Abadi Urges Ankara, Riyadh to Avoid Meddling in Iraq Affairs
Local Editor
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi called on Turkey and Saudi Arabia to stop interfering in the domestic affairs of his country, which is engaged in a campaign against the Takfiri Daesh [Arabic acronym for "ISIS" / "ISIL"] terrorist group.
The Iraqi PM told a forum of Muslim scholars and politicians in Baghdad Saturday: "We have well intentions for Saudi Arabia and Turkey provided that they do not interfere in the domestic affairs of our country."
The opening of the 9th session of the Supreme Council of the World Assembly of Islamic Awakening in the Iraqi capital coincided with the country's ongoing push to retake its second city of Mosul from Daesh terrorists.
Turkey is adamantly insisting that it wants to play a military role in the Mosul recapture despite Iraq's opposition, triggering a serious diplomatic row between the two neighbors.
Ankara had deployed troops to a base near Mosul, claiming that they were there to train Kurdish militants for the battle against Daesh.
Abadi said Turkey had sent troops without Iraqi government's request, adding Ankara is not battling Daesh, but is trying to defend its interests and expand its outreach. Ankara, he said, did not help Baghdad when it was requested.
In the run-up to the Mosul operation, Saudi Arabia replaced its ambassador to Baghdad, who had repeatedly drawn the ire of Iraqi leaders for his meddling remarks, but the kingdom downgraded its ties to charge d'affaires level.
Without naming any country, Prime Minister Abadi said there are countries that support terrorism for their own benefits while others are seeking to sow sectarian discord.
"Daesh did not come to existence overnight. Some certain sides used to support the group," he said.
Takfiri terrorists, he said, do not distinguish between Shia and Sunni Muslims or abide by any principles, adding they are trying to sow sectarian divisions.
Abadi said Iraq is capable enough to counter Daesh and terrorism, calling on the country to remain united. "We will hopefully fight and defeat the Takfiri terrorism," the prime minister added.
Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, who is a Sunni Muslim, accused terrorists of attempting to spread their radical ideas in the name of religion.
He called for a meeting with the participation of Turkey and Saudi Arabia to address disputes, saying Muslim countries must take measures to counter terrorism.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
