Baghdad-INA
Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, affirmed on Wednesday the government’s commitment to consolidating security and stability, strengthening Iraq’s sovereignty, and protecting its national decision-making.
The Prime Minister said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA):”we remember one of the most painful chapters in Iraq’s modern history, when the terrorist ISIS gangs occupied the beloved city of Mosul as part of a criminal conspiracy that targeted Iraq, the unity of its people, its security, and its sovereignty,the conspiracy sought to tear apart the national fabric, undermine state institutions, and impose a dark project alien to the values and history of the Iraqi people.”
The statement explained,”Those terrorist gangs committed the most heinous crimes against our people they overran cities and villages, shed the blood of innocent civilians, violated sanctities and holy sites, and left behind thousands of martyrs, wounded, and missing persons in a desperate attempt to break the will of Iraqis and undermine their shared national identity,yet Iraq, which faced one of the gravest challenges in its contemporary history, once again proved itself a nation that cannot be broken, In response to the Fatwa issued by the Supreme Religious Authority, and under the banner of Iraq, our people of all backgrounds and components united,the heroism of the Armed Forces, security agencies, the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Peshmerga joined with the sacrifices of Iraqis, supported by brotherly and friendly nations, to write an enduring national epic that culminated in the liberation of the land and the defeat of terrorism.”
It added,”As we remember those noble sacrifices today, we renew our pledge to preserve the victory achieved through the blood of the martyrs and the sacrifices of heroes, and to continue strengthening the capabilities of our Armed Forces and security agencies,we also reaffirm that the government remains steadfast in consolidating security and stability, enhancing Iraq’s sovereignty and protecting its independent national decision-making, restricting arms to state authority, and continuing the path of reconstruction, reform, and comprehensive development in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of our people for a strong and capable state that provides a dignified life and promising opportunities for its citizens.”
The statement added ,”On this occasion, we express our appreciation for the national positions of the political forces that support the path of stability, reform, and development, in a manner that strengthens unity of purpose and the strength of the national decision, and contributes to consolidating the foundations of the state and building Iraq’s future.”
Mercy and eternal glory to our righteous martyrs, and our highest tribute and appreciation to our Armed Forces in all their branches and formations, and to all those who contributed to achieving victory and defending Iraq, its sovereignty, and the unity of its territory.