Latest news with #CoordinationFramework
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
EXCLUSIVE: Iraq in talks to free Israeli-Russian researcher Tsurkov
Shafaq News/ The Iraqi government is engaged in negotiations to secure the release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, the Coordination Framework (CF), a political alliance of predominantly Shiite parties, confirmed on Monday. CF member Adi Abdul-Hadi told Shafaq News that 'negotiations are underway between government officials and other parties to obtain Tsurkov's release,' without disclosing the identities of those involved. 'However,' he added, 'her fate remains unknown.' He also described the talks as promising, expressing optimism that they would yield 'satisfactory results for all groups involved.' Tsurkov, a Stanford University doctoral researcher, disappeared in Baghdad over two years ago while conducting fieldwork. She is believed to be held by an Iran-aligned armed group, reportedly Kataib Hezbollah. However, the group denied any involvement in the incident. Earlier on Monday, a US State Department spokesperson told our agency that discussions are still ongoing over Tsurkov's case but rejected reports suggesting a prisoner exchange deal involving Iranian detainees. Western outlets had previously speculated that a potential agreement might include the release of a detained member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and several other Iranian nationals held in US custody under a quiet US-Iraqi understanding.
Shafaq News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Arab Summit: Qaa'ani urges Baghdad to include "Iran's wishes" on the agenda
Shafaq News/ Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani's visit to Baghdad aimed to advance key Iranian objectives, including securing Arab support for lifting sanctions and incorporating Tehran's proposals into the agenda of the upcoming Arab League summit, a senior source told Shafaq News on Wednesday. During his meeting with Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji, Qaani discussed the joint border security issues, focusing on ways to implement the provisions of the 2023 security agreement between Baghdad and Tehran. According to the source, Qaani, who arrived on Wednesday, is expected to discuss the Iranian-American negotiations and hold separate meetings with leaders of the Coordination Framework to brief them on their developments, regional implications, and potential impact on stability. Tehran, the source noted, is seeking Arab support to expedite a nuclear deal and secure credible guarantees from Washington, in light of a broader Arab consensus on resolving this issue and avoiding further regional escalation. Iraq is set to host the Arab Summit on Saturday, with participation from a wide range of regional delegations. 'Qaani's visit is part of a wider Iranian initiative to relay messages to the United States, underscoring Tehran's partnership with Baghdad,' the source added. Earlier, Iranian officials have sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's recent statements about Iran, accusing him of 'distorting the truth' and attempting to shift blame for regional instability.
Shafaq News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi MP: Parliament echoes Saddam-era assembly
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Independent Iraqi lawmaker Raed al-Maliki launched a sharp critique of the current parliamentary session, comparing it to the defunct National Assembly under Saddam Hussein's regime before 2003. In a statement, al-Maliki accused the current parliament of disrupting sessions and failing to pass more than 40 draft laws that were ready for voting, adding that dozens of other proposed legislations had only gone through first readings, with seven scheduled ministerial interrogations yet to be conducted. 'Speaker [Mahmoud al-Mashhadani] told me that the lack of consensus among Coordination Framework factions on certain laws has stalled the holding of sessions,' al-Maliki said, claiming that under the State Administration Coalition's ruling, the Council of Representatives 'had come to resemble the National Assembly of the former Revolutionary Command Council era.' Al-Maliki also denounced the government's influence over the legislature, alleging that it had found allies within the chamber who were 'keen to ride along with [Prime Minister] al-Sudani's bandwagon — one that seems to have room for many.' On Monday, the Council of Representatives failed to convene due to a lack of quorum — a recurring issue in recent months. Parliament officially entered its legislative recess on Friday, marking the end of the first term in its fourth legislative year. The recess is expected to extend until the national elections, scheduled for November 11. As Iraq nears the end of its fifth parliamentary term, the Council has held only 51% of its scheduled sessions based on its internal rules. Lawmakers and observers say this has weakened both the legislative and oversight functions of the body.
Asharq Al-Awsat
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Baghdad: Syria Did Not Request Security Guarantees for Summit Attendance
Baghdad confirmed that Syrian authorities did not request any security guarantees for President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to attend the upcoming Arab League Summit. Despite ongoing debate over Syria's participation, Iraq's Coordination Framework reiterated its support for the summit's success. Baghdad will host the 34th Arab League Summit on May 17. While there has been speculation about Syria's involvement, Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari stated that no official requests or communication were received from Damascus regarding security arrangements for Al-Sharaa. He emphasized that preparations to secure all delegations, including the Syrian president, are complete, and that the summit will proceed without road closures or curfews. On border security, Al-Shammari noted that the situation is stable, though parts of the Iraqi-Syrian border are under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He added that Iraq has increased its military presence near the Al-Qaim border crossing, where no Syrian forces are present, and that there is currently no direct security coordination between the two countries' interior ministries. Politically, the Coordination Framework — a coalition of Shiite political forces — issued a unified statement supporting the summit, stressing the need to prioritize national interests amid regional challenges. The group praised efforts to elevate Iraq's regional role through the successful hosting of the event. Meanwhile, prominent Shiite leader Ammar Al-Hakim called for engagement with Syria's new leadership, citing Iraq's strategic interests. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani echoed this sentiment, stating in a recent interview that Iraq aims not just to host, but to lead in offering solutions to Middle Eastern crises. Analysts suggest that Iraq's outreach to Syria has stirred internal political tensions, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of the national elections scheduled for November 2025.
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Sudani: Syrian President's Presence at Baghdad Summit Important for All
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has stressed the importance of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's participation in the upcoming Arab League summit, calling it a key step toward announcing a 'new vision' for Syria. Baghdad will host the 34th Arab League Summit on May 17, amid converging views over al-Sharaa's invitation. Speaking in an interview with US journalist Tim Constantine, Sudani said the summit represents more than a ceremonial gathering. 'Iraq is not just a host - we're taking the initiative to offer solutions to the region's crises,' he said. Sudani described his invitation to al-Sharaa as in line with the Arab League's established protocol. 'Regardless of the political dynamics or nature of the transition in Syria, al-Sharaa is the official representative of the Syrian state. His presence is crucial to express Syria's perspective on its future,' he stated. 'Syria is a cornerstone for Arab security and stability,' he added. 'We are committed to supporting its recovery, political stability, and reconstruction.' While some factions in Iraq's Coordination Framework political alliance initially objected to al-Sharaa's invitation - especially after Sudani met him in Doha in the presence of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad - opposition appears to be softening. The alliance has since declared its support for the summit, stating that attendance by Arab leaders is a government matter. With just weeks until the summit, Sudani sought to shift international perceptions of Iraq. 'Iraq is not a war zone,' he said. 'The situation on the ground is far more stable - people in Baghdad are out late at night, and over $88 billion in investment has flowed in, including a major oil deal with British Petroleum in Kirkuk.' He further pointed that tourism, too, was on the rise. 'I've seen visitors at historic sites like Hatra near the Syrian border and in Ur, a pilgrimage site for Christians. This is not the Iraq often portrayed in the media,' he noted. However, Sudani acknowledged the challenges ahead. 'The government's biggest task is to restore public trust in state institutions after two decades of setbacks and widespread corruption.' On US-Iraq relations, Sudani stressed that ties extend beyond security. 'We have strong economic partnerships with major American firms, and we import $4 billion worth of US vehicles. Recent tariff changes under President Trump affect us indirectly through third-party countries.'
