Sudani from Sulaymaniyah: Iraq Does Not Align itself with One Axis against the Other

In this handout photo released by the Iraqi prime minister's office, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani delivers a speech in Baghdad on March 13, 2023. (Iraqi prime minister's media office/AFP)
In this handout photo released by the Iraqi prime minister's office, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani delivers a speech in Baghdad on March 13, 2023. (Iraqi prime minister's media office/AFP)
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Sudani from Sulaymaniyah: Iraq Does Not Align itself with One Axis against the Other

In this handout photo released by the Iraqi prime minister's office, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani delivers a speech in Baghdad on March 13, 2023. (Iraqi prime minister's media office/AFP)
In this handout photo released by the Iraqi prime minister's office, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani delivers a speech in Baghdad on March 13, 2023. (Iraqi prime minister's media office/AFP)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani underscored on Wednesday that his country will not be a platform to threaten its neighbors.

Speaking at the seventh International Sulaymaniyah Forum, he stressed that Iraq cannot align itself with one axis against the other, rather, it can be a meeting point for all sides.

“Our constitution obligates us to refrain from meddling in the affairs of others. Likewise, we will not allow the sovereignty of our nation to be violated by our neighbors and others,” he remarked.

“We are seeking deep sustainable economic partnerships with fraternal and friendly nations,” he added.

Effective and fruitful economic cooperation will pave the way for sustainable security, he noted.

Moreover, Sudani dismissed as “unjustified exaggeration” claims about Iran’s meddling in Iraqi affairs. He also described the United States as a “strategic partner” to Iraq.

“Iraq’s strength and stability are a source of strength and stability to the entire world,” continued Sudani.

The forum was sponsored by former President Barham Salih. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a video message at the event that was attended by Kurdistan Region President Nechervan Barzani, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and several ambassadors, researchers and academics.

Barzani said Kurdistan “fully” supports the Baghdad government and Sudani.

The PM, he added, has sought to create a “secure political environment” in Iraq.



Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: US Guarantor of Israeli Stance, Negotiations Are Good

19 November 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: US special envoy Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. (Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament/dpa)
19 November 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: US special envoy Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. (Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament/dpa)
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Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: US Guarantor of Israeli Stance, Negotiations Are Good

19 November 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: US special envoy Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. (Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament/dpa)
19 November 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: US special envoy Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. (Hassan Ibrahim/Lebanese Parliament/dpa)

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told Asharq Al-Awsat on Tuesday that the situation was "good in principle" following two hours of talks with US envoy Amos Hochstein to discuss the US proposal for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.

Some details of the proposal still needed to be hashed out, including technical details, he added.

He said Hochstein would settle those details before travelling on to Israel, and that Lebanon saw the United States as the guarantor of the Israeli stance.

On whether the draft under discussion was also addressed with the Israelis, he said Hochstein "is coordinating with them over it."

"This wouldn’t be the first time the Israelis renege on their pledges," he added.

Hochstein had arrived in Beirut on Tuesday and kicked off his talks with Berri, who has been tasked by Hezbollah in negotiating on its behalf.

Hochstein said he held "very constructive talks" with Berri and that there was a "real opportunity" to bring the conflict between the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah and Israel to an end.

"This is a moment of decision-making. I am here in Beirut to facilitate that decision but it's ultimately up to the parties to reach a conclusion to this conflict. It is now within our grasp," he told reporters after the meeting.