INA - BAGHDAD
PM and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi received on Tuesday delegations from Asaib Ahl Al-Haq and the Imam Ali Brigades.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the responsible position taken by Sheikh Qais Al-Khazali and Shibel Al-Zaidi, “for their contribution to advancing the state-building process through their response to the directives of the Supreme Religious Authority and their support for the government’s priorities and ministerial program, particularly the principle of restricting arms to the state authority, and operating under the authority of state institutions and the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” according to a statement from the PM Media Office, received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
“Iraq is witnessing an important transformation in light of the significant security stability achieved in recent years, making the current phase one focused on construction, reconstruction, and comprehensive development,” said Al-Zaidi, stressing that “this phase requires the concerted efforts of all Iraqis to contribute to the country’s progress and strengthen state institutions.”
Al-Zaidi commended “the immense sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and security agencies across all branches in confronting the challenges that threatened the Iraqi state,” affirming that “the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) played an important role in achieving security stability and that their members today remain an essential part of the country’s efforts toward construction and development alongside other state institutions.”
During the meeting, it was decided to “form a joint committee to develop appropriate mechanisms for implementing the disengagement process from the PMF and restricting arms to the state authority within the next two days, in accordance with the Constitution and the law, in a manner that strengthens state authority, supports security and stability, and advances the goal of building a strong Iraqi state capable of fulfilling the aspirations of its citizens.”