Exit plan
Al-Sudani chairs joint talks on ending coalition mission
BAGHDAD, January 27 — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Saturday provided a summary of the ongoing negotiations within the joint military committee between Iraq and the U.S.-led international coalition.
The main item on the agenda is the story dominating news this past week: Talks on ending the mission of the international coalition forces in Iraq.
Following the meeting, working groups were established to discuss the threat level posed by the ISIS organization, operational and current requirements, and the continuous strengthening of capabilities within the Iraqi security forces.
Statement:
Under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, the joint Higher Military Commission between Iraq and the Coalition led by the United States started its work today, in Baghdad, to review the mission of the Global Coalition against Daesh, after Iraq’s victory over the most dangerous terrorist groups in the world.
Military experts will oversee ending the military mission of the Global Coalition against Daesh, a decade after its initiation and after its successful achievement of its mission in partnership with Iraqi security and military forces.
After this meeting, the Higher Military Commission (HMC) will start its work in three working groups: (the level of threat posed by ISIS), (operational and environmental requirements), and (strengthening the growing capabilities of the Iraqi security forces).
Following this review, a specific timetable will be formulated to end the military mission of the Coalition, and transition to bilateral security relations between Iraq, the United States, and partner countries in the Coalition, with commitment to the Iraqi-US Strategic Framework Agreement signed in 2008 and also a commitment to the safety of Coalition advisors during the negotiation phase across the country, ensuring stability and preventing escalation.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Coalition for the assistance it provided to Iraq in its war against ISIS terrorist gangs, and Iraq’s desire to transition to bilateral relations with all coalition member states.
His Excellency welcomed this agreement, marking the culmination of a year of joint dialogue and meetings. This is a significant step in fulfilling the government’s program and pledges to the Iraqi people. He emphasized Iraq’s willingness to transition to comprehensive bilateral relations with coalition member states, led by the United States of America, grounded in the principles of international cooperation and friendship.
Before the meeting with the Coalition, the Prime Minister presided over a meeting involving military and security leaders representing the branches of the Iraqi armed forces. His Excellency provided directives on the course of the dialogue, outlined requirements for the upcoming stage to safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty and maintain the attained security and stability, emphasizing the need to create an environment conducive to advancing reconstruction, development, and construction plans.