Syria, Iraq Facing Common Enemy: Iraqi Diplomat

DAMASCUS, (ST)- Iraqi Charge d’ affaires to Damascus the Plenipotentiary Riad Hassoun Al-Taie has stressed that both Syria and Iraq are facing a common enemy represented in Daesh terror organization that has sought destroying the two states and the entire region,  which is the cradle of human civilization.

In a statement he made on behalf of the Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari during a press conference held at the Iraqi Embassy in Damascus on Thursday, al-Taie said the liberation of Iraq’s Mosul from Daesh coincided with the Syrian Arab army’s victories on this common enemy.”

 “Iraq fought Daesh on behalf of the entire world and smashed the most dangerous terrorist organization that threatens the security and stability of the peoples of the world,” the Iraqi diplomat said, pointing out that “members of this terror group, who are from more than one hundred different nationalities, may play as time bombs in their original homelands.”

He said the operation to liberate Mosul was launched nine months ago by the Iraqi army in cooperation with the country’s anti-terror body, the federal police , the Hashed Shaabi, clans members and support forces.

The operations took the safety of civilians into consideration as Daesh exploited them as human shields, said al-Taei, adding that Iraqis from all cities took part in the fight and martyred in the battles to liberate their cities from terrorism.

Al-Taei hailed the key role played by Iraq’s friendly countries and allies in support of the Iraqi government’s anti-terror efforts, affirming that victory in Mosul is a victory for all who support Iraq and helped it win the battle against Daesh.

In reply to journalists’ questions, the Iraqi diplomat asserted enhanced cooperation and coordination between the Iraqi and Syrian governments through the coordination office, which comprises Iraq, Syria, Russia and Iran, and which is playing a pivotal role in confronting terrorism.

  He hoped that trade relations between Syria and Iraq will restore their strength soon as to achieve the common interests of the two countries, stressing that the Syrian army’s victories over Daesh in the Syrian Badia will help open the land road between the two countries.

On July 10, Iraq’s Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi declared Mosul completely liberated from Daesh terrorists by the Iraqis.

Hamda Mustafa