linken Calls for ‘More Equitable’ State in Iraq

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks on Thursday with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein amid demands by Iraqi factions for the withdrawal of American troops from the country.

They discussed follow-up to the Strategic Dialogue and reaffirmed the principles agreed upon by the two sides in the Strategic Framework Agreement, said the State Department.

Blinken “encouraged the foreign minister and Iraqi government to continue efforts to address the demands of the Iraqi people for a more equitable and just nation, and expressed support for proposed early elections this year.”

He pledged to continue to work with Hussein on “ways to address the economic challenges facing Iraq in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, on helping Iraq enact fundamental economic reforms and enhancing US-Iraq commercial ties to the benefit of both countries.”