Moscow to continue supporting Iraq in reinforcing its armed forces - Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW. Nov 11 (Interfax) - The Russian Foreign Ministry reaffirms Moscow's support for the Iraqi authorities' efforts in combating terrorist groups, including the Islamic State, and calls for a consensus on the matter between Iraqi political forces.
"We support the Iraqi authorities' efforts toward resolutely establishing order in the country. On our part, we will be continuing to render active assistance to Baghdad in strengthening combat capability of the national armed forces and resolving urgent problems facing the Iraqi government, including the overcoming of the humanitarian crisis," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Tuesday.
"The achievement of national accord through a broad dialogue and the development of consensus-based agreements between the participants in the internal Iraqi political process should predetermine success in the fight the Iraqis are continuing against the extremists," it said.
Reports on acts of subversion have been coming amid certain success the Iraqi armed forces have achieved in combating extremists. Incoming information indicates that the Iraqi army has knocked radical fighters out of Baiji following fierce battles, liberating a major oil refinery.
ISIL groups were also pressed near the city of Tikrit 180 kilometers north of Baghdad, where terrorists carried out a number of sorties several days ago, including an attempt to take control of a major government military base.
Acting in coordination with Badr Corps units, Iraqi armed forces freed the district of Jurf Al Sakhar 80 kilometers south of Baghdad, an important ISIL stronghold.