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Sunni figures in exile return to Iraq as part of national reconciliation

Rafi Isawi has returned to Iraq to face trial for accusations related to terrorism; other Sunni figures with similar cases have expressed readiness to return to Iraq.
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Former Finance Minister Rafi al-Issawi, a prominent Sunni figure, has returned to Iraq and turned himself in for trial on terrorism charges.

On June 21, parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said Issawi has no ties to terrorism and that such allegations are “malicious,” saying Issawi’s return is a part of “yearslong UN efforts involving Iraq’s political and social reconciliation dossier. President Barham Salih has been engaged in Issawi’s return.”

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