Sudani: Iraq Supports Palestinian State on its Historical Soil

Sudani received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Baghdad (government media)
Sudani received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Baghdad (government media)
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Sudani: Iraq Supports Palestinian State on its Historical Soil

Sudani received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Baghdad (government media)
Sudani received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Baghdad (government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shiaa Al-Sudani renewed his country’s support for “the State of Palestine on its historical soil.”
During a meeting on Thursday in Baghdad with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Sudani emphasized “Iraq’s firm and principled stance towards the Palestinian issue”, reiterating “support for Palestine and the continuation of its independent state on its historical soil.”
The Iraqi premier criticized the international community’s inability to stop the brutal crimes committed against the Palestinians and the disregard of international agreements and laws.
He reiterated “Iraq’s readiness to deliver all forms of support to our Palestinian people, despite the obstacles hindering the delivery of food and humanitarian relief supplies, as well as large quantities of fuel that amounted to 10 million barrels...”
For his part, Mustafa praised the Iraqi stance, expressing the Palestinian people’s appreciation for the Iraqi government’s efforts and its pioneering initiatives in sending aid and fuel to Palestine.
“History will not forget the sacrifices of the Iraqis for the sake of Palestine and its just cause,” he said, praising “the progress Iraq is witnessing at various levels, and its growing position as a strong actor in promoting international and regional security and stability.”
According to a statement by the Iraqi government, the two officials discussed the situation in Palestine, the war in Gaza and the “bloody massacres and genocide committed by the brutal occupation.”
They also reviewed challenges facing the Palestinian government, the urgent humanitarian needs, and the difficult humanitarian and service conditions in Gaza.
Locally, Sudani downplayed the threat of terrorism represented by ISIS, compared to the “greater threat of corruption.”
Addressing the first forum of Iraqi governorate councils and offices on Thursday, he said: “We stress the importance of supporting the supervisory, legislative, and policy-making roles of governorate councils, to guarantee an environment that limits corruption.”
According to a statement by the Iraqi government, the forum, which was held in coordination with the Integrity Commission, aims to activate the supervisory role of the provincial councils in line with the government’s priorities to fight corruption.

 

 

 



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.