Iraq's Four Presidencies Call for Economic Resilience, State Control of Weapons

Iraqi Presidency

The meeting of Iraq's four presidencies.

Iraq’s top leaders met at Baghdad Palace on Monday to discuss the country’s domestic situation, economic challenges and regional developments, with Iraqi President Nizar Amedi hosting Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi and Supreme Judicial Council President Judge Faiq Zaidan.

According to a statement by the Iraqi Presidency, the meeting covered government performance, the economy, state control over weapons, efforts to combat corruption, legislation and Iraq’s position on regional tensions.

The statement noted that the leaders backed government efforts to implement its ministerial programme, improve living and public service conditions, strengthen security and stability nationwide and raise the performance of state institutions.

They also stressed the need for continued coordination among Iraq's four top state offices and state institutions to complete the cabinet formation as soon as possible, saying this would enable the government to fully carry out its duties, implement its programs and plans, and respond to national priorities.

The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen the economy and address current challenges, particularly a decline in Iraq’s revenues due to the repercussions of the war in the region and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The leaders stressed the need to diversify national income, increase non-oil revenues and improve financial management to strengthen the economy’s ability to withstand crises.

The participants also reaffirmed that weapons must remain under state control, describing the principle as fundamental to strengthening state authority and the rule of law, particularly following the start of the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq.

They also called for strengthening the capabilities of Iraq’s armed forces in all their formations and enabling them to protect the country and safeguard citizens’ security.

With regards to corruption and public funds, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating administrative and financial corruption and strengthening measures to protect public funds and hold those involved in corruption cases accountable.

They also discussed a government-proposed law on recovering public funds and stressed the need to take the necessary measures to recover public money, strengthen the integrity system and combat corruption.

The participants stressed the importance of strengthening parliament’s legislative and oversight role and speeding up approval of priority bills, particularly those directly related to citizens’ living and service needs.

They said this would support the reform process and improve the performance of state institutions.

On regional affairs, the leaders called for efforts to resolve crises and ease tensions, while supporting dialogue and diplomacy as means of addressing disputes and resolving them peacefully.

They reiterated Iraq’s rejection of any use of its territory to attack any party or launch hostile actions, and opposed allowing Iraqi territory to become a battleground for regional or international conflicts and the settling of disputes.

The leaders said this position was aimed at preserving Iraq’s sovereignty, security and stability and protecting its people from the effects of crises in the region.



PUKMEDIA