Defence Minister authorized to negotiate with Washington to buy F-16 jets

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq’s Council of Minister on Tuesday autrhorized defence ministter to negotiate with Washington to buy six F-16 combat jets, according to spokesman of the Iraqi government. “The council decided during its 49th session on Tuesday (Dec. 14) to authorize defence minister to negotiate with the American side to buy six F-16 combat jets,” Ali al-Dabbagh said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “The council authorized the minister also to continue negotiations with the French side to buy 18 F-2000 Mirage jets as of 2012,” he added. SH (P) 4