Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said Iraq will be free of any foreign military presence from October 1, following the completion of the international coalition’s military mission and the departure of its forces.
Al-Zaidi made the remarks during a meeting with Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), according to a statement issued by the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office.
He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to the agreed timetable, under which September 30 will be the fixed and final date for ending the military mission of the international coalition in Iraq and completing the withdrawal of its forces.
Iraq declares October 1 a new phase of sovereignty
Al-Zaidi said October 1 would mark “a new day” in the course of the Iraqi state, with the country free of foreign military forces and having completed its national sovereignty over its territory.
He said Iraq had continued to develop its security and military capabilities to enable it to protect its own security and stability. The prime minister also called for adherence to the principles of the constitution and the foundations on which the state is based, while preserving Iraq’s supreme interests and directing the country’s resources and the energies of its people toward construction, reconstruction and development.
Iraq stresses weapons must remain under state control
Al-Zaidi said Iraq needs the efforts of all its citizens to build a strong economy, a stable state and a better future for coming generations.
He stressed that weapons must be restricted to the state in accordance with the law, arguing that this protects everyone, strengthens the authority and sovereignty of the state, ensures security and stability, and represents a fundamental condition for moving Iraq toward a new stage of development and prosperity.
The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office said Al-Zaidi and Cooper also confirmed a “complete and final agreement” to end the international coalition’s military mission in accordance with arrangements reached during the prime minister’s visit to Washington in mid-July.
The two sides said relations would subsequently move toward greater cooperation and partnership in the economic, development and security fields, based on mutual respect for sovereignty and shared interests.
Iraqi security delegation to visit Saudi Arabia
Separately, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported that a high-level Iraqi security delegation will travel to Saudi Arabia on Thursday to discuss several security issues of common interest.
The discussions will include the attacks Saudi Arabia was subjected to and the issue of drones, according to INA. The delegation will be headed by Abdul-Amir Al-Shammari, Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. It will also include Hamid Al-Shatri, Head of the Intelligence Service; Muhannad Al-Asadi, Commander of the Air Defense; and Zaid Houshi, Head of the Counter-Terrorism Service.
Barzani says Iran supports weapons restrictions
Meanwhile, Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, said Iranian officials expressed their readiness to assist the Iraqi prime minister in restricting weapons to the state.
Barzani said the Iranian officials conveyed the message during his visit to Tehran and that they communicated their position to Al-Zaidi.
