Iraq reaffirms September 30 deadline for weapons under state control
Shafaq News- Baghdad
The Iraqi government on Friday reaffirmed September 30 as the deadline for bringing weapons under state control, saying it had informed armed factions of the date and the mechanisms for addressing the issue.
In press remarks, government spokesman Haider Al-Aboudi noted that talks with the factions are making progress “based on the principles of state sovereignty and the interests of the Iraqi people.”
He explained that the government is addressing the issue through dialogue and understanding “in a way that preserves state sovereignty and prevents any internal confrontation in Iraq.”
Al-Aboudi confirmed that six armed factions are involved in talks with the government over bringing weapons under state control. Some have responded positively to the government's proposals, while talks continue with others over arrangements intended to protect both their interests and those of the state.
He stressed that Iraq and its institutions are “above any internal confrontation or conflict,” and the government's priorities include preserving economic, political, and security stability and continuing efforts to combat corruption.
Read more: Iraq's September deadline undercuts armed factions' case for weapons
Sources familiar with the armed factions’ internal deliberations told Shafaq News that Asaib Ahl Al-Haq had handed over weapons from a base south of Baghdad to state authorities two days earlier.
Shiite political leaders are exploring a compromise over the weapons issue. A Coordination Framework source previously told Shafaq News that the proposal would give Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, as commander-in-chief, authority over any use of their weapons.
Badr Organization leader Hadi Al-Amiri and Al-Hikma Movement leader Ammar Al-Hakim are leading talks with the factions aimed at avoiding a confrontation with the government.
* Asaib Ahl Al-Haq operates Brigades 41, 42, and 43 within the PMF, the state-sanctioned paramilitary umbrella incorporated into Iraq’s security apparatus after its 2014 mobilization against ISIS. The group is represented in Parliament through the Sadiqoon bloc and was designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2020.
Read more: Iraq's disarmament deadline pits Baghdad against Iran-aligned factions
