WASHINGTON (September 29, 2015) – Ambassador Lukman Faily released the following statement regarding the strong support the US Congress is providing to Iraq through the final National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2016:
“We are pleased that the final defense authorization bill continues Congressional support for a unified Iraq. This legislation builds on the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Iraq and helps to ensure that our government and security forces have the resources, training, and military capabilities necessary to defeat the violent and persistent threat of Daesh.
“Our government and the Iraqi people continue to face numerous obstacles. We are prosecuting the fight against Daesh barbarians while also working to decentralize and reform the government so it is more responsive to the needs of all Iraqis, especially at the local and provincial levels. We believe, in accordance with our Constitution, that this will best empower and represent all segments of our diverse society.
“We are pleased that the final version of the defense legislation leaves in place current US policy to provide military assistance only through the central government in Baghdad. Congress's decision to leave in place the current US policy of providing security assistance only through the democratically-elected central government – and not directly to local military units – demonstrates clearly that the United States continues to seek to keep Iraq united.
“Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s government will continue working with the international coalition, and with the US Congress and the administration, to ensure that collectively we succeed in defeating Daesh and building an Iraq that empowers all Iraqis.”
Read Ambassador Faily's Statement in Arabic, click here.