Iraq, Finland discuss counterterrorism cooperation and voluntary return of migrants

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Planning, Hisham Al-Alawi, and Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen on Monday stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in counterterrorism and organizing the voluntary return of Iraqis residing illegally in Finland.

According to a statement from Iraq’s Foreign Ministry, Al-Alawi received Rantanen and her accompanying delegation at the ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad.

During the meeting, Al-Alawi underscored the “importance of developing partnership relations with Helsinki,” noting that Iraq had succeeded in consolidating “its democratic system” through parliamentary elections held last year.

He expressed Baghdad’s aspiration to hold a new round of political consultations and joint committee meetings, and to continue multilateral cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism, “in which Iraq has made great sacrifices,” commending Finland’s support in efforts to defeat ISIS.

Addressing security files, Al-Alawi said the issue of transferring ISIS members and their families “represents a significant burden on the Iraqi state” due to their large numbers and multiple nationalities. He stressed Iraq’s desire to broaden cooperation with countries in counterterrorism efforts and to arrange for states to receive their detained nationals and prosecute them under legal frameworks.

Iraq’s Justice Ministry said Saturday that 5,703 Islamic State detainees transferred from Syria are currently held in Iraqi prisons, representing 61 nationalities, and outlined the process for their reception, classification and prosecution.

The transfers followed an offensive by the Syrian government forces and allied militias on the Kurds in Syria last month. Clashes reported near detention facilities holding thousands of ISIS prisoners, raising concerns over security and possible escapes. U.S. Central Command has begun transferring detainees to Iraq.