Öykü Altuntaş / Washington, Dec 17 () - Any foreign forces can only be present in Iraq "with the coordination and permission of the Iraqi government" urged White House, calling on Turkey to withdraw any military forces from Iraqi territory that have not been authorized by the Iraqi government.
According to a written statement released by the White House on Dec. 16, the U.S. has reiterated its commitment to Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity and called on Turkey to do the same by withdrawing any military forces from Iraqi territory, deployed without Iraqi government’s approval.
The Vice President Joe Biden has spoken with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi on Dec. 16, said the statement, following his call with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, on Dec. 14.
“Both leaders welcomed initial indications of the withdrawal of some Turkish forces and agreed this should continue, reiterating that any foreign forces can only be present in Iraq with the coordination and permission of the Iraqi government” said the statement.
The White House statement added Vice President Biden has “encouraged continued dialogue between Iraq and Turkey to address any outstanding grievances in the spirit of mutual cooperation”.
Biden and Abadi have “reaffirmed their continued commitment to the fight against ISIL in Iraq” according to White House.
