Al-Zaidi: Iraq to Enter New Era Without Foreign Forces from October 1

Iraqi PM’s media office

The Iraqi PM’s meeting with CENTCOM Commander.

The Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has affirmed that Iraq will be free of any foreign military presence and weapons outside state control from 1 October.

Al-Zaidi made the remarks during a meeting with US Central Command Commander (CENTCOM) Charles Brad Cooper on Wednesday, 12 August.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to the agreed timetable, under which 30 September remains the fixed and final date for ending the Global Coalition’s military mission in Iraq and completing the withdrawal of its forces.

He described 1 October as a “new day” in Iraq’s history, saying the country would have completed the exercise of national sovereignty over its territory while continuing to develop its security and military capabilities to safeguard its own security and stability.

Al-Zaidi also called for adherence to the Constitution and the principles underpinning the Iraqi state, stressing the need to protect the country’s supreme interests and direct the energies of its people towards construction, reconstruction and development.

He said Iraq needed the efforts of all its citizens to build a strong economy, a stable state and a better future for coming generations.

The Prime Minister further stressed that weapons must be restricted to state control in accordance with the law, saying this would protect citizens, strengthen the authority and sovereignty of the state, and help guarantee security and stability. He described state control of weapons as a fundamental requirement for Iraq’s transition towards a new phase of development and prosperity.

Both sides reaffirmed their complete and final agreement to end the Global Coalition’s military mission, in line with the understanding reached during the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington in mid-July.

They also stressed that Iraqi-American relations would move towards greater cooperation and partnership in the economic, developmental and security fields, based on mutual respect for sovereignty and the shared interests of both countries.


PUKMEDIA