Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani Attends Commemoration Ceremony on Fourth Anniversary of Leaders of Victory Martyrdom

Baghdad - INA  

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani attended, on Friday morning, the commemoration ceremony held by the Popular Mobilization Forces on the fourth anniversary of the martyrdom of the Leaders of Victory and their comrades in 2020.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) “Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted in his speech that the attack resulting in the martyrdom of Deputy Head of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Martyr Jamal Jaafar Al-Ibrahim (Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis), and Iraqi guest General Hajj Qassem Soleimani, violated all norms, charters, and laws governing Iraq-U.S. relations, branding it a heinous and unjustified crime”.
 
The statement added “Prime Minister conveyed that the government is actively scheduling the commencement date for the bilateral committee's work, focusing on arrangements to permanently conclude the presence of international coalition forces in Iraq. He emphasized a commitment to ensuring nothing is overlooked in achieving complete national sovereignty over Iraq's land and skies”.

According to the statement “The following are the highlights of the speech of the Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, during the commemoration ceremony:
 
 Four years ago, on January 3, 2020, the American administration perpetrated a heinous act by killing Iraqi military commander Deputy Head of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Jamal Jaafar Al-Ibrahim (Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis).
 
 The assassination of Iraq's guest, General Qassem Soleimani, dealt a dual blow to Iraq, impacting its (hospitality) traditions and customs, while simultaneously constituting an attack on two nations.
 
 Iraq's strategic partnership agreement and diplomatic relations with America were compromised by this act, contradicting basic principles of international relations and contravening the United Nations Charter, particularly the clauses addressing equality of sovereignty between nations and the prohibition of the use of force in international relations.
 
 Iraq lost a man whose lifelong commitment was to see Iraq achieve freedom and independence.
 
 The martyr Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, who we commemorate his great legacy of struggle and jihad, ascended the ranks to defend Iraq against the threats of ISIS terrorists. He emerged as a leader during challenging times, rallying the Popular Mobilization under the significant fatwa of the Supreme Religious Authority to safeguard the nation.
 
 Our government is actively implementing projects, plans, and goals aimed at elevating living standards and combating poverty.
 
 We have underscored that this year will mark significant achievements, reinforcing our commitment to combat corruption with the full extent of governmental powers and legislation at our disposal.
 
 We successfully concluded the Provincial Council Elections, which had been on hiatus for an extended period. This achievement is a vital step in our efforts to enhance political stability.
 
 Since October 7 of last year, our region has endured a heightened state of tension, fueled by the aggressive and criminal policies enacted by the occupation authorities against the Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
 
 We issued warnings about the severe consequences that would ensue from the persisting brutal practices in Gaza. Today, we are witnessing the effects in numerous countries across the region.
 
 The repeated attacks on the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Forces by the Coalition Forces in Iraq constitute the most dangerous incidents in recent times.
 
 The Popular Mobilization Forces stand as an official entity affiliated with the state, operating under its authority, and constituting an integral part of our armed forces.
 
 We have consistently emphasized that in case of any violation or transgression by an Iraqi party, or a breach of Iraqi law, the sole authority to address these issues rests with the Iraqi government.
 The government is the authorized body to enforce the law, and everyone is required to operate through it. Respecting Iraq's sovereignty is paramount, and no one should infringe upon it.
 
 We strongly denounce attacks targeting our security forces and actions that contravene both the spirit and the provisions laid out in the mandate that established the Global Coalition.
 
 We affirm the government's capacity and commitment to make judicious decisions, safeguarding Iraq's sovereignty, security, and stability, central to its core responsibilities, obligations, and constitutional duties.
 
 We steadfastly assert our principled stance to conclude the presence of coalition forces, given that the justifications for their existence have ended.
 
 We are currently in the process of scheduling the commencement of dialogue through the bilateral committee tasked with establishing arrangements for the conclusion of this presence. This commitment by the government is unwavering, ensuring the pursuit of complete national sovereignty over Iraq's land, sky, and waters.
 
 In honor and gratitude for the sacrifices of our martyrs, it is crucial for all of us to honor their legacy by upholding respect for the state and its constitutional institutions.