Former Iraqi premier stresses sovereignty in talks with US envoy

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) – Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki stressed the need for respecting Iraq’s sovereignty and the choices of its people during a meeting with US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack on Friday, according to a statement carried by the official Iraqi News Agency.

The statement from al-Maliki’s office said the talks addressed political developments in Iraq and upcoming national entitlements.

Maliki, nominated by a coalition of Shiite parties in Iraq for premiership, underlined “the importance of supporting the democratic path and enhancing political stability,” while emphasizing “the necessity of respecting Iraq’s sovereignty and the choices of its people,” the statement said.

He also affirmed the continuation of communication and coordination between both sides on issues of mutual interest.

The nomination of Al-Maliki, however, was opposed by US President Donald Trump, who threatened to end support to Iraq if Maliki becomes the prime minister.

Maliki served two terms as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, a period marked by major security challenges, including the rise of the ISIS (Daesh) terror group, which seized large swaths of the country before Iraq declared victory over it in 2017.

Under Iraq’s power-sharing system, the presidency is held by a Kurd, the prime minister is a Shiite and the speaker of parliament is a Sunni.

For his part, Barrack pointed to “the important role Iraq plays in efforts to resolve regional problems, reduce tensions, support dialogue and combat terrorism,” according to the statement.