Iraq calls for full cancellation of travel ban

Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, at the ongoing Arab League foreign ministers’ meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo, called for a full cancellation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new travel ban on Muslim-majority countries.

Trump on Monday signed a revised ban on refugee admissions and new visas for travelers from six Muslim-majority nations, including Sudan.

The new executive order succeeds an earlier ban that was frozen by U.S. federal courts.

“It is a right decision [to exclude Iraq] but I expect the U.S. government to lift the ban on the other six countries. We cannot let people from these countries assume the responsibility to fight terrorism. These nations should have been entitled to dignity and sovereignty and their people should have been respected,” al-Jaafari said.

The Foreign Minister said he welcomed the lifting of Iraq from the list but calls for full cancellation of the ban.

Delegates at the Arab League foreign ministers’ meeting voiced strong protest and reproach against the ban, claiming it undermines the foundation of their cooperation with the U.S. instead of effectively combating terrorism

“If there are any organizations involved in terrorist attacks, then the ban should target them instead of the majority of citizens from the countries in which terrorists are active. State-to-state relations should be established on consultation and cooperation but not on barring citizens of one country,” said Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Salami, speaker, Arab Parliament.

Under the new order, Iraq was taken off the initial banned list for reasons that its government has launched new visa vetting and data sharing procedures.

Stating it has been a long-term partner of Washington in combating so-called Islamic State militants.