Iraq stressed on Monday that Turkey must respect its sovereignty, noting that Baghdad firmly refuses the presence of any foreign troops on its territories.

Iraq stressed on Monday that Turkey must respect its sovereignty, noting that Baghdad firmly refuses the presence of any foreign troops on its territories.

The Iraqi government welcomes the Turkish withdrawal, hoping Ankara will proceed the troops pull out, the cabinet said in a statement.

The Iraqi government discussed the crisis with Turkey, the statement said, reiterating Baghdad’s firm stance that it doesn’t accept the presence of any military force on its territories.

The statement also noted that Iraq is against any military action against the neighboring countries. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government hailed the security forces and the Popular Mobilization forces for counter-terrorism efforts.