Iraq Executes 6 People, Including Syrian, in Terror Cases

Vehicles used for suicide car bombings, made by ISIS militants, are seen at Federal Police Headquarters after being confiscated in Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
Vehicles used for suicide car bombings, made by ISIS militants, are seen at Federal Police Headquarters after being confiscated in Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
TT

Iraq Executes 6 People, Including Syrian, in Terror Cases

Vehicles used for suicide car bombings, made by ISIS militants, are seen at Federal Police Headquarters after being confiscated in Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
Vehicles used for suicide car bombings, made by ISIS militants, are seen at Federal Police Headquarters after being confiscated in Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

Six "criminals" were executed in Iraq this week in terrorism related cases, the justice ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry, in a statement, said they were put to death for having "shed the blood of Iraqis" after their appeals were rejected and the sentences ratified by the presidency.

Forensic sources told Agence France Presse that at least one of them was a Syrian national.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani and the commander of the peshmerga forces attended the graduation ceremony of peshmerga fighters, who have completed their six-month training.

The ceremony, celebrating the graduation of the class of "coexistence," coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of The Kurdistan Democratic Party.

“We need to achieve reform and take large and swift steps … in order to improve the situation of the Kurdistan region,” Barzani said.

“That would only be achieved through transparent parliamentary elections and the formation of a strong government (in the region) that receives the backing of all sides so that in its turn it takes the helm of responsibility in implementing the needed reforms,” he said.

The elections should be held on time next September, without any delay, he stressed.

“Rather than mulling how to delay the polls, we should think of holding them in a transparent manner and without obstacles,” said Barzani.

He also called for having international monitors and representatives of international and local organizations during the elections..

“The Democratic Party rejects any postponement,” he reiterated.



China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
TT

China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state media from both countries.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the visit reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, Morocco's MAP said.
The Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met Xi at the airport, where Xi and Hassan had a "cordial conversation", China's state broadcaster CCTV said.
Xi made the visit after being in Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China has stepped up investments in Morocco's infrastructure and rail sector in recent years.
Morocco's geographic location close to Europe, its free trade agreements with key EU and US markets and its existing automotive industry, make it attractive to Chinese electric vehicle battery makers.
In June, Chinese EV battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech picked Morocco to set up Africa's first gigafactory for a total cost of $1.3 billion.