Iraqi authorities urge Europe to support Iraq in confronting terrorism

Iraqi President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi called on Monday the European Union to take “more serious” stances in combating terrorism.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg was in Iraq as part of a tour of the region aimed at garnering more support for international efforts to fight terrorism in wake of the withdrawal of US troops from Syria. The move has sparked fears of the reemergence of the ISIS group.

Salih held talks with Solberg on Monday, saying Iraq looks forward to working with “brothers and friends to consolidate security and stability in the region.”

He stressed the need to resolve the Syrian crisis away from foreign meddling and military operations. He also underlined the need to present emergency support to refugees, who have fled the Turkish incursion in northeastern Syria.

In a joint press conference with Solberg, Abdul Mahdi said Iraq needed international support in its war against terrorism.

“The victory against terrorism prevented terror groups in the region from spreading to the rest of the world,” he declared.

Solberg, for her part, stressed Norway’s commitment to the partnership with Iraq in fighting terrorism.

Discussions with the premier addressed the conflict in Syria and the region, she added, saying peace and justice are the foundations of social and economic development in the country.

Separately, Abdul Mahdi’s office said that the crossing of American troops from regions they withdrew from in Syria and into Iraqi Kurdistan was coordinated with the government.

A source from his office revealed that the premier had held talks with the US ambassador to Iraq to discuss this issue, stressing that no American force can enter the country without permission.

Source: Aawsat