US-Turkish-Kurdistani summit expected this month

A three-way summit is expected this month involving the leaders of the United States, Turkey and Kurdistan, said head of the Kurdistan region Diwan, Fuad Hussein, on Monday.

In press statements, he said the meeting aims at coordinating between Washington, Ankara and Kurdistan on the fight against the terrorist group Daesh, pointing out that the Baghdad government has an idea about the meeting which would be held in Kurdistan.

He pointed out that recapture of Mosul city from Daesh needs an exhaustive study and efforts, adding that the Iraqi army is not yet ready for the battle.

Thousands of Shiite militiamen and supporters rallied on Saturday and demanded that Turkish troops immediately withdraw from Iraqi territory, a show of strength by the country's powerful militia groups and the Shiite political rivals of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

Militiamen in fatigues, supporters and onlookers gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square, chanting, "No to occupation, no to Turkey." Some young men burned Turkish flags. Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is the current Prime Minister's fiercest rival, walked through the square and was mobbed by supporters who snapped photos and video on their phones.

Turkey has had troops near the Daesh-held city of Mosul in northern Iraq since last year but the arrival of additional troops last week has sparked an uproar in the country. Ankara subsequently halted new deployments.

Sources: MENA