Shafaq News-Baghdad
Past visits byIraqi prime ministers to Washington produced no concrete results, Sadiqoon*bloc lawmaker Mohammed al-Baldawi said Monday, urging Prime Minister Alial-Zaidi to break that pattern during his current trip to the United States.
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Al-Baldawi toldShafaq News that the previous governments signed multiple agreements withWashington that “never reached implementation,” singling out the “securityagreement” that failed to meet its objectives during the ISIS advance intoIraqi territory. The United States has since continued to impose sanctions onIraqi banks and individuals, blocked Baghdad from purchasing air defensesystems and advanced weapons, and restricted contracts with internationalcompanies for developing Iraq's electricity sector.
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"Theproblem is not Iraq's commitment, but Washington's willingness to implementwhat is agreed upon," al-Baldawi said, adding that Iraq supports balancedrelations with all countries but expects reciprocity.
Al-Zaidi'svisit, he said, should prioritize strengthening Iraq's sovereignty anddefensive capabilities, lifting sanctions on Iraqi banks and individuals, andencouraging American investment.
Al-Zaidideparted Baghdad early Monday at the head of an official government andeconomic delegation for a formal visit to the United States.
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*Sadiqoon isthe political wing of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, an Iran-aligned Iraqi Shiite armedfaction that holds seats in Iraq's parliament.
