Daijiworld Media Network - Baghdad

Baghdad, Jan 24: Iraqi foreign minister Fuad Hussein on Saturday stressed that Iraq should not shoulder the security and financial responsibilities of Islamic State (IS) detainees alone, calling on all relevant countries to share the burden.

Hussein made the remarks during a phone conversation with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said. The officials discussed recent developments in Syria, particularly the escape of IS members from prisons previously run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). They emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in northeastern Hasakah province and resolving conflicts through peaceful means.

The conversation also highlighted the EU’s potential role in facilitating negotiations between the SDF and the Syrian interim government to achieve binding agreements. Hussein shared the outcomes of his recent visit to Iran, and both sides exchanged views on EU-Iraq relations amid the “tense and dangerous” regional situation.

Kallas thanked Iraq for its initial agreement to accept IS detainees from Syria. This follows Iraq’s recent reception of 150 IS detainees transferred from Hasakah to secure Iraqi facilities. U.S. Central Command reported that these transfers are part of a broader plan to relocate up to 7,000 IS detainees under Iraqi control.

The issue has drawn international attention, with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani calling on countries, especially EU members, to repatriate their nationals held for IS links, during a recent call with French President Emmanuel Macron.