Baghdad-INA
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed on Monday that employee salaries are secured and being paid regularly. He also indicated that he will visit Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia after Washington.
In an interview with the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, which was also followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Zaidi stated, "Combating corruption is a final and irreversible decision; it is not an option." He explained that "corruption has become a threat to the very existence of the Iraqi state, and there are elements who have adopted the concept entering the body of the Iraqi state apparatus for the purpose of theft, not service."
He added, "A deviant ideology has emerged, the essence of which is a race to plunder and steal." He pointed out that "we are in the process of dismantling this system and writing a new page for Iraq, turning the page on that era."
He affirmed that "there is no place for corruption, no place for weapons outside the state's control. By the end of this year, we will announce the National Sovereignty Conference, which will enshrine the state's monopoly on the use of force and ensure that no armed groups exist outside the state's authority. Iraqis will enjoy the wealth of their country." He added, "We will take a different stance with those who refuse to return public funds to the state. We will also pursue settlements with those who return funds embezzled through corruption, safeguarding the rights of Iraqis according to the law, and we will maintain the confidentiality of the procedures."
He continued, "I have previously declared that I will not accept a salary or any gifts, even a tie, and my hands will not touch public funds. If I act otherwise, I hope to receive what I deserve." He noted, "I will not run for another term, nor will I establish a political party. However, I am keen for the entire world to see Iraq as a true source of leaders, and that its people are capable of governing this ancient country."
He stated, "I will not allow any dictates from outside our borders, neither from the East nor the West. Iraq's decision is the decision of its people and what Parliament says, and the government must implement this decision."
Regarding the Iran war, al-Zaidi affirmed that "specialized committees have been formed to verify whether attacks were launched from Iraqi territory against targets in the Gulf." He explained, "We are awaiting evidence from the relevant parties in the Gulf States, and we will take action."
Al-Zaidi indicated, "We have directed the investigation and informed all security force commanders to confront any attempt to use Iraqi territory to attack neighboring countries." He called for "not judging the present by the light of the past, a situation we found already in place when we assumed responsibility."
Regarding international visits, al-Zaidi confirmed that "we have received numerous invitations to visit several brotherly and friendly countries, including France, Britain, and Germany. However, the visits prioritized for important joint work will be to the Republic of Turkey, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following the visit to Washington."
Regarding employee salaries, Al-Zaidi stated, "State employees' salaries are guaranteed and paid regularly, and we are very keen on this point." He pointed out that "the debt at the beginning of our government was around 208 trillion dinars, and the budget relies on oil for 93 percent of its revenue, with 7 percent coming from non-oil sources."
He pointed to the "proceeding with the establishment of the Energy and Development Fund, to which the Central Bank of Iraq will contribute, and which will be offered for public subscription," explaining, "We will extend an invitation to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to contribute to it, and we will also invite American and European funds and banks to contribute as well."
He clarified that "this fund will focus on development, industry, agriculture, and all sectors that our people need."
Regarding the monopoly of arms, the Prime Minister affirmed that "there is no power other than the power of the state, and we will use the force of law to enforce it. There will be no weapons other than those of the state," explaining that "there will be a direct mechanism for handing over weapons to the armed forces, and this issue will be fully addressed. Nothing is stronger than the state."
Regarding American support, Al-Zaidi noted, "We spoke with the American envoy, Tom Barrack, about the halt in the work of some American companies due to bureaucratic obstacles, and we facilitated the procedures for these companies." He added, "I sensed support from the American President, Donald Trump, during my conversation with him by phone, as we put Iraq's interest first in any step. There are those who accepted concessions because they have other ambitions, and this is not acceptable to us."
