In a recent meeting, the U.S. Ambassador to Baghdad, Alina Romanoski, clarified that the military movements of the U.S. forces in Iraq aim exclusively at the exchange of troops stationed in the country. This statement comes amid growing concerns within Iraq over the United States’ intentions in the region.
Ambassador Romanoski’s remarks, made during her conversation with Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Fouad Hussein, aimed to dispel misconceptions. According to a press release from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the ambassador categorically denied any ulterior motives behind these movements. She emphasized that the United States is keen on maintaining its collaborative relationship with Iraq and nurturing mutual interests.
On his part, Foreign Minister Hussein highlighted Iraq’s plan to actively participate in the upcoming political events of the U.N. General Assembly, scheduled for later this month. He expressed Iraq’s intent to engage in multilateral frameworks and conduct various bilateral meetings during the assembly.
According to the statement, the discussion between the two dignitaries revolved around the entirety of the U.S.-Iraqi relationship. They explored avenues to enhance mutual cooperation in economic and developmental sectors under the strategic framework agreement. This is hop interests of both nations. The U.N. General Assembly meetings, especially those taking place in the latter half of the next month, were also a focal point of their dialogue.
Furthermore, the pair touched upon the recent meeting of the Arab Ministerial Contact Group on Syria, hosted in Cairo. The outcomes related to Syria, shifts in its regional dynamics, and developments concerning the Al-Hol camp were discussed. Issues pertaining to the relocation of certain families from the camp to inside Iraq were also broached.
Internal Iraqi circles are rife with anxiety and apprehension regarding potential U.S. military operations on the border strip between Iraq and Syria. Such concerns stem from potential negative repercussions on Iraq’s hard-won security gains, especially after the diminishment of threats from armed groups throughout the country.
