Iraq objects deal to transfer IS militants to border areas


(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BAGHDAD, Aug 29 (KUNA) -- Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has voiced objection to a recent agreement to transfer militants of the so-called Islamic State (IS) from western Syria to areas bordering Iraq.

Such a matter is totally "unacceptable", Al-Abadi said in a press conference Tuesday, noting that instead of negotiating deals with terrorists they should be eliminated.

He expressed his country's concern over reports on the transferring of the militants from the Qalamoun region in southern Syria to eastern Syrian areas adjacent to the Iraqi borders.

Transporting this large number of terrorists over long distances is a very disturbing and is "offensive" to the Iraqi people, the premier said.

He also called on the Syrian government to investigate the action immediately and coordinate with his government.

The Lebanese army announced on August 27 a halt to its military operations against IS on the eastern border with Syria, to allow for negotiations on Lebanese soldiers held hostage by the terrorist group.

According to the army, a truce took effect later that day to make way for the last phase of negotiations with IS on the fate of the kidnapped soldiers.

Lebanese group Hezbollah will release 670 prisoners, including 308 members of IS, allowing them to cross the borders into Syria based on a ceasefire deal struck between both sides.

Those transferred will be granted safe passage within Syria after Hezbollah negotiated the move with Syrian regime forces. (end) ahh.jk.ma

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