‘We will not allow Turkish troops to be on Iraqi territory’ – Iraq’s al-Jaafari

Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim al-Jaafari said that Iraq s “categorically against Turkey’s interference in the affairs of Iraq,” during an interview with RT channel recorded in New York City on Sunday.

“We strongly support the development of relations with Turkey, as with a neighbouring, friendly government. We have long-standing relations with Turkey. But we will not allow Turkish troops to be on Iraqi territory,” he added.

The Foreign Minister also claimed that “neither Iran, nor the United States, nor the countries of the region, nor Iraq is interested in starting a confrontation in the region between the different poles of power.”

“We are doing everything to build positive relations that will benefit all countries of the region,” he said.

“We have very strong relations with the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, with Iran, with the US, with Russia, with all countries – both far from us and our neighbours,” al-Jaafari stated.

Iraq’s top diplomat added: “Iraq is fighting against corruption, which we inherited from terrorism. Corruption is no less a threat than terrorism itself.”