Esawi, Melkert discuss political and security status in Iraq

Baghdad (NINA) – Minister of Finance, Rafi’ Al Esawi, discussed with former UN envoy to Iraq, Ad Melkert, the political and security conditions in Iraq.

A statement issued by the ministry today said “Esawi stressed during his meeting with Melkert on the continuation of work as one team with the UN in order to support the security and services stability in Iraq.”

The statement added that both sides discussed the disputed areas, especially Kirkuk and Diyala, and confirmed the necessity of everyone’s participation in preserving security in these areas regardless of their race or sect.

Esawi, according to the statement, discussed as well with Melkert, the extension to the stay of part of the US troops in Iraq after 2011, reiterating that “it is necessary to have a clear image of the kind of the stay in Iraq and the extent of its contribution in maintaining security, in addition to the Iraqi security forces readiness.”

As for the security ministries, Esawi called for naming the Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior in a way that gets political accordance of all parties, stressing the importance of achieving this accordance as soon as possible in service of Iraq’s interests. /End/