Iraqi President: Elections Must Be Held as Scheduled

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid and the interviewer.

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid outlined his stance on key regional developments, the forthcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad, and Iraq’s regional and international relations.

The President affirmed in an exclusive interview with Al-Hadath and Al Arabiya: “We will continue to strengthen our relations with all countries in the region. Our relationship with the United States is good and normal, while our ties with Iran are good and strong. We intend to maintain these relations with both countries.”

Below are the main remarks made by President Rashid during the interview:

🔷 Regional Challenges and the Arab League Summit:
“There are numerous pressing issues facing the Arab region, which will be addressed during the forthcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad. Important decisions are expected, but the true impact lies in the effective follow-up and implementation of those resolutions.”

🔷 Iraq’s Stability and Diplomatic Role:
“Iraq has been enjoying years of security and stability and has successfully built constructive relations with its neighbours and the wider region. We are actively working to help reduce tensions and mediate between conflicting parties.”

🔷 Hosting the Arab League Summit:
“As hosts of the Arab Summit, it is our duty to extend formal invitations to all member states of the Arab League. We welcome the participation of all leaders and heads of state and consider their involvement vital to the summit's success.”

🔷 Syria’s Participation:
“The level of Syria’s participation in the summit is for the Syrian authorities to decide. Iraq has extended official invitations to all Arab leaders without exception.”

🔷 Syria’s Significance and Future:
“Syria is a neighbouring and friendly country of great importance to Iraq and the broader region. We hope the Syrian people will achieve peace and stability and once again benefit from the country’s vast resources following years of Arab and international isolation.”

🔷 Political Inclusion in Syria:
“We welcome the recent changes in Syria and hope the new political order will ensure the inclusive participation of all Syrian factions, ethnic groups, and communities, while upholding the rights of all citizens.”

🔷 Shared Security with Syria:
“Iraq faces specific security concerns regarding Syria. The security of both countries is interlinked, especially along our shared border. We therefore call for enhanced bilateral security coordination.”

🔷 US-Iran Relations:
“We sincerely hope for the success of negotiations between the United States and Iran. A failure in these talks could result in heightened tensions and increased instability across the region.”

🔷 Relations with the United States and Iran:
“Our relations with the United States are good, underpinned by mutual interests. Similarly, we maintain good relations with Iran, a neighbouring and friendly country with which we share an extensive border.”

🔷 Presence of U.S. and Coalition Forces:
“The presence of American and coalition forces in Iraq is governed by bilateral agreements between our respective governments. Ongoing discussions will determine the future role of these forces.”

🔷 Electoral Integrity:
“We in Iraq take pride in holding elections on schedule over the past years. A date has been set for the forthcoming elections, and all state institutions are prepared. God willing, they will proceed as planned without delay or extension.”

🔷 Sadrist Movement's Participation:
“The decision regarding participation by the Sadrist Movement lies with them and His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr. As President and guardian of the constitution, it is my responsibility to encourage all political parties to engage in the electoral process.”

🔷 Oil and Gas Legislation:
“The oil and gas law is critical to addressing the financial and economic disagreements between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The failure to pass this legislation is largely due to parliamentary delays.”

🔷 Federal-Kurdistan Relations:
“The relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region is currently stable and constructive. Both sides are in continuous dialogue over various outstanding issues, including salary payments.”

🔷 Oil Export Resumption:
“Delays in the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region are due to technical reasons and insufficient information. I am optimistic that this matter will soon be resolved.”

🔷 Sovereignty and Regional Relations:
“Iraq does not permit any group or organisation to use its territory to attack neighbouring or other countries. We urge neighbouring nations to resolve disputes through diplomatic dialogue.”

🔷 Water Resources:
“Water security is a vital concern not only for Iraq but for the entire region. We are striving to secure Iraq’s fair and equitable share of water resources. At the same time, we must modernise our water management, particularly in light of population growth, increasing demand, and outdated agricultural practices.”



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