Abadi addresses the new Parliament

INA-Baghdad "In the name of God; most Gracious, Most Merciful In the beginning, I congratulate the new MPs, who won the people’s confidence, and call upon them to cooperate with the next government; to issue priority laws to insure development, prosperity, and reconstruction. Thank GOD we ended the military phase of cracking down on Daesh; now moving forward to enhance security, stability, to build a sound Iraqi finance, and invest wealth for development. In the coming phase, the emphases must be on maintaining the achievements made. As you know, we received the (PM’s post) government in September 2014; while Iraq was at a loss, unfortunately; because of Daesh used to occupy large areas of its land, sectarian divisions, a suffocating financial crisis, collapsed army and security forces in several provinces, in addition to an international and regional isolation. The next government will receive a unified, liberated state; security and socially stable, with the bases to improve financial situation, and fulfill our people’s hopes of a better life. We have the right to be proud of our liberation of Iraq’s land and cities during the past four years. We accepted the challenge on 2014; our first decision was to rebuild our armed forces and cleanse it from corruption, then move on to liberate the occupied provinces from the ISIS terrorist gangs. The religious fatwa to defend the country, by Al Sayyid Al-Sistani rallied the fighters; old and young, to liberate the land. This historic victory must be maintained; in gratitude to martyrs and the sacrifices of brave Iraqis who achieved it... Iraq has taken its worthy place in the Arab and regional context, enhancing relations with all nations; which is an achievement by itself. We want to build sound international relations, based upon cooperation, security enhancement, respect of our national sovereignty, and non-interference in the affairs of others. We started practical steps to end Iraqis’ suffering about services, in all provinces and especially in Basra. Greetings to them and they will the benefits in the set times. I highly appreciate the people’s patience; stemming from their awareness of the serious security challenge. And reassure them of achieving their aspirations for a better future and better services; with the help of God and the faithful. I call upon all Iraqis to compete to solve the problems and needs of all provinces; not to use them for political gains. The international community stands with us, we opened the door to investments, and Iraq will see a constructional and economic rise, and thousands of job opportunities. There is no substitute for state authority and no weapons outside it, and no flag must rise higher than the unified Iraqi flag. I call for a pledge not to revive the abhorrent sectarian strife, and look upon all by the Iraqi identity. For without justice and unity we won’t make a successful step forward. That all efforts to fight corruption must move on, to eradicate it. Salutations to our brave armed forces, martyrs and wounded, and all our people’s sacrifices. I ask GOD to help you serve our kind patient people." Haider Abadi - Iraqi PM