The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq should like to express its regrets over the Executive Order of the United States President, issued on 27th January, 2017, including restrictions on the entry procedures of Iraqi nationals into the United States of America.
It is disappointing to have issued this order against an ally which is a member in a strategic partnership with the United States, and to coincide with the victories achieved by our valiant fighters with the support of the International Coalition against the terrorist gangs of " Daesh" along the Battle of Mosul. The inclusion of Iraq in this Order stirs surprise, for it has not been among the countries that had long been exporting terrorists and fanatical (takfiri) ideology to every part of the world. Moreover, we stress the good reputation of members of the Iraqi community in the United States of America, or any other country in the world and the non-involvement of our people in any act of terror.
Whilst we deem it necessary that the New US Administration should reconsider this inappropriate decision, we confirm the genuine intention of Iraq to enhance and develop the strategic partnership and raise the prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of counter terrorism, economy and all other areas of mutual interests.