Iraq will not be used against other countries, prime minister says

Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has strongly condemned latest remarks by US President Donald Trump that American forces must remain in Iraq so Washington can keep a close eye on neighboring Iran, stressing that his country will not accept being used for any acts of aggression against other states.

“There are no US military bases in Iraq; but there are indeed trainers operating within the framework of the international coalition. We disagree with the American side and reject such a standpoint.  

“I will not allow Iraq to be used by any country against another. Iraq should not be a party to any battle between two states,” Abdul-Mahdi told reporters on Tuesday.

On Monday, Iraqi President Barham Salih hit back at Trump’s comments, saying, “The Iraqi constitution rejects the use of Iraq as a base for hitting or attacking a neighboring country.”

He said Trump did not ask Iraq's permission for US troops stationed there to “watch Iran.”

“US forces were in the country legally under an agreement between the two countries, but that any action taken outside this framework is unacceptable,” he added.

“Don’t overburden Iraq with your own issues. The US is a major power...but do not pursue your own policy priorities, we live here,” Salih pointed out.

“It is of fundamental interest for Iraq to have good relations with Iran” and other neighboring countries, he added. 

SS