UAE calls back Iraq envoy

THE UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Abdullah Ibrahim Al Shihi, Ambassador to Baghdad, for consultations in view of the dangerous developments in Iraq. In a statement yesterday, the ministry expressed its deep concern at the policy of exclusion, sectarianism and marginalisation of basic components of the Iraqi people. The ministry believes, the statement said, that “such an approach will exacerbate the situation and will create a political environment that will lead to further growth in political tensions and deterioration of the security situation in Iraq”.

“While reaffirming its condemnation of terrorism by the Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham and other terrorist organisations, which has led to the killing of many innocent Iraqis, the UAE strongly believes that the way out of this cycle of violence cannot be found through more of the exclusionary and sectarian policies, and strategies that are embedded in the statement of the government of Iraq issued on Tuesday,” the ministry said.

The statement added that the UAE strongly believes that the only way to save Iraq and to preserve its territorial integrity and stability is through the adoption of a national approach that is based on consensus and that brings people together, without excluding anyone.

It added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms the full and clear support of the UAE for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, considering this to be a top Arab national priority. The UAE also reaffirms its concern for the stability of Iraq and its total rejection of any interference in its internal affairs, the statement said.

The ministry concluded by emphasising the UAE’s belief that the only way in which Iraq can escape the present danger is through the adoption of a political approach that rises above divisions, through the creation of a government of national unity that does not exclude any sections of the Iraqi people and that spares no effort to preserve its national unity, territorial integrity and stability. — Khaleejtimes.