Iraq asks Arab countries to fulfill back debts

An Iraqi newspaper reported that Iraq called yesterday for debts due to it to be paid by some Arab countries.

The report said an official source stated that these debts are $1.5 billion, including debts to Iraq from loans and other unpaid monies in Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Somalia.

The source said Iraq has asked several times to be allowed to use these due debts to buy essential items and products for the state's infrastructure.