Middle East: Iraqi President Barham Salih has expressed hope in a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that withdrawal of US troops from Syria will contribute to settlement of regional conflicts, and will not result in a new escalation of violence, according to an Iran Press report.
According to a statement by the Iraqi President's press office: "US secretary of state confirmed that the withdrawal should be a catalyst for peace based on respect for the rights of the Syrians and their independent decision, and not to start a new phase of violence and interventions."
During the telephone conversation, Salih also stressed that "Iraq should not bear the burden of international and regional tensions," and the country’s sovereignty and national interests must be safeguarded.
The Iraqi president also stressed that the Syrian people have paid a heavy price for the presence of terrorists in their homeland.
US President Donald Trump ordered a rapid withdrawal of all 2,000 United States ground forces from Syria within 30 days, officials said on December 19.
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Trump Ordered Full Withdrawal of US Troops From Syria: officials
Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on December 19, that the Zionist regime will study the US decision and will ensure its own security.
Netanyahu in a statement said he had spoken over the past two days with the US president and secretary of state about their intention to withdraw US forces from Syria.
Trump promised during his presidential campaign to withdraw American troops from Syria, but he agreed in April to give the Defense Department more time to finish the mission.
The US has reportedly more than 2,000 troops stationed in eastern Syria, in addition to several thousand others in the Arab country's north. 203/ 211 /103
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