Iraqi PM reaffirms opposition to interfere in Syrian affairs, advocates for political resolution

Al-Sudani maintained the significance of permitting Syrians to determine their future, stating, “We intend to empower the Syrian people to make decisions about their options, and Iraq’s stance is clear in rejecting interference in Syrian affairs.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani

Dec. 20, 2024

Erbil (Kurdistan24) – On Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reiterated Iraq's refusal to interfere in Syrian affairs, highlighting his country’s support for an inclusive political process to address Syria's challenges.

In an interview with al-Iraqiya News Channel, the Iraqi Premier specified, “Our government’s policy places Iraq as a key, important country, and it has attained success during a challenging phase.”

He explained his diplomatic engagements, saying, “During Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Baghdad last April, I emphasized the significance of restarting relations with Syria, which he recognized. Later, a meeting in Baghdad including the foreign ministers of Iraq, Turkey, and Syria saw preliminary approval from President Assad, though with certain conditions.”

Al-Sudani further clarified his efforts to bring about dialogue, saying, “I attempted three times to help organizing a meeting in Baghdad at the level of foreign ministers. While Turkey agreed, it required conditions including the return of displaced Syrians and refugees from its territory, as well as a pledge to fighting terrorism.”

According to the Iraqi PM al-Sudani, “The Syrian side expressed agreement on Turkey’s conditions regarding the return of the displaced but stressed the necessity for a comprehensive approach to tackling terrorism, including groups such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and other armed factions. This disagreement became a key sticking point.”

He pointed out that the lack of progress in the bilateral dialogue was momentous, stating, “Despite three attempts, Turkey and Syria could not agree to sit at the same table. Iraq, however, made significant efforts to bridge the gap between their perspectives.”

Al-Sudani maintained the significance of permitting Syrians to decide and determine their future, stating, “We intend to empower the Syrian people to make decisions about their own options, and Iraq’s stance is clear in rejecting interference in Syrian affairs.”

On regional security, he expressed concern about ongoing developments in Syria, underscoring the presence of armed groups and ISIS elements.

“We are carefully observing ISIS movements and have started joint operations in cooperation with Jordan and the international coalition,” he said.

Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s commitment to the sovereignty of Syria, asserting, “We are keen to upholding the unity and integrity of Syrian territory while respecting the will of its people. Iraq stands ready to support an all-inclusive political solution, free from external interference.”

He also specified Iraq’s diplomatic efforts, observing, “We have led a regional proposal to establish agreement on foundational principles for addressing the Syrian crisis. At the Aqaba meeting, we offered an Iraqi paper outlining key principles for Syria’s stability and the launch of a political process.”

Drawing parallels with Iraq’s own history, al-Sudani said, “The current condition in Syria bears a resemblance to Iraq’s circumstances in 2003. It is crucial to provide guidance to avoid the mistakes we experienced.”

Finally, al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s proactive diplomatic engagement, saying, “Our mission in Damascus is now operational. The government continues to promote strong relations with all parties, with regional leaders visiting Iraq and seeking its perspective on critical issues.”