Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi emphasized in a speech that arms should be placed under the authority of the state. The Prime Minister stated, "For more than two years, we have adopted a policy of restricting arms to the state, despite all the accusations, challenges, and missiles directed at us." He indicated that the Iraqi blood spilled yesterday serves as a warning to every sincere Iraqi that we must today confront bitter realities, and that arms should be placed under the authority of the state in practice, not just as a slogan or claim.
Al-Kadhimi mentioned that they formed an investigation committee to identify those responsible for putting arms in the hands of those who opened fire on demonstrators, causing bloodshed despite strict directives issued to prevent the use of live ammunition. He emphasized the need to determine who fired shots and rockets at the government area throughout the night. He expressed gratitude to the security forces, who were intended to be a party in the uncontrolled arms conflict but chose to stand with the nation and refused to point their guns at Iraqis, regardless of how agitated they became.
In his speech, he said, "I speak to you today, my heart aching for the state we have reached due to political conflict," stressing that this disgraceful reality requires a sincere and frank position to confront and address it. Al-Kadhimi asserted, "Enough of the duality of state and non-state; the official security system must be unified in all its orientations without distinction, directly linked to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and all who are undisciplined should bear legal responsibility."
He explained that the arms used constitute wasted money, wasted blood, and wasted opportunities, indicating that this arms should be used to protect Iraq, not in power struggles. He affirmed that every drop of blood was the result of chronic political failure, submission to the language of spoils, sectarianism, and weak national affiliation.
He continued, saying, "I tell my fellow Iraqis that Iraq is greater than everyone, and there is no person, party, or force more important than Iraq and its interests." He added, "Politically, we have taken our responsibility in initiating a national dialogue among different political forces to help reach a satisfactory solution for all, but this dialogue requires concessions from all parties, not for political escalation to continue and to escalate to the opening of fire and killing Iraqis."
The Prime Minister stated, "I have served my people with all honor and integrity, and I have never been a party or part of the problem. I have endured all kinds of abuse, obstruction, and open warfare from all parties aimed at weakening the state and its decisions, extorting it, or belittling all that has been achieved for electoral purposes and for reasons that do not stem from true Iraqi patriotism. Nevertheless, I have not and will not abandon my responsibility to my people, and any option that serves Iraq's interests and security, and achieves a political agreement among the various forces, I have been and remain committed to the principle of peaceful power transition."
Al-Kadhimi warned that if they wish to continue provoking chaos, conflict, disputes, and strife, and do not heed the voice of reason, he will take his moral and national step to proclaim the vacancy of the position at the appropriate time, according to Article 81 of the Constitution, holding them accountable before the Iraqis and history.
