policy
Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, affirmed on Saturday that the control of weapons by the state is a national entitlement rather than a Western demand, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and calm to overcome political disputes. During a seminar organized by the coalition, Al-Sudani highlighted that state-building is a shared responsibility of the people and political forces, noting that citizens can either be part of the current situation or participate in bringing about change. He added that recent electoral experiences in some countries have demonstrated the ability of peoples to change political equations through the ballot boxes, stressing the need for political elites to raise awareness about the importance of building the state and its institutions to ensure performance that meets citizens' aspirations. He pointed out that voter turnout is a foundation for trust and the principle of peaceful power transfer, underscoring the importance of respecting voters' will and the people's decision. He also noted that political forces have discussed challenges and voted on the political agreement and government program, representing a political and parliamentary decision. Al-Sudani explained that the issue of weapon control by the state is one of the key points in the government program, a national entitlement needed by the state following the end of the war against ISIS terrorist gangs and various forms of terrorism, necessitating a review and reform of security institutions. Regarding the situation in the Kurdistan Region, Al-Sudani confirmed that Iraq is witnessing political stability with a commitment to maintaining it and overcoming problems, particularly the delay in forming the regional government for more than two years after the parliamentary elections. He indicated that the lack of government formation and political agreement has affected relations between Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, stressing the importance of dialogue, understanding, and calm to reach solutions, expressing hope for increased cooperation among partners in the coming days.
