Iraq Calls NATO To Put Pressure On Turkey To Withdraw Its Troops From Iraqi Territories

BAGHDAD / NINA / Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari called on the (NATO) to exert pressure on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Iraqi territory and end the violation of sovereignty and not to open side differences, which not winner only terrorism," declaring that "Iraq had decided to adopt its embassy in Brussels to be the official representative of Iraq to NATO. According to a Foreign Ministry statement, al-Jaafari met the Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg and members of the North Atlantic Council at the invitation received by the Foreign Ministry to discuss the overall security and political situation and the war against Daesh and mechanisms to increase the volume of cooperation and support from NATO to Iraq to coincide with the start of operations to liberate Mosul. The statement quoted al-Jaafari as saying in a speech before the members of the Alliance in Brussels: that Iraq adheres to the bilateral relations with all countries of the world and does not interfere in the affairs of any country and does not allow to interfere in its internal affairs, and refuses to be part of the policy of axes and is committed to balanced relations with neighboring countries. Jaafari praised the "support of (NATO) in Iraq in various fields, noting that Iraqis are sacrificing themselves and their blood to liberate their land from the grip of terrorists Daesh and the military operations in Mosul are the most important link in the eradication of terrorism which requires to mobilize additional support and assistance with the launch of operations to free the city and work to provide the necessary supplies for rebuilding it. He stressed that "the popular mobilization forces is the real bond of the armed forces and it expresses the unity of the Iraqi people in all its components, and operates in accordance with the directives of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. For their part, Secretary General of the NATO and the representatives of the members of the North Atlantic Council expressed their support for Iraq in its war against terrorism to liberate its territories and eliminate Daesh, noting that the efforts of the (NATO) are concentrated in air support. They stressed that the post-liberalization of Mosul will witness more support and assistance to ensure the security and stability and rebuilding cities, welcoming the decision to adopt the Iraqi Embassy in Brussels to be an official representative of Iraq to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. / End