Iraq in talks with Dassault over Mirage jets

News agency Reuters is reporting that Iraq is in talks to purchase French Mirage jets from Dassault – but only after cash paid by Saddam Hussein for jets that were never delivered because of the embargo, is returned.
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Reuters says Iraq is seeking the return of 651 million euros ($898 million) paid by Saddam Hussein's government for the French Mirage fighters that were never delivered because of the sanctions.

Iraq’s official government spokesman   Dr. Ali Al-Dabbagh said talks with  Dassault Aviation and the French defence ministry for the return of the funds were positive, and Iraq was separately eyeing a possible purchase of an unspecified number of Mirage jets from Dassault.

"We want these funds returned. Simultaneously, we are in negotiations with the French for (the purchase of) Mirage F1s," Dabbagh told Reuters, adding that Iraq had not yet decided whether to buy jets from France or the United States.

An Iraqi committee was formed two months ago to negotiate the return of the deposit for jets ordered under Saddam, and Iraq expects the issue to be resolved this year, Dabbagh said.

 

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