PM Al-Sudani: Iraq is the cornerstone for a stabilized system that serves the region

INA-  BAGHDAD


Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani said on Sunday that Iraq is key to a solution in the region, while pointing to reforms in the security sector.
 
Al-Sudani said, during a seminar held on the sidelines of his participation in the Munich Security Conference at its 59th session, and followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "Iraq is no longer a security or political problem or part of the problems of combating terrorism, but rather a key to the solution in the region," noting that it is "the cornerstone of a stable regional system based on coexistence, cooperation and economic partnerships that serve the region."
 
"The government is based on 5 priorities to combat poverty, corruption and economic reforms, which take a large part of the effort to diversify sources of income and invest resources," he added.
 
"I am personally working on structural reforms of the economy and radical reforms of the financial and banking system to be in line with the global system," he said, pointing out that "Iraq considers climate change an existential threat to it, due to the burning of associated gas that previous governments did not invest, and we also put the problems of desertification and water scarcity as a priority for treatment and the trend of renewable energy, a basic option."
 
He pointed out that "Iraq has triumphed over terrorism, and the security forces are highly competent to maintain security," stressing that "our position is clear and explicit, which is that there is no need for combat forces from the international coalition, but we need consultation, training and security exchange, and we are working to determine the number of advisers of the international coalition in Iraq in a way that preserves the sovereignty of our country, a vision that enjoys popular and political acceptance."
 
He pointed out that "the government has carried out reforms in the security sector, which has not witnessed reform for years, which is an important entitlement," noting that "political powers support the process of reforming security institutions, which is one of the points of political agreement to form the government."

He explained that "the security situation in Syria is a challenge for Iraq, including the presence of Al-Hol camp and prisons, which house a large number of terrorists," noting that "Al-Hol camp includes 60,000 people, half of whom are Iraqis, and the government is returning 150 Iraqi families per month and entering them in Al-Jadaa camp for security and psychological rehabilitation, especially since the continued presence of families in Al-Hol camp represents a threat to the region, and the role of organizations in supporting families returning from Al-Hol camp is modest."

He stated that "Iraq withdrew a large number of citizens in Al-Hol camp, and we hope that the countries of the world will do the same," explaining that "Iraq was able to control the political differences, and the government seeks to provide equality among all Iraqis without discrimination, and give minorities a sense of reassurance."

"We have made important steps in overcoming obstacles between Baghdad and Erbil, and this year we will finalize the legislation of the oil and gas law," he said, stressing "the need to support the international community in recovering wanted terrorists and stopping funding coming from Europe and others."

He pointed out that "the United States is a strategic partner for Iraq through the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA), not only a security partner," pointing out that "Iran is a neighbor with whom we have historical relations at various levels, and Iraq's establishment of a balanced relationship with America and Iran is acceptable according to the basis of Iraq's national interests."

"Corruption has shaken society's confidence in the political system in Iraq and threatens all development and reconstruction programs and plans," he said, stressing "the start of reforming the institutions responsible for combating corruption."

He stressed that "we have recovered the money and wanted persons, which is happening for the first time after 2003, and I asked the Director of Interpol more cooperation in the recovery of wanted persons and funds, and that part of the corruption funds in Iraq goes to finance terrorism since 2003," stressing that "closing the displacement file is among the priorities of the government, and there are many displaced people settled in the Kurdistan region, and projects have been allocated in the 2023 budget for the reconstruction of Sinjar and the Nineveh Plains."

He explained that "Iraq's role in the region to be a meeting point is a leading and natural role, not a reincarnated role, and Iraq can play a role in bringing together the divergent views between the countries of the region."

He pointed out that "there are committees working on economic projects that represent productive partnerships between Iraq and our brothers in the region and the rest of the world, and Iraq is open to all countries in the field of economic partnerships," pointing out that "major international companies in all sectors are making investment operations in Iraq and there is an investment law that is the best in the region, and emphasis on investment in gas, which will supply the energy market in the world."

He added that "our government is conducting a monthly review of the investment environment and improving it through decisions and legislation in Iraq, and we have worked to involve the private sector in the Ministerial Economic Council," noting that "red tape is one of the negative indications of state institutions and we have developed a special committee in the Prime Minister's Office to remove it."

 
He noted that "efforts are continuing to bring Saudi Arabia and Iran closer and we will soon return to meetings that stopped between the two parties, as well as working to solve the problem of the trend of employment in the government sector exclusively," pointing out that "Parliament is in the process of voting on the unified retirement law, which will represent an important structural reform."
 
"We have put $ 400 million in the Microfinance Fund to provide it in an easier way to young people," he said, noting that "Iraqi women were part of the epic of steadfastness against Daesh, and the government is working to activate the work of women's empowerment departments."
 
He stressed that "Iraq is committed to international conventions on supporting women and the family, and women participate effectively in Iraqi political life through the presence of 82 women in parliament."