Al-Zaidi: Iraq Enters New Era of Sovereignty

Iraqi PM’s media office

Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi on Thursday presided over the “Sovereignty Day” conference, attended by Parliament Speaker Heibat Al-Halbousi, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, senior officials, political leaders, diplomats and representatives of various social sectors.

In his speech, al-Zaidi said Iraq had successfully established its sovereignty over its land, airspace and territorial waters after overcoming major challenges.

He said Iraq’s sovereignty was reflected in several key developments, including the withdrawal of foreign forces and the conclusion of the Global Coalition’s mission, an agreement on the withdrawal of Turkish forces and PKK elements, the unification of the Peshmerga forces, and efforts to regulate weapons under state authority.

Al-Zaidi also announced the start of work on an integrated national air-defence system to strengthen Iraq’s ability to protect its airspace.

He stressed the importance of combating corruption, protecting national wealth—particularly oil—and diversifying the economy, while calling for all armed factions to adhere to the Constitution and the government’s timetable for addressing the issue of weapons.

“Today, we announce the launch of an era of sovereignty — protected by the state, guaranteed by the law, and built through the participation of all Iraqis,” Al-Zaidi said.

He added that Iraq’s armed forces had become “an honourable symbol of Iraq’s sovereignty” and guardians of its land and people.

PUKMEDIA