Prime Minister: The religious authority's fatwa saved Iraq

Baghdad-INA 
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed, today, Sunday, that Iraq is fully prepared and ready to respond and deter any aggression, regardless of its source, indicating that the fatwa of the supreme authority saved Iraq and the region.
The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): that “Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani participated today, Sunday, in the memorial ceremony held in Baghdad to mark the fifth anniversary of the martyrdom of the Victory Leaders and their companions in the tragic airport incident.
 
 Prime Minister underscored that commemorating the martyrs serves as a significant opportunity to honor the legacy of two remarkable figures. He highlighted that the martyr Jamal Jaafar Al-Ibrahimi was an exceptional Iraqi figure who combined political work and jihad, recalling his outstanding legacy, his collaboration with national forces to build the new Iraq, and his efforts to establish a political system and restore Iraq’s influential role, which had diminished due to the reckless policies of the former regime.
 
Al-Sudani also acknowledged the role of martyr Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis in leading the fight against ISIS, alongside brothers from the Islamic Republic of Iran, who provided weapons and advisors, led by martyr Qasim Soleimani, who stood on all fronts to defend Iraq during critical times, inspired by the fatwa of the revered supreme religious authority that saved Iraq and the region.
 
Key highlights from the Prime Minister’s speech during the memorial ceremony:
 
 Martyr Al-Muhandis always stressed supporting the state, maintaining its integrity, and affirming that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are part of the state and operate under its umbrella.
 The PMF today represents a key force in defending Iraq.
 Iraq is fully prepared and ready to deter any aggression, regardless of its source, with all security forces capable of safeguarding the nation’s security.
 The government has prioritized fortifying and supporting the PMF, similar to other security forces.
 The PMF played a crucial role in establishing security and peace, paving the way for the government to launch service and development projects, as well as essential administrative and economic reforms.
 The government has worked on completing the sovereignty process and resolving issues related to the presence of the international coalition, which assisted Iraq during the ISIS era.
 We pursued diversified bilateral relations with coalition countries beyond the security aspect, prioritizing Iraq’s interests in our negotiations.
 Out of loyalty to the martyrs’ sacrifices and Iraq’s pivotal regional role, everyone must protect the democratic system and uphold the constitution.
 Iraq’s clear role during the crisis that began on October 7 is evident. Iraq was one of the key countries that worked to contain the crisis, prevent its escalation, and limit its consequences.
 The responsibility for what is happening in Gaza lies with major powers and the international community, who have failed to stop the crimes of the occupying entity, similar to what was intended for Lebanon had efforts not established a truce.
 The government succeeded in keeping Iraq out of the fire zone, which was intended to spread beyond Gaza and Lebanon.
 Developments in Syria have a significant impact on the present and future of the region, necessitating efforts to support stability and establish a pluralistic system that respects all components.
 No external party should interfere in Syrian affairs, and its sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.
 This occasion reminds us of the importance of preserving the foundations of the state that were built through the sacrifices of our martyrs.
 We reaffirm the strength of our state and remain steadfast in our commitment to building it and serving our great people, undeterred by any attempts to weaken our resolve.