Iraq 'regrets' US consulate departures in Basra, vows security improvement
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Following the United States ordering the departure of all non-emergency staff from its consulate general in Basra, Baghdad expressed its disappointment with the move and the increased travel advisory level.
"The Iraqi foreign ministry regrets the US Secretary of State department's decision to withdraw its employees from the US Consulate in Basra and warning the US citizens not to visit Iraq," read a statement from the Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.
"The Iraqi foreign [ministry] reiterates that Iraq is committed to protecting foreign diplomatic missions on its soil and to improve security," the statement added.
Iraqi Security Forces were deployed in early September when the Iranian consulate general was torched. Iraq is in the process of forming a new government. Incumbent Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces and in August named himself head of the Hashd al-Shaabi committee.
"The Iraqi government is determined to confront any threat that targets diplomatic missions or any visit as their security is the security of Iraq and it is a legal and moral commitment," the statement added.
The ministry called on foreign missions not to pay attention to "what is being promoted to harm the security and stability and Iraqi relations with countries of the world."
Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari is in New York for the UN General Assembly.
"His excellency also discussed ending American support towards UNRWA, and the Iranian dispute and stressing on conferencing with Iran to identify the issues in order to accomplish peace and safety in the region," read a statement from the Iraq's mission to the UN.
The United States announced on August 31 it was ending its funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The United States, unlike some countries, also applies travel advisories to the Kurdistan Region, where they have a consulate general in Erbil and many Americans work, travel, and reside. The regional government will hold a parliamentary election on Sunday.
Basra was rocked by deadly protests this summer as people vented anger about lack of electricity and clean water, high unemployment, and government corruption.
"The Iraqi foreign ministry regrets the US Secretary of State department's decision to withdraw its employees from the US Consulate in Basra and warning the US citizens not to visit Iraq," read a statement from the Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ordered non-emergency mission staff and employees to leave Basra on Friday citing security concerns. The department also upped its travel advisory warning to the highest level — “4 Do not travel.”
"The Iraqi foreign [ministry] reiterates that Iraq is committed to protecting foreign diplomatic missions on its soil and to improve security," the statement added.
Iraqi Security Forces were deployed in early September when the Iranian consulate general was torched. Iraq is in the process of forming a new government. Incumbent Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces and in August named himself head of the Hashd al-Shaabi committee.
"The Iraqi government is determined to confront any threat that targets diplomatic missions or any visit as their security is the security of Iraq and it is a legal and moral commitment," the statement added.
Rockets were recently reportedly fired in the area of the US consulate, near the airport. Also on September 8, an unnamed airport official told the Associated Press that three Katyusha rockets were fired at the airport.
The ministry called on foreign missions not to pay attention to "what is being promoted to harm the security and stability and Iraqi relations with countries of the world."
Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari is in New York for the UN General Assembly.
"His excellency also discussed ending American support towards UNRWA, and the Iranian dispute and stressing on conferencing with Iran to identify the issues in order to accomplish peace and safety in the region," read a statement from the Iraq's mission to the UN.
The United States announced on August 31 it was ending its funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The United States, unlike some countries, also applies travel advisories to the Kurdistan Region, where they have a consulate general in Erbil and many Americans work, travel, and reside. The regional government will hold a parliamentary election on Sunday.
Basra was rocked by deadly protests this summer as people vented anger about lack of electricity and clean water, high unemployment, and government corruption.