Maliki to Members Of U.S. Congress: Iraq Chose Democracy And Pluralism And No Way To Go Back

Washington / NINA / Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki discussed, in Washington, with members of the Foreign Relations Committee in the U.S. Congress, ways to develop bilateral relations in all fields, especially the support of the United States regarding the security file and confront the threats of al-Qaeda, which began expanding in recent times. A source in the delegation accompanying the Prime Minister said: "al-Maliki explained the rules that the political process in Iraq underpinned and the nature of the problems it faces, pointing out that some congressional circles affected by propaganda campaigns waged against Iraq." The source added: " Maliki told members of Congress that Iraq has chosen the path of democracy, pluralism and participation and there is no way to return, assuring that Iraq today is managed jointly by the Government and the House of Representatives as well as departments involved with all components of the Iraqi people." Maliki made it clear "there is a real need to strengthen the understanding and doubling the communication to build friendly relations based on real clarity far from distortion, according to the source. In the meantime, a senior official in the U.S. administration, in a press conference conducted by telephone said that "Washington will effectively help Iraq, including provide military equipment, in fighting al – Qaeda, which is very active in the country,." The official stressed that "the United States will hand over Iraq F-16 fighter jets, as scheduled in the fall," adding that "Iraq is a newly deposited premium of about $ 650 million on the aircraft." He added that "this program, in general, is moving ahead as planned and certainly there are obstacles, but their pilots are training and the program is going forward." Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki arrived in Washington yesterday for an official visit at the invitation of Vice President Joe Biden, the U.S. Biden, during his meeting with al-Maliki in Washington, confirmed the United States' commitment to support Iraq in the challenges faced by particularly terrorism and the U.S. administration is working to meet the needs of Iraq in relation to anti- organization of al Qaeda, which is the common enemy of both countries. Biden praised the political progress on the domestic level, particularly rapprochement between the various parties, in addition to the positive developments at the level of foreign relations with all neighboring countries, including Jordan, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. For his part, al-Maliki confirmed the impact of the current events in the region, notably in Syria, on the situation in Iraq. / End