Qasim al-Araji, the security advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, reinforced that restricting arms to the control of the state is a strategic Iraqi decision, emphasizing that decisions on war and peace are exclusively state matters. He urged for the respect of Iraq's sovereignty and warned against any entity violating it.
Speaking to 'Al-Iraqiya News' on Sunday, al-Araji noted that while the military fight against the 'ISIS' group has largely concluded, remnants of terrorist pockets remain, indicating that the threat is not completely eradicated.
'Gradual and Systematic Approach'
Al-Araji further explained that the process of consolidating arms under state control will be implemented gradually and systematically, avoiding provocation and following a government-devised plan that ensures the rights of all parties involved. This plan includes timelines for disengaging factions from armed activities and handing over their weapons.
He clarified that September 30th is the deadline for the international coalition's exit from Iraq, marking the start to gradually initiate the project of restricting arms to state control, not the deadline for arms handover.
'Wide Political Consensus'
Al-Araji highlighted a broad political consensus on this path, stressing the need for detaching political parties from the Popular Mobilization Forces and ensuring the rights of their affiliates. He affirmed the government's seriousness in ongoing dialogues with the factions, describing the outcomes as positive.
Additionally, he specified that the arms of the factions will not be surrendered to any external party, and that the process is linked to 'organizational disengagement,' affirming the state's capability in this pursuit, dismissing the potential for a political crisis due to this action.
On a political note, he emphasized the importance of a unified political decision within Iraq, citing the political forces' agreement to support the state's project in restricting arms control.
Negotiations with 5 Factions
These comments come as Prime Minister Ali Zaidy is currently negotiating with five armed factions, namely 'Harakat al-Nujaba, Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Kata'ib Hezbollah of Iraq, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, and As'hab al-Kahf,' for the surrender of their arms.
Notably, three of the country's major armed factions, including 'Saraya al-Salam' led by Muqtada al-Sadr, 'Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq,' and 'Kata'ib Imam Ali' led by Shibl al-Zaydi, have already surrendered their weapons to the state and announced their commitment to civil work.