In his weekly press conference, where he also announced plans to upgrade the nation’s armed forces, the Iraqi PM repeated his rejection of US sanctions on Iran. Although he affirmed his commitment not to trade with Tehran in US dollars, he said he is willing to maintain business ties in a different currency.
“We won’t become part of an unjust campaign against any of the neighboring countries, or any country in the world,” Abadi said.
“We have an opposing viewpoint concerning sanctions that hurt nations. As we said, just because it [the US] is a big and strong country, it doesn’t have the right to impose an embargo on others,” Abadi added.
Abadi rejected claims he has endorsed the sanctions, accusing opponents of trying to sabotage Iran-Iraq relations.
“The essential point is: I frankly haven’t said that I will commit to the sanctions. I said, yes, we will commit. But commit to what? We commit to the topic of dollar conversion,” Abadi said.
“There is no abuse either to the Islamic Republic or to the Iraqi people. Interpreting it in this way is an effort by some who try to ruin relations between Iran and Iraq.”
“When it comes to the dollar, we will commit because such a commitment is imposed on us. That is why I proposed that if there is another currency we could deal in, we have no problem with that currency,” Abadi added.
The Iraqi PM’s remarks follow a barrage of attacks by Iranian officials after Abadi said he would grudgingly comply with the sanctions. Some in Tehran even demanded reparations from Baghdad for the Iraq-Iran War (1980-88).
Abadi also faced internal criticism – accused of trying to court US approval for a second term in office.
In a sign of good will to Iranians, Abadi said his government has decided to lower border entry fees for pilgrims visiting Iraq’s holy sites.
“In the end, they aren’t coming to Iraq for a commercial matter. They are coming to visit Hussein,” Abadi said.
The US government imposed tough new sanctions on Tehran after withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in May. The move has left Iraq, and its incumbent prime minister, in a difficult position.
Armed forces upgrade
Iraq’s armed forces, particularly is navy and air force, are set for a budget windfall, with pledges of more equipment and training.
“We are moving forward with arming our security forces and armed forces, and upgrading their capability to the best level to remain prepared. You know threats against Iraq remain, whether internal or external, by different terrorist groups. Thus, these forces have to remain on a high level of preparedness, training and equipped,” Abadi said.
Weapons storage will also come under review following multiple explosions at arms depots across the country.
“We are also seeking a holistic review of the weapons storing mechanism in Iraq,” Abadi said. New designated areas will be established for storage.
Plans to improve border security were also outlined to address external infiltration and to stop forces inside Iraqi territory attacking neighboring states.
“Our stance is firm in preventing attacks on neighboring countries from inside Iraqi territory. The Iraqi constitutions forbid this,” Abadi said.
Turkey talks
The Iraqi PM is set to visit Turkey on Tuesday for bilateral talks. The agenda will include the ongoing water crisis, security, and trade.
“There is a massive drop in water flowing from neighboring countries. Therefore, we have to sit with these countries to agree on how we could share these waters,” Abadi said.
Acknowledging the recent fourth anniversary of the Yezidi genocide, Abadi said his government is working to defeat ISIS remnants wherever they remain, and that it will cooperate with other countries in a bid to return abducted Yezidis.
“I consider what happened a tragedy and catastrophe inflicted on Iraqis,” Abadi said, adding his government won’t relent until it finds all the abducted Yezidis.
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