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Turkish forces not to partake in Mosul battle - Al-Abadi

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi  meets leaders of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to discuss the military plans
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi meets leaders of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to discuss the military plans
BAGHDAD, Oct 15 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi vowed Saturday not to allow the Turkish forces to take part in the retaking of Mosul city from the so-called Islamic State.
"Neither Turkish nor any foreign forces will be allowed to take part in the planning or ground operations relating to the retaking of Mosul; only Iraqi troops will do so," Al-Abadi stressed in a televised speech.
The role of the coalition forces will be confined to provision of training and logistic support as well as armament and air support, he explained.
"The presence of Turkish troops in north Iraq is a transgression against the sovereignty of Iraq since it did not come in response to a request from the Iraqi government.
"Such presence can only prepare the ground for new struggle in the region," he warned.
Al-Abadi refuted claims that the Iraqi authorities asked Turkey to dispatch its troops into Iraq in the past, saying that Turkey was only asked to train Iraqi policemen inside Turkey.
Earlier today the Prime Minister met leaders of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to discuss the military plans for retaking Mosul and Al-Huwaijah cities.
The PMF leaders reaffirmed allegiance to Al-Abadi's leadership and pledged to work as part of the state institutions against any external threats, according to a statement by Al-Abadi's office. (end) ahh.gb