British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed today, Monday, that his government seeks to avoid expanding the scope of the war and protect Iraq from its repercussions. A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "British Foreign Secretary David Lammy held a phone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein" during which several issues were discussed, including economic aspects and the draft partnership agreement between the two countries, in addition to the issue of dealing with some Iraqis residing in Britain illegally. The British Minister stressed during the call the "depth and strength of relations between Britain and Iraq", expressing his "confidence that these relations will continue to develop and expand". The statement explained that "the British Minister touched on the situation in the Middle East", stressing that "the British government is making great efforts to stop the ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon". The Minister stressed that "his government is striving to avoid expanding the scope of the war and protect Iraq from its repercussions", noting that he is "in continuous communication with all parties to reduce tension". For his part, Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein stressed the "importance of working to prevent the expansion of the war in the region", noting that "the continued escalation of the war could lead to a social, economic and security catastrophe, which requires all influential countries to move to stop the conflict in Lebanon and Gaza. The statement indicated that Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein invited his British counterpart to visit Iraq. Source: National Iraqi News Agency