Talabani: Iraq not ready for Israel ties
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani made clear on Friday that Iraq was not yet ready for diplomatic ties with Israel and that it would not follow the Pakistani model and begin negotiations with Israeli officials.
Speaking at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy in Washington, Talabani said Iraq would recognize Israel only after the Arab League resolutions concerning the Israeli–Palestinian conflict were implemented and after a Palestinian state was declared.
“We are committed to the decisions taken unanimously by the Arab summit in Beirut,” said Talabani in response to questions presented by Israeli reporters at the event. “Many Arab states are forming relations with Israel and if Israel will reach an agreement with the Palestinians, it will facilitate [having relations with Israel].”
