
After Syrian FM announces visiting Iraq, the first Iraqi response
Committee member Mukhtar Al-Moussawi told Shafaq News Agency, "The committee was unaware of the invitation to Minister Al-Shibani until his public statement."
He warned that the visit, if it occurs, won't be welcomed 'if driven by pressure.'
Al-Moussawi further clarified, "However, if the visit serves Iraq's national interests, such as addressing the fate of the 10,000 missing Iraqis in the Al-Hol camp, including those detained in Syrian prisons with concerns over their potential misuse, it could be considered in a different light."
The visit, announced by the Syrian foreign minister at the World Government Summit in Dubai, would mark the first trip by the new Syrian government to Iraq since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime.
A government source informed Shafaq News Agency on January 7 about the planned visit of the Syrian Foreign Minister from the interim government, Asaad Al-Shibani, to Iraq. The source stated that the visit would address several issues of mutual concern, though no specific details were provided.
Syria has seen a surge in diplomatic activity following the collapse of Al-Assad's regime, with a growing number of Arab and foreign delegations visiting Damascus and Syrian officials engaging in communications with their regional counterparts.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Shafaq News
8 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
EU marks Yazidi genocide anniversary
Shafaq News – Baghdad On Sunday, the European Union commemorated 11 years since ISIS's genocide against Iraq's Yazidi community, urging renewed efforts for justice and accountability. In a statement, the EU Delegation to Iraq condemned the 2014 massacre in Sinjar, where thousands were executed and more than 7,000 women and children were abducted and enslaved, noting that 'some young women were only recently reunited with their families.' 11 years since Da'esh committed a massacre against the Yazidi community in Sinjar. Thousands killed, 7000+ women & children EU commemorates this tragedy, calls for justice, and urges full implementation of the Sinjar Agreement. — EU in Iraq 🇪🇺🇮🇶 (@EUinIraq) August 3, 2025 The EU reaffirmed its support for Iraq's sovereignty and social diversity, describing the Yazidis as an 'integral part' of the country's social fabric. However, it cautioned that insecurity and lack of essential services still prevent many displaced Yazidis from returning home. The delegation called on both the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to advance accountability for ISIS crimes across all affected communities and to fully implement the 2020 Sinjar Agreement, which seeks to remove unauthorized armed groups and reestablish official governance in the district.


Rudaw Net
34 minutes ago
- Rudaw Net
Two dead in Suwayda clashes despite ceasefire
Also in Syria Israeli army seizes weapons in southern Syria raid Syrian army, Kurdish-led SDF exchange blame over northern Syria attack Suspected ISIS militants kill school principal in east Syria Damascus forms committee to probe Suwayda violence A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Clashes erupted again in Syria's southern Suwayda province on Sunday after more than two weeks of a fragile ceasefire, killing at least two people, Syrian state media and a war monitor reported. 'Outlaw groups violate the ceasefire agreement in Suwayda, attack internal security forces, and shell several villages in the province's countryside,' state-run al-Ikhbariya TV reported, adding that the attacks led to 'the martyrdom of one internal security member and injuries to others.' The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a member of the government's General Security forces was killed and seven others were injured when clashes erupted with local factions around the Tal Hadid area in western Suwayda, adding that a 'local fighter' was also killed. Clashes first erupted on July 13 between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes in Suwayda. The violence quickly escalated with the involvement of Syrian government forces and Israeli airstrikes in support of the Druze before a US-brokered ceasefire was declared on July 18.. The Observatory reported that nearly 1,400 people were killed before Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa on July 19 declared a ceasefire that led to a fragile truce. At the time, Sharaa described the conflict as being 'between outlawed groups on one hand, and Bedouins on the other,' and credited 'the intervention of the Syrian state' for calming the situation. Syria's justice ministry on Thursday formed a judicial committee to investigate the recent violence. Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais said in a video message that the body comprises 'judicial and legal expertise to investigate the circumstances of the recent events and refer those involved to the judiciary.' The committee is expected to provide periodic updates and submit a final report within three months, according to a ministerial decree. However, Sunday's violence signals a possible reignition of the conflict. At a United Nations Security Council session on Monday, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen urged Damascus to make 'major course corrections' in its political and security strategies, citing sectarian and intercommunal bloodshed in Suwayda. He said government forces deployed to de-escalate the fighting were 'attacked' by Druze groups, but also noted 'extremely grave reports of serious violations by security forces against Druze civilians.' Documented abuses included 'extrajudicial executions, degrading treatment, desecration of corpses, looting, and destruction of property,' Pedersen said. He estimated that the clashes resulted in 'hundreds of casualties and injuries among security forces, Druze fighters, and, most tragically, civilians,' and displaced around 175,000 people.


Shafaq News
39 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Iraqi Parliament backs amendment to limit ambassador posts to diplomats
Shafaq News - Baghdad More than 100 Iraqi MPs, along with the Speaker and his deputies, have endorsed a proposal to amend the Foreign Service Law by eliminating a clause that permits ambassadorial appointments from outside the diplomatic service, Iraqi MP Ali Al-Saadi revealed on Sunday. In a statement, Al-Saadi explained that the proposed change comes in response to public opinion and in support of qualified professionals within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing that the move was an individual initiative aimed at reinforcing the principle of placing the right person in the right position. 'The proposal is intended to ensure fairness for diplomatic service staff and to restore Iraq's foreign representation to a professional footing,' he clarified, adding that it is expected to be submitted to parliament soon for reading and a vote. On Saturday, the Parliament Presidency postponed the vote on the country's new list of ambassadorial nominees pending a comprehensive review of candidates' qualifications. The decision follows growing criticism over the transparency and merit of diplomatic appointments. Lawmakers and analysts warn that political interference in the selection process risks harming Iraq's international reputation and long-term economic interests. Previous parliamentary sessions faced similar scrutiny, as many ambassadorial nominations reportedly involved individuals lacking formal diplomatic experience. Critics accuse some appointments of being political favors or party deals, bypassing professional standards.