Iraqi FM warns of US security deal rejection

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hosheyar Zebari warned against the non ratification of the security agreement with the United States pointing out to destructive security, political and economic consequences on Iraq if the agreement is not signed. In an interview with Al Hurra TV, Zebari said that Baghdad has been informed about Washington’s serious plans to withdraw from Iraq by the end of the current year when the UN mandate expires adding that Iraqi remarks on the draft agreement are supposed to be submitted to in the name of the Iraqi Government next Sunday or Monday. He noted that signing the agreement before the end of the current year is not guaranteed if Iraqi Forces don’t agree thereof.
Iraqi Foreign Minister considered that if political leaders and Parliament fail to support the agreement, the alternative is to refer to the UN Security Council and extend the mandate for another year in virtue of the Security Council Resolution while fearing US veto on the resolution. Zebari clarified that US Forces cannot remain in Iraq without a legal basis after the end of the mandate saying it’s time to take daring political decisions criticizing Iraqi parties’ political rows regardless of the nation’s interest. Iraqi Foreign Minister ruled out the possibility of US further compromises regarding US Forces immunity.
Asked on the readiness of Iraqi Forces, Zebari pointed out to the build up of Iraqi Forces capacities on the level of internal security but affirmed that Iraqi Forces are still not ready to face an external threat, which has been confirmed as well by Interior and Defense Ministers.

Source: www.alsumaria.tv