Iraq can only be stabilized by strengthening national unity, Says Sayyid Al-Hakim

Baghdad – INA
The head of the National Wisdom Movement, Sayyid  Ammar al-Hakim, stressed on Saturday that building a strong state requires limiting weapons to the state, strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption, while he pointed out that Iraq can only be stabilized by strengthening national unity.
 
“We gather on the first of Rajab every year to commemorate (Iraqi Martyr's Day), this great occasion in which we remember the sacrifices of our innocent martyrs who wrote with their pure blood the march of Iraq towards freedom, pride and dignity,” al-Hakim said in a speech during his attendance at the memorial ceremony on the occasion of the martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim, followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
 
“In light of the political, economic and social challenges we are facing today, we need to be inspired by the lessons of martyrdom and sacrifice. Iraq has gone through difficult stages, but it was able to rise thanks to God Almighty, its religious authorities, the wisdom of its political leaders, the will of its people, the steadfastness of its men, and their deep faith in the unity of this homeland,” He added.
 
He added, "Iraq is located in strategic position so it cannot a void  from regional and international challenges. We must adopt a balanced policy that puts Iraq's interests first and makes it a bridge for communication between countries, not an arena for conflicts," reiterating Iraq's firm position on the Palestinian issue, which was and will remain the central issue of Arabs and Muslims.”
 
He pointed out that "Iraq stands by the Lebanese people, supports their national unity and stability, and believes in the necessity of Arab cooperation to support them in overcoming their crises, and Lebanon's stability is an integral part of the stability of the region," noting that "we turn our attention to Syria, which is witnessing a new phase, based on our belief in the depth of the historical relations that bind the Iraqi and Syrian peoples, and we look forward to this phase being the beginning of strengthening stability in it, and we believe in the importance of strengthening relations with the countries of the region and the world on the basis of cooperation and mutual respect."
 
al-Hakim added: "Respecting Iraq's sovereignty is respecting the sacrifices of its sons who faced all challenges to build a free and independent homeland, and dealing with Iraq as an independent state, with sovereignty and independent decision-making, is not an option but a necessity imposed by the sacrifices of our people," calling for "launching an initiative for a comprehensive regional dialogue, aiming to establish permanent paths for understanding and cooperation between the countries of the region. This initiative comes from our deep belief in the importance of dialogue as a means to achieve peace and stability, and establishing a regional center to combat terrorism, headquartered in Baghdad, that works to exchange information and enhance the security capabilities of the participating countries."
 
He stressed, "We stand with the government in implementing its programs and plans that aim to improve the lives of citizens, provide basic services, and enhance Iraq's role regionally and internationally.”