Security
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, affirmed on Tuesday that the authority to decide on matters of war and peace lies exclusively with the Iraqi government. This statement was made during his reception of a delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, led by Kaybers, the national coordinator for security and counter-terrorism, accompanied by several officials specializing in counter-terrorism and diplomats from the Dutch embassy in Iraq. The meeting was attended by the head of the Counter-Terrorism Service, the advisor to the Prime Minister, as well as officers from the Chief of Staff’s office and the Counter-Terrorism Service. Discussions focused on the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways to enhance cooperation in security and counter-terrorism efforts. They also exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest and explored prospects for economic cooperation. The Dutch delegation expressed confidence in the steps taken by the Iraqi government across various fields, praising the level of security stability in Iraq and the efforts of its security forces in combating terrorism, while reaffirming their country’s support for strengthening Iraq’s security and stability. Lieutenant General Al-Shammari reviewed the government’s efforts to consolidate security and stability and to strengthen Iraq’s relations with other countries based on mutual interests and respect. He emphasized the importance of keeping weapons under state control and reiterated that decisions regarding war and peace are the sole prerogative of the Iraqi government. He also highlighted the direction towards boosting bilateral relations after the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission and preventing the use of Iraqi territory as a base for attacks against other nations. Al-Shammari pointed out the significance of European support for Iraq, expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in this regard. He underscored the continuation of national efforts to pursue the remnants of ISIS terrorist gangs and prevent threats to the country’s security through coordination between the Counter-Terrorism Service, the Iraqi army, and all relevant security formations, contributing to the elimination of the remaining defeated elements and the enhancement of security and stability in Iraq.
