President Rashid: ‘good decisions’ expected at Arab summit but focus must be on implementation

BAGHDAD – President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid said Iraq is preparing to host an Arab League Summit aimed at addressing regional tensions and unresolved conflicts, emphasizing that “good decisions will be issued” but the priority remains “the follow-up and implementation of these decisions.”

In an interview with Al Hadath TV, Rashid affirmed Baghdad’s role in mediating between regional actors, noting, “Baghdad is working to help ease tensions and resolve issues between various parties in the region.”

Commenting on Syria’s potential role in the summit, Rashid stated, “Syria is a neighboring, friendly, and important country for Iraq and the region as a whole,” adding that Iraq “welcomes” the changes in Syria and hopes the new leadership “ensures the participation of all Syrian sects, ethnicities, and components in the political process.”

The 34th regular Arab Summit is scheduled for May 17 in Baghdad. The potential participation of Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa — also known as Abu Mohammed Al-Jonali — has sparked pushback within Iraq’s political arena.

Excerpts from President Rashid’s interview with Al Hadath TV:

We have many problems in the Arab region that will be discussed at the upcoming summit in Baghdad, and good decisions will be issued in this regard. However, the most important matter is the follow-up and implementation of these decisions.

Baghdad is working to help ease tensions and resolve issues between various parties in the region. It is essential that everyone participates in the Arab summit, and Iraq welcomes all leaders, presidents, and heads of state.

Syria’s participation in the summit is a matter for the Syrian leadership. Syria is a neighboring, friendly, and important country for Iraq and the region as a whole. We hope its people will enjoy peace and stability after years of Arab and international isolation.

Iraq welcomes the change that has taken place in Syria, and we hope the new government will ensure the participation of all Syrian sects, ethnicities, and components in the political process, and safeguard the rights of all citizens.

The presence of U.S. forces on the Syrian border to fight ISIS is very necessary.

We have concerns about certain groups located along the shared border with Syria, and there must be communication between the two sides to resolve this issue.

Iraq rejects any foreign interference in Syrian affairs and stresses the importance of preserving the independence of Syrian decision-making. Syria’s security is linked to Iraq’s security, especially given the long-shared border.