Iraqi gov't focuses on fight against terrorism - PM

BAGHDAD, Oct 23 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi on Monday reaffirmed that the top priority for his government is to defeat terrorism.
During his meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Al-Abadi said what has happened in Kirkuk was an action to restore the rule of law.
The military redeployments in Kirkuk are legal measures meant to impose the state authority without targeting any particular component of the society, a statement by the Prime Minister's office quoted Al-Abadi as telling his guest.
The Kurdish citizens are integral part of the Iraqi people and the government has nothing against them, he went on.
The fight against terrorism continues to be the top focus of the government, he said, noting that the regular troops pursue their drive to liberate the rest of territories and control the borders.
On the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), he said they constitute an official institution and fought terrorists to defend the country.
The Iraqi constitution does not sanction the formation of paramilitary groups outside the state jurisdiction, he added.
On his part, Tillerson welcomed as great and impressive the gains recently made by the Iraqi forces against the so-called Islamic State (IS).
The United States backs the unity, stability and security of Iraq, and attaches great importance to the commitment by all parties to the provisions of the constitution, he said.
He called for dialogue between Baghdad and Irbil as a means of solving any disputes and avoiding clash of interests.
Tillerson, now on a previously unannounced visit to Iraq, expressed hope for closer cooperation with Iraq in all areas, particularly the economic one. (end) aah.gb