The
Vice President spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi
yesterday following his December 14 call with Turkish Prime Minister
Ahmet Davutoglu. The Vice President
noted the recent deployment of Turkish forces into northern Iraq had
occurred without the prior consent of the Iraqi government. Both leaders
welcomed initial indications of the withdrawal of some Turkish forces
and agreed this should continue, reiterating
that any foreign forces can only be present in Iraq with the
coordination and permission of the Iraqi government. The Vice President
reaffirmed the United States' commitment to Iraqi sovereignty and
territorial integrity and called on Turkey to do the same
by withdrawing any military forces from Iraqi territory that have not
been authorized by the Iraqi government. The Vice President encouraged
continued dialogue between Iraq and Turkey to address any outstanding
grievances in the spirit of mutual cooperation.
Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to the fight against
ISIL in Iraq.
Source: The White House, Office of the Vice President
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