Iraqi PM Praises al-Sadr’s Move to Integrate Saraya al-Salam into the State

Shafaq

Iraqi PM al-Zaidi.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi on Wednesday welcomed the position taken by Muqtada al-Sadr regarding the integration of the Saraya al-Salam into state institutions.

In a statement, the Prime Minister said he highly valued the “responsible national stance” announced by al-Sadr, which involves placing the Saraya al-Salam Brigades under the authority of the state and the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, with the aim of reinforcing state institutions and strengthening the rule of law.

He noted that the initiative marks an important step towards enhancing internal stability, reinforcing the principle that the state alone should hold the monopoly on the use of force, and supporting the security forces in fulfilling their constitutional and national responsibilities.

Al-Zaidi also urged all armed factions to adopt the same responsible national approach by operating solely within the framework of the state and its official institutions, in order to safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty and bolster security and stability. He stressed that only the state should possess the authority to bear arms and enforce the law.

The Prime Minister further stated that the current phase requires collective national efforts, prioritising Iraq’s supreme interests, preserving the country’s unity, security and stability, and strengthening public confidence in constitutional institutions under a state governed by the rule of law.

Earlier on Wednesday, Muqtada al-Sadr announced the formal separation of the Saraya al-Salam Brigades from the Shiite National Movement and their integration into the state structure.

In a statement, al-Sadr said the decision was taken in the interest of the nation and to prevent looming dangers, adding that the Brigades would be fully integrated into the official military authority responsible for armed formations. He added that civilian bodies affiliated with the group would be reorganised into a unified framework without headquarters, weapons, uniforms, or other military identifiers.

Al-Sadr concluded by expressing gratitude to the members of the Saraya al-Salam Brigades for their efforts and apologised for any actions by individuals who failed to adhere to the movement’s religious, ideological and social principles.


PUKMEDIA