Should the EU Help Share Security and Financial Responsibilities for IS Detainees?
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Synopsis
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein asserts that Iraq should not bear the security and financial burdens of IS detainees alone. He calls for collective responsibility among nations during discussions with EU representatives, emphasizing the need for European involvement in ongoing negotiations regarding the situation in Syria.
Key Takeaways
- Iraq is seeking shared responsibility from the EU regarding IS detainees.
- The recent transfer involved 150 IS detainees from Syria to Iraq.
- International cooperation is essential to address the ongoing security challenges.
- The EU's engagement is crucial in facilitating peace negotiations in Syria.
- Iraqi officials continue to advocate for the repatriation of foreign nationals linked to IS.
Baghdad, Jan 24 (NationPress) Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated on Saturday that Iraq should not be left to shoulder the security and financial responsibilities concerning Islamic State (IS) detainees alone. He emphasized that the duty of resolving this issue lies with all nations involved.
Hussein's comments were made during a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as noted in a statement from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.
The dialogue touched on the situation in Syria, particularly after the recent escape of IS members from prisons previously overseen by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to the statement reported by Xinhua news agency. They stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Syria's Hasakah province and finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Both officials also underlined the necessity for an engaged European role in facilitating discussions between the SDF and the Syrian interim government to achieve binding agreements.
Hussein reviewed the outcomes of his recent visit to Iran, and they exchanged insights on EU relations amid the region's tense and dangerous atmosphere, as stated.
Kallas, for her part, expressed gratitude to the Iraqi government for its initial acceptance of IS detainees from Syria, the statement revealed.
This discussion follows Iraq's recent transfer of the first 150 IS detainees from Syria. The US Central Command announced that the detainees were moved from a facility in Hasakah to a secure site in Iraq. This transfer is part of a larger initiative that could ultimately see up to 7,000 IS detainees relocated to facilities under Iraqi control.
Additionally, on Friday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani called on nations worldwide, particularly EU countries, to repatriate their citizens detained due to connections with IS, during a call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Point of View
NationPress
24/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the EU in relation to IS detainees?
The EU is being urged by Iraq to take a more active role in sharing the security and financial burdens associated with IS detainees.
How many IS detainees has Iraq received from Syria?
Iraq has recently accepted the first 150 IS detainees transferred from Syria.
What was discussed in the call between Fuad Hussein and Kaja Kallas?
The call covered the situation in Syria, the escape of IS members, and the need for European involvement in facilitating talks between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian interim government.
What did Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani request from other countries?
He urged countries, especially EU members, to repatriate their nationals who are detained due to links to the IS.
What are the potential future plans for IS detainees?
There is a broader plan that could see up to 7,000 IS detainees relocated to Iraqi-controlled facilities.
