World
US President Joe Biden (right) received Iraqi PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi in the Oval Office on July 26, 2021. Photo: AFP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi received a phone call from the US President Joe Biden on Wednesday. Both leaders discussed the recent political and security instability in Iraq.
Weeks of protest by the supporters of powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in Baghdad’s Green Zone turned violent on Monday after clashes erupted between a militia group affiliated to Sadr and the rival armed groups. At least 30 people were killed in the clashes which continued until Sadr ordered supporters to withdraw from the high-security zone on Tuesday. Iraqi, Kurdish and foreign leaders have applauded the cleric for the decision.
Kadhimi’s office said late Wednesday the premiere received a phone call from Biden, with both leaders “discussing the latest developments in the situation in Iraq following the recent events.”
Biden commended Kadhimi's "personal leadership during escalating tensions and violence over a 24-hour period earlier this week," according to statement from the White House.
"The President and the Prime Minister welcomed the return of security to the streets, and called on all Iraqi leaders to engage in a national dialogue to forge a common way forward consistent with Iraq’s constitution and laws," added the statement from Biden's office.
Ten months after Iraq held snap parliamentary elections, political parties have failed to elect a president and prime minister. Sadr, the winner of the vote, announced his “definitive retirement” from politics on Monday. After this, his supporters began storming government institutions, including the Republican Palace.
The United States and United Nations on Tuesday urged Iraqis to exercise calm and restraint in facing their political differences while reiterating their calls for dialogue.
Biden "offered his full support for Prime Minster Kadhimi’s efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch over the coming weeks," read the statement from the White House.
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