The new Iraqi ambassador to Washington, Luqman Abdul Rahim al- Faili announced that the first group of Iraqi pilots who are trained to lead the F-16 fighter jets will graduate at the end of this month, while stressing that Iraq will receive 36 aircrafts later this year.
"The first part of the 36 aircrafts will be delivered to Iraq next September," Luqman said in an interview with "Radio Sawa", which broadcasts from Washington, briefed by "Shafaq News".
"There are two weapons deals. The first part will be sent to Iraq by the end of this year, I think in September and there is also another group of pilots who have completed their course as there will be a graduation ceremony for them by the end of this month ".
Faili denied the pilots to be from one sect, stressing the need for Iraqi politicians to move away from sectarian approach if they want to build the country properly, according to him.
Faili added that the current stage requires intensified efforts of the Iraqi diplomatic missions to improve Iraq's relations with other countries in the world, pointing out that he had a specific work program in this area.
The Iraqi ambassador said that the U.S. public relations firm that Iraq had contracted with it last year began to draw a road map for Iraq to be the voice of Iraq in the American decision-making circles.
Although the Ambassador Luqman al-Faili acknowledged the support of Prime Minister for his work but said that he is committed to his work and his official reference of the Foreign Ministry.
The new Iraqi ambassador to the United States has worked over last three years as ambassador in Tokyo before being given the diplomatic agenda in Washington, succeeding the former Ambassador, Jaber Habib.
© Shafaq News 2013
