Baghdad- National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji confirmed that the Palestinian issue will not be resolved without establishing an independent Palestinian state.
The Chancellery stated in a statement: “Al-Araji met in his office today with the Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Baghdad, Peter Štepanek, and discussed with him strengthening the relations of cooperation and friendship between the two countries, and ways to develop them, in a way that serves the interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples, in addition to discussing continuing cooperation in the field of combating terrorism and exchanging information.”
It indicated that the two sides also discussed developments in the situation in the Palestinian territories, especially the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Al-Araji stressed: “The killing of civilians and forced displacement is collective punishment that cannot be accepted," pointing out that "the Palestinian issue will not be resolved without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty.”
Al-Araji added: “The invasion of Gaza will create a fire in the region," stressing the need to work to prevent the war from expanding. He pointed out that "cutting off water and humanitarian aid from the Gaza Strip is unacceptable, and that children are not part of the battle, and the international community must strive to stop the fighting and end this war."
Al-Araji pointed out that "the statements of the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf Al-Ashraf, the Iraqi government, and popular activities are clear with regard to championing, aiding and supporting the Palestinian cause."
He stressed that protecting and securing embassies and missions in Iraq is a duty and a commitment to international diplomatic standards, noting that the Prime Minister is following up on this personally.
For his part, the Czech ambassador stressed that his country is concerned about the killing of civilians in Gaza, stressing the importance of stopping this war, because it will affect the entire region. He expressed his country’s appreciation for the humanitarian aid that Iraq sends to the Gaza Strip, indicating that the European Union has doubled the aid to Gaza.
The Czech ambassador thanked the Iraqi government for protecting foreign missions and embassies operating in Iraq. /End
Source: National Iraqi News Agency