Iraq Does Not Need Neighboring Countries’ “Approval” To Sign Security Agreement – PM’s Adviser
Baghdad - Voices of Iraq
Saturday , 05 /07 /2008
BAGHDAD, July 5 (VOI), The Iraqi Premier Nouri al-Maliki’s upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comes to reinforce the Iraqi – Arab relations, al-Maliki’s adviser said on Saturday.
He added that Iraq does not need neighboring countries’ “approval” to sign the long term security agreement with the U.S.
“This visit is part of Iraq’s intentions to reinforce its relations with Arab and regional countries, after the recent political and security developments in Iraq,” Sadeq al-Riqabi told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).
“Since the change in 2003, Iraq expressed its intention to establish relations, relying on mutual interests, with its neighboring countries and Arab depth,” he said.
“Al-Maliki will head a big political – economic delegation to the UAE on a visit that has absolutely no relation with the long-term security agreement currently debated between Iraq and U.S.,” he added.
“Iraq does need any neighboring or regional country’s approval to sign this treaty, if Iraq finds it meets its sovereignty and independence,” he noted.
“This agreement is an Iraqi issue related to Iraq’s sovereignty that relies on Iraq’s national interest, and the acceptance of the institutions that were elected by the people, such as the Iraq Parliament and executive authorities,” he explained.
“It is bit too early to talk about the security agreement, as there are still drafts that have not yet been agreed upon,” he proceeded.
“Those countries have the right that we should assure them the agreement, if it would be inked, cannot be used, under any circumstances, to threaten or to commit an aggression against any neighboring country,” he asserted.
MH/SR
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