Tasnim News – The United States and Iraqi governments said in a joint statement that the United States has confirmed plans to further decrease the number its of servicemen deployed to Iraq.
“On the security partnership, the two countries recognised that in light of significant progress towards eliminating the Daesh threat, over the coming months the US would continue reducing forces from Iraq and discuss with the Government of Iraq the status of remaining forces as both countries turn their focus towards developing a bilateral security relationship based on strong mutual interests. The United States reiterated that it does not seek nor request permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq,” the statement issued by the US Department of State on late Thursday said, Sputnik reported.
Ahead of the talks, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized that the US and Iraq need a strategic partnership to move forward and reap mutual benefits.
On 5 January, the Iraqi parliament approved a resolution that demanded the immediate and complete withdrawal of foreign troops from the country.
The resolution was approved after the United States killed Iran’s Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraq’s Hashd al-Sha’abi (PMU) commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and a number of their entourage near Baghdad. Members of parliament concluded that the US action violated Iraq’s sovereignty.
