Iraq is working to establish a long-term strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, according to Undersecretary of the Iraqi Minister of Interior for Federal Intelligence and Investigations Maher Najm Abdul Hussein. He stressed that “doors are open” to exchange security information on the fight against terrorism, organized crime, and border control between the two countries.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference against Terrorism, Abdul Hussein said that fight against ISIS in Iraq is still ongoing with “Iraqi efforts, but also with the help of the international coalition.”
Intelligence services will help terminate ISIS cells in several areas, mostly in northern Baghdad in the provinces, said the Undersecretary. He revealed that terrorists "hide in the desert of Anbar and south of Mosul in a large area” and require the presence of forces to uproot them completely.
On criticisms of the government and the Iraqi authorities about gross human rights violations committed by the Popular Mobilization Front (PMF) and other militias, Abdul Hussein asserted these are not militias, because the “militias are an armed entity of a particular organization."
He indicated that PMF is an official governmental entity and there is a judge from the Supreme Judicial Council to consider the violations they commit. However, Abdul Hussein added: "You may get a violation every now and then from a person or an individual and not in a systematic way."
When asked about Iraqi forces’ contribution in operations against ISIS on the Syrian territory, he explained that as long as the border is not secure, ISIS exploits this in order to infiltrate into Iraq.
He revealed that due to intelligence information, several ISIS sites were attacked and most senior ISIS leaders in these places and in Syria are Iraqis.
“We have information about their movements,” he indicated, adding that “we are chasing them outside Iraq, and we have international cooperation in this area.”
Regarding cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the Undersecretary indicated that Prime Minister Haidar Abadi is planning to establish a coordination council between Saudi Arabia and Iraq and he is working “to establish a strategic partnership on the long term”, which will include partnership on security, economy and science.
Talks are ongoing to establish a draft of an Iraqi-Saudi security memorandum of understanding, continued Abdul Hussein.
“Saudi Arabia called for a tripartite meeting between the undersecretaries of of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq by the end of July in Riyadh,” he revealed.
The Undersecretary also indicated that Saudi Arabia initiated work to restore al-Jadida port to reopen it.
Concerning Iran’s guardianship of the Iraqi institutions, he said that Abadi "will not allow any foreign power to interfere in the management of security."
“We only use information,” he asserted. But he added that Iran "provided logistical assistance in the battles with ISIS.
“The prime minister will not allow security to be managed by a foreign party, " commented Abdul Hussein.
As for the United States, the Iraqi security official said: "we have a draft security strategy with the United States," which "offered a lot during the war against (ISIS)."
He explained the draft "is now discussed at a high level. After the discussion, it will be presented to the parliament for approval. "
