Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on Friday the formation of a bilateral committee to schedule the withdrawal of the ‘International Coalition’ forces from Iraq. During the official central ceremony of ‘Commemorating the Victory Leaders’, the Iraqi Prime Minister stated that ‘the Iraqi government is the only entity authorized to enforce the law on its territory’.
Al-Sudani added, ‘Iraq has a strategic partnership agreement and diplomatic relations with the United States. This situation has violated the main principles of international relations and what is stated in the United Nations Charter regarding equality in sovereignty between states and the prohibition of the use of force in international relations.’
According to him, ‘the Popular Mobilization Forces represent an official existence subordinate to the state, an integral part of our armed forces.’
He continued, ‘We have repeatedly affirmed that in the event of any breach or transgression by any Iraqi entity, or violation of Iraqi law, the Iraqi government is the sole authority to follow up on these violations.’
Al-Sudani stated, ‘The government is the authorized entity to enforce the law, and everyone must work through it. No one is allowed to infringe upon Iraq’s sovereignty.’
He added, ‘We condemn the attacks targeting our security forces, which go beyond the spirit and text of the mandate that created the International Coalition.’
Al-Sudani affirmed ‘the government’s ability and readiness to take appropriate decisions to maintain Iraq’s sovereignty, security, and stability, as it lies at the core of its responsibilities, obligations, and constitutional duties.’
He said, ‘We reaffirm our firm and principled position on ending the presence of the International Coalition after the reasons for its presence have ended.’
Al-Sudani added, ‘We are in the process of determining the start date of the dialogue through the bilateral committee that was formed to determine the arrangements for ending this presence, a commitment the government will not retract from, and will not neglect anything that would complete national sovereignty over Iraq’s land, skies, and waters.’
The Iraqi presidency condemned, on Thursday, ‘the American bombing that targeted one of the security headquarters in Baghdad.’
The Iraqi presidency stated in a press release that ‘this aggression constitutes a breach and violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and security, a clear violation of the relations between Iraq and the International Coalition, and a violation of the frameworks and justifications for the Coalition’s existence to provide assistance and advice to the Iraqi security forces.’
The statement warned against the continuation of escalation in the region, which could undermine the chances of peace and stability, calling for prioritizing dialogue and understanding and finding ways to end tensions and crises among all parties.
The Iraqi government held the International Coalition, led by the United States, responsible for the attack on the Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters in the capital, Baghdad.
The Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces Authority confirmed that the American drone strike targeting a headquarters of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces in east Baghdad, which resulted in the death of two members, including a leader, is considered a clear challenge and violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
