US pledges to accelerate arming of Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, stressed Iraq’s need to secure its defense, which will not happen unless its armed forces have the required equipment. The United States promised to do its best to secure Iraq’s needs. After receiving the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Elizabeth Jones, Malaki released a statement discussing Iraq's defence forces. The Prime Minister stated, “Cooperation prospects between the two countries are broad on all levels. These prospects were drawn by the strategic framework agreement.” Maliki explained, “the cooperation and coordination between both sides is necessary to the serve both countries, stability in the region and development.” Maliki claimed arming Iraq doesn't mean it will choose military options, as Iraq’s position today to choose dialogue and understanging over weapons and violence. Elizabeth Jones indicated the US will work on accelerating the arming of Iraq. Malili said, “Iraq is supporting the efforts of the UN envoy Brahimi Lakhdar to find a solution to the current situation in Syria.” The PM stressed the necessity of, “finding a political solution, not a security solution to the current situation in Syria. Iraq presented an initiative ensuring the needed change in Syria, within specific political steps.” Last month witnessed attempts by the Iraqi government to have an effective regional role in several issues as Iraq hosted the Arab Summit in Baghdad on March 29. Last May, the Iraqi capital also witnessed the meeting of the five plus one group about the Iranian nuclear issue.