US President’s envoy to the international coalition, Brett McGurk, announced on Saturday a forthcoming meeting between Iraq, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank next week.
“After meeting Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jubouri, I will go to Erbil to discuss a number of issues,” McGourke told a news conference at the US embassy.
“We do not want to pre-empt Iraqi forces, but we are in the final stages of a major defeat in Mosul and there is only 250 meters left,” he said, adding that “Iraqi security forces have suffered loss of life and equipment to maintain civilians.
“We still have a lot to do against da’ash, and now it is difficult for fighters to move between Iraq and Syria,” McGork said. “Interpol and intelligence agencies are pursuing, identifying and punishing the world.
“Our priority now is to clear mines and containers and restore essential services for the return of displaced people in Mosul,” he said, adding that “350 stabilization projects are now underway in western Mosul.”
“The Iraqi government will meet with coalition forces, the IMF and the World Bank next week to discuss support,” he said.
On the subject of the referendum in Kurdistan, McGork said, “We have expressed our clear objection to holding the referendum independence and we urge dialogue and not to distract the focus on victory against a supporter.”