policy
The political and security landscape in the capital witnessed a prominent development today, Thursday, as Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zidi sponsored the Sovereignty Day conference, in the presence of Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, a large gathering of officials, leaders of national political forces, heads of diplomatic missions represented in Iraq, and various social figures. In a speech delivered on the occasion, Al-Zidi announced the launch of the sovereignty phase protected by the state and guaranteed by the law, pointing out that this day crowns the efforts of Iraqists with an achievement worthy of Iraq and its sovereignty, harvesting the fruits of patience and diligent work. He explained that the country, by the blessings of the blood of its martyrs, has crossed one of the greatest battles in its modern history, and completed the pillars of its sovereignty over its land, sky, and territorial waters, to become a state where the elements of political, economic, and security sovereignty are consolidated, the rule of law prevails throughout its land, and its wealth is in the hands of Iraqis according to the constitution, stressing that sovereignty represents the people's decision and insistence on the existence of the state and its prestige as the primary meaning of the inclusive national identity. The Prime Minister explained that two decades ago, Iraqis chose their permanent constitution during a phase that witnessed challenges and terrorism allied with the remnants of dictatorship and forces of ruin, and Iraqis succeeded in all difficult tests leading to the present moment in which our people renew their decision to protect the state and its system, and close the path before those who take public interest as an outlet for their personal benefits. He indicated that the government faced the scourge of corruption and its efforts in this framework supported sovereignty and prevented sinful hands from violating public funds. He continued that the government realized the importance of sovereignty upon which the future of the people rests, and decided in its government program to adhere to it and enhance its national starting points, pointing out that the supreme religious authority was not far from this national decision when it indicated on every occasion to work for a better future, arbitrate the rule of law, and control weapons in the hands of the state. He proceeded by calling to start from the days of sovereignty to make its meanings a national awareness translated by reality, and to draw a path for Iraq that responds to the needs of this generation and guarantees the right of coming generations. Al-Zidi pointed out that the sovereignty regained by Iraq is embodied in a number of completed national truths: first, the withdrawal of foreign forces and the complete termination of the international coalition's mission in Iraq; second, the agreement to withdraw Turkish forces and elements of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, and ending the presence of foreign armed groups on Iraqi territory; third, unifying the Peshmerga forces in a manner that enhances the unity of the security and military decision; fourth, ending the presence of any armed foreign opposition on Iraqi territory and not allowing Iraq to be used as a launching pad for attacking neighboring countries. He added that the fifth is controlling the weapons file according to the constitution and law, and according to the agreed-upon timetable to address the conditions of the factions and integrate them within state institutions, while the sixth stipulates embarking on building an integrated national air defense system, enhancing Iraq's ability to protect its skies and sovereignty. He continued by announcing the launch of the sovereignty phase protected by the state, guaranteed by the law, and built by all Iraqis, appreciating the positions of the factions that announced their commitment to addressing the weapons issue according to the constitution and the governmental timetable, and awaiting from the rest the same commitment to serve the interests of the dear people and enhance the state's authority and prestige. The Prime Minister stressed that sovereignty is manifested in an Iraqi economy capable of facing global variables, interacting with the international economy, and possessing the tools of influence to present to the world a model for successful equivalent partnerships, adding the continuation of diversifying the economy, expanding partnerships, and investing youth energies instead of wasting them in economic structures that have exhausted their role. He stated that our work relies on consolidating sovereignty on a belief in our people's ability to protect their national wealth, foremost of which is oil, and maximizing its revenues to serve Iraqis, announcing that the moment of fulfilling the pledge has arrived to preserve Iraq's security and provide protection for every inch of its land, where our armed forces in all branches and formations are present today as an honorable symbol of Iraq's sovereignty and a faithful guardian of its land and people. He concluded by saying that Iraqis have succeeded in reaching their goals safely, and today we celebrate these hopes that were achieved through the will of Iraqis to set an example for the world in the sovereignty of law, justice, and equality.
