Iraqi coalition hails end of German forces' mission as sovereignty step

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Reconstruction and Development Coalition described the end of German forces' mission in Iraq as a result of efforts to strengthen the country's sovereignty, according to a written statement from the alliance. The coalition's political office said it welcomed the termination of the German mission as part of the broader process of winding down the international coalition's operations. The statement called the development an important step in completing a process carried out under an agreement reached during the previous government. It said the move reflects the sacrifices of the Iraqi people and the state's efforts to reinforce its capacity to manage its own security file. The alliance also said Iraq has entered a new phase in which it can determine its needs more independently and reshape its relations with security partners. No further details on the timing or scope of the German withdrawal were immediately provided.