“We believe that the fight against IS makes sense to continue in Iraq, we will urge the Iraqi government to maintain this mandate,” RIA Novosti quoted the minister as saying.
At the same time, he emphasized that in the final analysis Germany would take any decision of Baghdad.
“But I believe that the completion of the fight against IS in Iraq will lead to a significant destabilization of the country, will open up new spaces for IS activity so that the threat of terrorist attacks not only in Iraq and the region, but also in Europe will increase. We must prevent this, ”added Maas.
Earlier, the Iraqi parliament voted to withdraw foreign troops from its territory. Baghdad announced the start of the preparation of the relevant mechanism.
On January 10, Iraq called on the United States to send representatives to develop mechanisms for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraqi territory.
The State Department later said the United States did not intend to discuss the withdrawal of US troops with Iraq.
* “Islamic State” (IG) - the organization was recognized as terrorist by decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of December 29, 2014.