US to withdraw troops from Iraq: Iraqi Prime Minister announces

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated that the mission of the US-led coalition forces in Iraq will soon be completed, noting that his country is transitioning from a period of war to a period of stability.

The official Iraqi news agency INA reported on Sudani's interview with the American Bloomberg television network.

Addressing the discussions regarding the withdrawal of coalition forces in Iraq, Sudani made the following remarks:

'Ending the mission of the international coalition in Iraq is part of the government program. We will soon announce the end date for the international coalition's mission in Iraq. The justifications for the international coalition's presence in Iraq have ended; there is no need for the presence of 86 countries (in Iraq). Iraq has moved from a state of war to a stage of stability.'

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

'ISIS IS NO LONGER A THREAT'

Stating that the terrorist organization ISIS no longer poses a threat to Iraq, Sudani noted the following:

"Today, Iraq is not like it was in 2014. We defeated ISIS through the sacrifices and stance of the Iraqi people, as well as the support of the international community and our friends. Daesh does not pose a threat to the state. Iraq has undergone a transformation. The existence of ISIS as individuals hiding in caves and deserts is not at a level that would threaten stability and security."

Stating that relations with the US are based on common interests and mutual respect, Sudani also expressed that Iran supports the politics in Iraq and has assisted Iraq in its fight against ISIS.

Touching upon relations with both the US and Iran, the Iraqi Prime Minister said, 'Iraq is the only country that has bilateral relations with both Iran and the US in many fields. Through this relationship, we want and aim to bring the views of the two countries closer together.'

SUDANI ALSO TOUCHED UPON THE CEYHAN PIPELINE

Regarding the suspension of Iraqi oil shipments via the Ceyhan pipeline, Sudani made the following assessment:

'Oil exports from Ceyhan Port stopped after the decision of the International Court of Arbitration in Paris. The Iraqi Federal Court has decisions regarding the legal issues of the KRG concerning oil and the budget law. While the budget law sets the production cost at 8 dollars per barrel, the oil production cost determined by the contracts of companies in the region reached 26 dollars. Iraq has two options; either to change the contracts with the oil companies that signed with the region (KRG) or to change the budget law. The oil companies that signed contracts with the regional government refuse to make changes to the contracts regarding oil production costs. Iraq is open to resolving the issue regarding oil exports from Ceyhan Port, and dialogues with the regional government and oil companies are continuing to reach a solution through legal channels. I think a solution will be reached within this year.'

News Source: AA