Bundeswehr is preparing to withdraw from Iraq
The Bundeswehr is preparing for a possible, rapid withdrawal from Iraq. “We are currently examining all options to be able to quickly bring the German soldiers back if necessary,” said a spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Defense in Berlin on Monday. However, he emphasized that further developments should first be observed.
“We are waiting for the Iraqi government’s decision,” said the spokesman. He noted that the Iraqi parliament’s vote that all foreign troops should leave Iraq was not binding. Diplomatic channels are currently exploring how things should go on. At the same time, “the security situation is being monitored very closely”.
Government spokesman Steffen Seibert made it clear that the Bundeswehr would not remain in the country against the will of the Iraqi government. “We will accept any decision with regard to the presence of foreign soldiers in Iraq that the Iraqi government makes,” said Seibert in Berlin.
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