Iraq: Kurdistan Premier Salih to visit Baghdad over "pending issues"; roundup

Baghdad's Al-Iraqiyah Satellite Television in Arabic, in its evening newscasts on 23 October, reports on Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Barham Salih's plan to visit Baghdad this week; the Al- Iraqiyah List's warning to "some states" against "exploiting the security gap left by the US troop withdrawal and interfering in Iraq's internal matters"; and a statement by Al-Iraqiyah White List MP Kazim al-Shimmari saying "even if the political blocs seem to be divided in their statements, they all gave clear opinions in all the meetings held at President Jalal Talabani's house. They all gave a strong view of rejecting the extension of the US presence and delegated the government the task of negotiating with the Americans on the matter of the trainers."

In its 1300 gmt newscast, the channel carries the following reports:

- "Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Barham Salih plans to visit Baghdad this week to discuss the pending issues between the central and Kurdistan Region governments. In a statement to Al-Iraqiyah TV, Salih has expressed hope that these issues will be resolved according to the constitutional contexts, and according to the agreements signed between the two parties."

In its 1700 gmt newscast, the channel carries the following reports:

- "The Al-Iraqiyah List has warned some states against exploiting the security gap left by the US withdrawal and interfering in Iraq's interior matters in light of the absence of complete security institutions. Al-Iraqiyah List spokesperson Maysun al-Damaluji stressed that the Al-Iraqiyah List considers the coming phase as a risky one on the security and political fronts. Al- Damaluji added that the responsibility lies on the shoulders of the Iraqi people and the political partners."

- At 1706 gmt, the channel carries a satellite interview with Al- Iraqiyah White List member Kazim al-Shimmari on the US withdrawal from Iraq. Asked about his assessment of the divided views the Iraqi political blocs have regarding the US withdrawal, Al-Shimmari says: "I believe, even if the political blocs seem divided in their statements, they all gave clear opinions in all the meetings held at President Jalal Talabani's house. They all gave a strong view of rejecting the extension of the US presence and delegated the government the task of negotiating with the Americans on the matter of the trainers." He adds: "According to the current variables, I believe the Iraqi security forces are able to face the security threats."

Asked about the Al-Iraqiyah List's statements regarding the concerns of foreign intervention in Iraq and if the Al-Iraqiyah White List shares these concerns, Al-Shimmari says: "I believe that foreign states will not threaten Iraq with armies or forces. They will perhaps cause armed elements to enter in order to destabilize Iraq. Even if these countries facilitate the entry of such elements into Iraq, the Iraqi security forces will be able to defeat those elements." Asked about the statements by US State Secretary Hillary Clinton regarding supporting Iraq after the US withdrawal, Al- Shimmari says: "Iraq is a country that has great interest in maintaining good relations and agreements with the United States."

Originally published by Al-Iraqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 1300 - 1700 23 Oct 11.

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