Baghdad Seeking ‘Arrangements’ to End Deployment of Int’l Coalition

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, December 28, 2023. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, December 28, 2023. (Reuters)
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Baghdad Seeking ‘Arrangements’ to End Deployment of Int’l Coalition

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, December 28, 2023. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, December 28, 2023. (Reuters)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani declared on Thursday that his country was seeking to “arrange its relationship” with the international coalition fighting ISIS in order to end its deployment on its territories.

He explained that so long as the Iraqi forces are “capable and empowered” there was no longer need for the international troops.

Sudani received in Baghdad his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, who stressed his country’s commitment to the stability and sovereignty of Iraq.

Sanchez had arrived in Baghdad late on Wednesday for a short official visit. He met Spanish forces deployed at a base in the capital’s fortified Green Zone and thanked them for their “sacrifices in the name of international security and stability.”

Sudani reiterated his government and political forces’ rejection of attacks against the international coalition’s bases in Iraq, while stressing their commitment to the legal authorization granted to them by Baghdad.

The authorization allows them to support the security forces in training and offering consultations.

Sudani stated that the Iraqi government was committed and capable of performing its duties in protecting diplomatic missions and security consultants.

For his part, Sanchez said his country’s commitment to Iraq is demonstrated through the deployment of Spanish forces in the country.

He vowed that Spain will always support the unity, sovereignty and stability of Iraq.



Fuel Shortages in Gaza at 'Critical Levels', UN Warns

 A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
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Fuel Shortages in Gaza at 'Critical Levels', UN Warns

 A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

The United Nations warned Saturday that dire fuel shortages in the Gaza Strip had reached "critical levels", threatening to dramatically increase the suffering in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

"After almost two years of war, people in Gaza are facing extreme hardships, including widespread food insecurity, seven UN agencies cautioned in a joint statement.

"When fuel runs out, it places an unbearable new burden on a population teetering on the edge of starvation," the statement added.