Iraq asks Ukrainian universities to grant its students ‘study leave’ if security deteriorates
The ministry also called on Iraqi citizens to avoid going to “dangerous areas” in the eastern part of the country.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Iraqi Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that it had requested academic institutions in Ukraine to grant Iraqi students “emergency study leave” if the security situation in the eastern European country further deteriorates amid Russia’s invasion.
The remarks by Iraq’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Ahmed al-Sahaf, came mere hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced “special military operations” in Ukraine. Top Ukrainian officials have described the move as a “full-scale invasion” of their country.
The ministry sent the request to 27 Ukrainian universities and colleges where Iraqi students are currently studying, according to al-Sahaf.
If security further deteriorates, al-Sahaf said, Iraq requested the universities to grant its students “emergency study leave” and provide Baghdad “detailed information” on the number of students and their current condition.
The ministry also called on Iraqi citizens to avoid going to “dangerous areas” in the eastern part of the country.
In early December 2021, the Iraqi ministry called on its citizens in Ukraine to leave as the threat of war loomed.
Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr said he still hopes for dialogue between the conflicting sides since war produces nothing but ruin.
Western allies of Ukraine previously threatened Russia with punitive economic sanctions in response to aggression against the eastern European country.
Ukraine’s president vowed his country would defend itself.