Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim and Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit discussed on Tuesday the situation in Libya, Sudan, Syria and Yemen and the Gulf’s security and maritime traffic.
“We have made clear our position to try to ease tension in the Gulf region and on the Iranian-US conflict,” Hakim said at a joint press conference with Aboul Gheit in Baghdad.
He also hinted that Israel was responsible for the recent attacks on camps operated by the Popular Mobilization Forces(PMF) in different parts of Iraq.
“Aboul Gheit was briefed on the Israeli aggression in Arab states,” Hakim said, pointing out that “several significant issues were tackled in this meeting.”
Aboul Gheit, for his part, said he visited Baghdad after the Iraqi Foreign Ministry invited him to prepare for the upcoming Arab ministerial meeting at the Arab League on September 10.
He affirmed his confidence in Iraq’s ability to manage the meeting, which he said will have a packed agenda.
During his meeting with Aboul Gheit, Iraqi President Barham Saleh stressed his country’s keenness to distance itself from certain regional policies.
According to a presidential statement, Saleh said that after defeating ISIS, political and security efforts in Iraq have focused on finalizing this victory, eliminating terrorist groups, creating a secure environment and achieving political and social stability.
All these goals, the statement added, help in facilitating progress in construction projects and the development of economic and service structures in the country.
During the meeting at the presidential palace in Baghdad, Saleh said Iraq’s national vision takes into account the international and regional problems and ensures cooperation to achieve regional peace and stability.
He underlined the League’s significant role in coordinating and uniting visions among member states to end tension and find solutions for crises.
Aboul Gheit praised Iraq’s role to bolster and activate joint Arab action to enhance regional security and stability.
Head of the “Political Thinking Center” Dr. Ihsan al-Shammari told Asharq Al-Awsat that Aboul Gheit’s visit to Iraq comes at a very sensitive time in terms of the nature of tension between Washington and Tehran,” and attacks on PMF targets in Iraq.
“The Arab League is aware of Iraq’s ability to hold talks with Iran, specifically in reducing the level of tension,” Shammari noted.
