Terrorists Seek Sectarian Strife in Region: Iraqi PM
BAGHDAD (Tasnim) – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said foreign-backed Takfiri militants do not abide by any rules, adding that they are attempting to foment sectarian divisions in the region.
Takfiri terrorists do not distinguish between Shiite and Sunni Muslims or abide by any principles, Abadi said Saturday while addressing the opening of the 9th session of the Supreme Council of the World Assembly of Islamic Awakening in the Iraqi capital coincided with the country's ongoing push to retake its second largest city, Mosul, from Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) terrorists.
He added that the terrorists are trying to sow sectarian divisions in the Middle East region.
Elsewhere in his comments, he called on Turkey and Saudi Arabia to stop interfering in the domestic affairs of his country, which is engaged in a campaign against the Daesh terrorist group.
"We want the good of Saudi Arabia and Turkey provided that they do not interfere in the domestic affairs of our country," Abadi said.
Turkey is adamantly insisting that it wants to play a military role in the Mosul recapture despite Iraq's opposition, triggering a serious diplomatic row between the two neighbors.
Ankara has deployed troops to a base near Mosul, claiming that they are there to train militants for the battle against Daesh.
Abadi said Turkey had sent troops without the Iraqi government’s request, adding Ankara is not battling Daesh but is trying to expand its outreach. Ankara, he said, did not help Baghdad when it was requested.
In the run-up to the Mosul operation, Saudi Arabia replaced its ambassador to Baghdad, who had repeatedly drawn the ire of Iraqi leaders for his meddling remarks, but the kingdom downgraded its representation to the charge d'affaires level.
Without naming any country, Prime Minister Abadi said there are countries that support terrorism for their own benefits while others are seeking to sow sectarian discord.
"Daesh did not come to existence overnight. Some certain sides used to support the group," he said.
Abadi said Iraq is capable enough to counter Daesh and terrorism, calling on the country to remain united. "We will hopefully fight and defeat the Takfiri terrorism," the prime minister added.
Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, who is a Sunni Muslim, in his address accused terrorists of attempting to spread their radical ideas in the name of religion.
He called for a meeting with the participation of Iraq, Turkey and Saudi Arabia to address their disputes, saying Muslim countries should take measures to counter terrorism.
