Turkey delegation voices readiness to resolve crisis of troops deployed in Iraq

A high-ranking Turkish delegation visiting Iraq has voiced readiness to resolve the problem that erupted from the Turkish military presence in Mosul, northern Iraq.

This came during a meeting held between the Turkish delegation and Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al Obeidi and a raft of Iraqi military commanders.

The delegation includes Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Feridun Sinirlioglu and the head of the National Intelligence Organization, Hakan Fidan.

The delegation voiced Ankara's keenness on the unity and integrity of the Iraqi territories and maintaining historical relations binding both counties.

For his part, al Obeidi underlined the necessity of Turkish troops’ withdrawal from Iraq.

On December 4, approximately 150 Turkish soldiers were deployed near Mosul to replace training forces already in the area. In addition, about 25 tanks were also deployed to the region.

Baghdad views the deployment as illegal. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi demanded the withdrawal of the Turkish troops, and on Sunday gave Ankara 48 hours to respond.

Sources: MENA