JOC announces the formation of committees to resolve issues with Turkey

Baghdad - INA

Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Qais Al-Muhammadawi, explained today, Thursday, the stage after the implementation of the security agreement between Iraq and Iran, and while he announced joint committees and a major diplomatic effort to resolve the thorny issues with Turkey, he revealed the import of high-quality weapons for the Iraqi Air Force and some other joints.

Al-Muhammadawi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), “The Iraqi constitution, the curriculum, and the current government vision stipulate that Iraq should not be a starting point for practicing any aggressive or military activity towards neighboring countries,” indicating that “the agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran is a valid basis for regulating the relationship.” And controlling the borders between the two countries in a way that guarantees Iraqi sovereignty and not encroaching on Iraq’s lands and airspace, out of mutual respect and in accordance with international laws and norms.”.

He added, "The provisions of the agreement began to be implemented two weeks ago by handing over the headquarters and points of the Iranian-Kurdish armed opposition located on the border in the Sulaymaniyah and Erbil governorates," noting that "the agreement has many positives, including the issue of Iranian violations, targeting the opposition, and controlling the borders from the federal sectors." In addition to other files to come.

He stressed, "The necessity of working with neighboring countries in accordance with mutual respect and Iraq's sovereignty, in addition to ensuring that Iraqi lands are not used to carry out any armed activity towards neighboring countries, in accordance with the Iraqi constitution and the government's vision.".

Regarding the agreement with Turkey, Al-Muhammadawi explained, “There are joint committees and a major diplomatic effort to resolve the thorny issues with neighboring Turkey in accordance with dialogue and in a way that enhances and embodies the issue of Iraqi sovereignty and mutual respect, and in a way that also guarantees Turkey that there are no armed groups targeting Turkish lands on the border.” Pointing out, "There is a vision from the state that began 9 months ago by opening new points, building police stations, preparing precautions, reopening the border sectors, and forming other units led by the First District in the North.".

He continued, "These borders lacked the presence of units due to the difficulty and ruggedness of the region, in addition to the lack of interest in it, so controlling the borders is the key," pointing out that "there are continuous visits, regarding many files, including security and economic ones, and files related to organizing work on borders and implementation of agreements.

He stressed "the importance of Iraq being safe and ensuring that there are no armed groups targeting Turkish lands, and therefore this will be reflected positively on any future agreement or vision, whether from an economic or cultural perspective or with regard to investment.".

He continued, "Iraq is a member of the United Nations and is committed to all agreements," warning that "the presence of refugees is not harmful because they are unarmed and under the supervision of the United Nations and there is regulation of their cards and names, but the issue is related to the presence of armed groups.".

He added, "After the agreements are fully completed and crystallized on the ground, there will be future steps related to the humanitarian and legal aspects," indicating that "the rights of refugees are in accordance with international agreements, standards, and controls. Every refugee is in camps, cities, and places far from the borders, so this issue will be discussed." With the committees formed, there is continuous guidance and follow-up by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on these files.”