Baghdad and Moscow Discuss Fate of 147 ISIS Suspects in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji met with Russian National Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu in Moscow to discuss the status of 147 ISIS members transferred from Syria to Iraq. The two sides reviewed their legal and administrative situation in detail, according to the meeting summary. The talks also covered expanding the exchange of information and experience in counterterrorism, along with bilateral friendship and cooperation between Iraq and Russia. The main agenda item was the fate of the suspects, who said they were Russian citizens. Al-Araji said Iraq is making intensive efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and expressed appreciation for support aimed at ending wars and conflicts, as well as Russia's position on the issue. Shoigu said Russia was ready to develop cooperation with Iraq. The meeting ended with an emphasis on the importance of holding a new session of the Iraq-Russia Joint Committee to review issues of mutual interest.