Al-Nu'man: September 30 Is The Fixed And Final Date For The End Of The Int’l Coalition Forces' Presence In Iraq; It Represents The Will Of The Iraqi Government And Reaffirms Iraqi Sovereignty
Speaking at a press conference held at the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the conclusion of the International Coalition's military presence in Iraq, al-Nu'man said the September 30 deadline is "fixed and final."
He said the date reflects the Iraqi government's position, reaffirms Iraq's sovereignty, and demonstrates the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces, adding that "the withdrawal of US and foreign forces from Iraq is currently underway."
Al-Nu'man said the International Coalition had played a major role in providing air and intelligence support without ground intervention. Operation Inherent Resolve is scheduled to conclude on September 30 following the defeat of ISIS, he added.
He stressed that the Iraqi Armed Forces are highly prepared and that there is extensive coordination among the country's security agencies.
"This week, an important meeting was held between the Director of the Commander-in-Chief's Office and security commanders from the Kurdistan Region to strengthen coordination, combat readiness, and cooperation on border crossings and counter-narcotics efforts," al-Nu'man said. He added that the recommendations resulting from the meeting had been submitted to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
"We are very proud of this coordination with the Kurdistan Region," he said, adding that Iraq is sending a message to the international community that it is free of terrorism and open to foreign investment.
Regarding counter-narcotics efforts, al-Nu'man said the Directorate of Narcotics Affairs is conducting extensive operations and has achieved "very positive results." He said the Prime Minister had directed that the directorate be provided with advanced equipment, qualified personnel, and the necessary logistical and financial resources, reflecting the priority given to combating narcotics.
He added that Al-Zaidi had set a strategic objective of making Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, drug-free. Individuals wanted by authorities in the Kurdistan Region will also be handed over directly to the coordination center in Baghdad, he said, in order to reduce bureaucratic procedures.
Al-Nu'man said Al-Zaidi had also directed that health-related measures be strengthened for drug users, giving them access to rehabilitation and hospital treatment, while emphasizing the need to apprehend drug traffickers.
Turning to Iraq's future relationship with the International Coalition, al-Nu'man said that after September 30, the nature of relations with Coalition countries would change.
"A special committee has been formed to address this matter, and engagement will take place on a peer-to-peer basis, while intelligence coordination with Coalition forces will continue," he said.
Al-Nu'man further stressed that the directives of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces are clear: after September 30, no weapons will be permitted outside the framework of the state.
He explained that the process of handing over weapons is ongoing within a political framework and under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He said a number of significant factions had already surrendered their weapons to the state, adding that the process was being handled in a manner that honors the sacrifices of those factions that fought against ISIS.
Al-Nu'man emphasized that Iraqi territory would not be permitted to be used to threaten any nation.
He made these remarks in response to a question from the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) during the press conference held today. He stated that there are ongoing discussions with Turkey regarding the fate of the PKK—a matter that includes a humanitarian aspect—noting that options include their return to Turkey or remaining in Iraq.
Regarding the Iranian opposition presence in Iraq, Al-Nu'man stated that they would not be permitted to attack neighboring countries, nor would they be allowed to bear arms.
He also noted that while there is no specific deadline for bringing weapons under state control, the process will be accelerated following the September 30 withdrawal of foreign forces./ End
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