Statement from Iraq on Turkey and the PKK

Pointing out that the Constitution stipulates that no group or organization should be allowed to use Iraqi territory to attack other countries, Hussein said, "It is true that the PKK is a problem in Turkey, but it is also a problem for Iraq."

Minister Hussein recalled that they had begun talks with Turkey on this issue within the framework specified in the Constitution and that a meeting was held in Ankara in December, noting that the joint committee, led by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for the Turkish delegation and himself for the Iraqi delegation, had held a very productive meeting.

Stating that they decided to prepare two documents to be presented at the next meeting of the joint committee, Hussein said, "The Iraqi side has already prepared the document regarding security, border security, and the security of relations between the two countries. We hope to meet in Baghdad next month, discuss these documents, and develop a plan based on these two documents."

"THE PIPELINE IS READY"

Minister Hussein also made assessments regarding the suspension of oil flow from Iraq to Ceyhan Port on March 25, 2023, following the decision by the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration regarding oil exports between Turkey and Iraq.

Touching upon the resumption of oil exports from Iraq to Turkey, Hussein stated that in their meetings with the Turkish side, they indicated that the pipeline is ready and that Turkey is also ready to open the pipeline.

Hussein stated that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq has also expressed its readiness for exports, explaining that while there is an agreement between Baghdad and Erbil on the matter, Baghdad is holding talks with oil companies operating in the KRG to implement the agreement.

Emphasizing his hope that the federal government will resolve this issue, Hussein stated that oil exports to Ceyhan Port will be discussed once the problem is settled.

"TURKEY ALSO WANTS TO INVEST"

Minister Hussein also spoke about the importance of the Development Road Corridor, which includes a 1,200-kilometer highway, railway, energy transmission, and communication lines from the Persian Gulf to Ovaköy:

"This is truly a massive project. The project, which starts from the Grand Faw Port in Basra, ends in Turkey. It also extends from Turkey to Europe. When I talk about Faw and Iraq, this expresses the strong bond between Iraq, the Iraqi economy, Iraq's Faw Port, and Turkey. This also means that a connection is established between Iraq and the Gulf countries, and furthermore, that the Gulf countries establish a connection with Turkey and Europe through Iraq."

Hussein pointed out that the project requires significant financing and that this means various countries can participate in investing in the project.

Hussein said, "Of course, there are some Gulf countries that are planning and considering investing, and Turkey also wants to invest. We are in good discussions with Turkey regarding the project."

NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE US AND IRAQ

Speaking about the growing debate over the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq following Israel's attacks on Gaza, Hussein explained that negotiations on the matter between the American side and Iraq have resumed.

Stating that the negotiations are being conducted between representatives of the two countries' militaries, Hussein said, "They held various meetings last week, and we are waiting for the report that our team will present to the Prime Minister (Mohammed Shia al-Sudani) and political leaders in order to discuss this issue and follow where the discussion is heading."

Reminding that US troops were invited to the country to fight the terrorist organization ISIS, Hussein stated that ISIS has collapsed and currently continues to exist as a small terrorist organization.

Minister Hussein also made an assessment regarding whether US troops would withdraw from the entire country.

Pointing out that the Baghdad government is responsible for all regions of the country, Hussein stated that the team negotiating the issue will present a report to the political leadership as well as the government, and thus the future of the troops will be determined.