Iraq Reaffirms Readiness to Participate in UN Peacekeeping Operations

Iraq has reaffirmed its readiness to participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations, with Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, stressing the importance of international cooperation to address the dangers posed by landmines and war remnants.

According to a statement from the Security Media Cell issued on Sunday, Al-Shammari met with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and his accompanying delegation to discuss cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations, particularly in mine clearance and the decontamination of areas affected by explosive remnants of war.

The meeting, attended by Iraqi officials representing the government and the ministries of foreign affairs and environment, reviewed joint programmes and international efforts to help Iraqi institutions remove landmines, improvised explosive devices and other remnants left behind by the Islamic State group.

Lacroix expressed his appreciation for the constructive cooperation with Iraq and reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to supporting development initiatives and expanding areas of partnership.

Al-Shammari, in turn, reiterated the Iraqi government's readiness to support efforts aimed at strengthening security and peace and reducing casualties caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance. He also confirmed Iraq's willingness to contribute to UN peacekeeping operations.