details.
It is noteworthy that, over the past weeks, three delegations from the Kurdistan region held negotiations with officials in Baghdad, focused on discussing the crisis of salaries of the region's employees to be paid by Baghdad.
Baghdad pays 453 billion dinars monthly in salaries to the province's employees, according to official data.
On June 11, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kazemi announced the creation of a plan for state control of all land and sea border crossings, to stop the "waste of money" estimated at billions of dollars.
It is noteworthy that the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masroor Barzani, said during his meeting today, Friday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Ludrian and the accompanying delegation who arrived in Erbil this evening from Baghdad, "We did not ask for anything that contradicts the Iraqi constitution, and we reject anything less than our constitutional rights." ".
Ammar Al-Masoudi

 

https://alforatnews.com/news/وفد-برئاسة-طالباني-يزور-بغداد-قريباً-وتفاؤل-على-حل-معضلة

[jmartin1145]

2 hours ago, Rochester said:

OKIE DOKIE 🖥️

I have uses that button alot. I wish I would have used it more last weekend.

[Mary B]

 

Parliamentary Security: Al-Kazemi rejected our request to impose control over an all-American port in Basra

08:43 - 07/18/2020

 

The information / Baghdad ..

Member of the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee Bader Al-Ziyadi revealed on Saturday that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi refused to impose control on the Grishan border crossing with Kuwait, which is controlled by American forces , noting that the Iraqi forces present in the port are only responsible for opening and closing the port.

He said Ziadi in a televised statement I followed / information /, " The Jerihan border port connects Kuwait to Iraq and passes rapid line, and controlled by the international coalition forces , " noting that "coalition forces are to transfer all its military equipment and logistical support to all its bases in Iraq through this port".

He added that "there is no control over it by the local and federal governments, and there is only a border detachment that has the duty to open and close the gates," stressing that "the Security and Defense Committee has a meeting next week and the issue will be formally presented for the government's control of this outlet."

Al-Ziyadi continued, “We asked Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi before his visit to Basra Governorate to visit this port in order to get control over it and control it by the federal government in order not to allow crossing from this port without the knowledge of Iraq, but he did not visit it,” noting that “crossing These forces and their equipment are a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. ”

He explained, "This port is intended only for the international coalition forces to enter and leave and there is no other party." He explained, "This port has a serious impact on Iraqi sovereignty by crossing equipment, containers and weapons without the knowledge of Iraq and that any country that has sovereignty must control All materials that enter and be aware of it. End / 25 d

 

https://www.almaalomah.com/2020/07/18/485403/

[Mary B]

Grandson of the bomber of the twentieth revolution: the government must end the American presence ... ready to die to drive out the occupier

10:40 - 07/18/2020

 

  

 

The information / Baghdad ..

The grandson of the twentieth revolution bomber, Sheikh Shaalan Abu Al-Jun, demanded, Saturday, the government to end the presence of any foreign forces, including the American, warning of an attempt to circumvent the House’s decision to remove foreign forces from Iraq .

Sheikh Amir Al-Shaalan said in a statement to "Information", that "our noble people cannot be satisfied with the survival of the American occupation as our ancestors refused the survival of the British occupation."

Al-Shaalan added, "The Iraqis are waiting for the Al-Kazemi government to implement the decision of the House of Representatives to evacuate the American forces according to a specific time period."

He pointed out that "any attempt to circumvent the House of Representatives decision, our people will be ready to die in order to drive the American occupier out of Iraq ." Ended / 25h

 

https://www.almaalomah.com/2020/07/18/485427/

[Mary B]

Saturday, July 18, 2020 10:28 AM

 

British forces leave Taji camp, north of Baghdad .. What are the reasons?

 

 

 

The British Ministry of Defense announced that the British forces will leave  the Taji camp, north of the capital, Baghdad, after completing the training of the Iraqi security forces.

The ministry said in a press release, "The British army left the Taji camp, but it did not leave Iraq in any way."

She added: "The British Armed Forces are not alien to the sprawling streets of Baghdad or the vast deserts of Iraq, but their last mission in the Middle East has witnessed that they are working alongside Iraq, along with other coalition partner countries to help provide a safe and stable society in which Iraqis live." And enjoy their good. "

Over the past six years, the British forces, deployed throughout Iraq, have trained more than 120,000 members of the Iraqi security forces.

 

https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/ar/Story/198725/القوات-البريطانية-تغادر-معسكر-التاجي-شمالي-بغداد-ما-الأسباب

[DinarThug]

I Saw What U Did With Ur Numerous Posts Tonight - And Nicely Played Young Lady !  

 

Ur A Class Act And A Much Appreciated News Source Here !  

Please Keep It Up - And Party On ...