The Republic noted that the parliament is considering the idea of purchasing arms through the supply of Iraqi oil products, following the example of the recent agreement with China “oil in exchange for reconstruction”.
Iraq plans to send delegations to Russia, China and Ukraine to discuss the purchase of modern systems to protect its airspace from any possible aggression or violation of sovereignty. The Iraqi newspaper As Sabah reported on Monday that Badr al-Ziyadi, a member of the parliamentary committee for security and defence of the republic, said.
“Delegations intend to visit such countries as Russia, China and Ukraine to agree with them on the supply of modern systems to protect Iraqi airspace”, – he said. – “Now the parliament is in the process of forming a joint legislative and executive delegation to visit developed countries in order to conclude a contract for purchasing improved weapons”.
Parliamentarians are considering the idea of purchasing weapons by supplying Iraqi oil products, al-Ziyadi said, following the example of the recent “oil for reconstruction” agreement with China. “Many countries have declared their readiness to equip Iraq with modern weapons in exchange for oil”, – the lawmaker said. – “That’s the best way to ensure good weapons are supplied to Iraq without corruption or bribery”.
The delegations also plan to discuss assistance in completing the installation of modern thermal imaging cameras at the border to detect and deter terrorist infiltration, the MP said. “The lack of modern weapons for border forces was a mistake when we relied on an agreement with the United States that spent huge sums of money and was not fully implemented”, – al-Ziyadi said. – “Therefore, the Iraqis must rely on themselves and go to the eastern camp to arm their army”.