Baghdad: Today’s Tuesday newspapers focused on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s affirmation that Iraq’s relationship with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) represents ‘a model to be followed.’ He stressed that Baghdad is no longer a source of security concern but rather a reliable strategic partner, while the papers also covered the ongoing preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sabah newspaper highlighted Al-Sudani’s speech delivered yesterday before NATO leaders and representatives in Brussels, at the invitation of Secretary-General Mark Rutte, where he emphasized that the meeting was held amid major transformations and turmoil in the Middle East, alongside violations of international law and crimes that threaten regional and global security.
Al-Sudani affirmed that the partnership with NATO is based on a sovereign decision aimed at building long-term, comprehensive relations across various fields. He pointed out that Iraq seeks to enhance its defense capabilities, particularly in air defense and deterrence, in order to safeguard its sovereignty and contribute to regional stability.
He added that the government adopts the principle of balance in its foreign policy, steering clear of alignments and axes, while reaffirming Iraq’s commitment to confining weapons to the authority of the state and reforming the security apparatus. He stressed that the government’s priority is rebuilding Iraq and restoring its civilizational and developmental role in the region and the world.
On the regional and international levels, Al-Sudani underlined the need to address the Iranian nuclear file peacefully and within the framework of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, reiterating Iraq’s support for Syria’s stability and the importance of inclusiveness and pluralism as the foundation for its future.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed that the violations in the occupied territories constitute a clear breach of UN Security Council resolutions, stressing the need to put an end to them and to halt the genocide in Gaza. He noted that Iraq seeks to establish a regional system based on mutual interdependence, conflict resolution through peaceful means, and enhanced cooperation in confronting shared challenges. Al-Sudani’s remarks received wide praise from leaders and representatives of the states participating in the NATO Council meeting.
On preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections, Al-Zawraa newspaper reported that the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations and Head of the Supreme Security Committee for the 2025 parliamentary elections, First Lieutenant General Qais Al-Muhammadi, directed that safe and flexible conditions be secured for voters.
According to a statement by the Security Media Cell, Al-Muhammadi chaired an expanded conference at the headquarters of Karbala Operations Command, attended by senior security leaders, representatives of all security agencies, members of the main committee, and the heads of the Independent High Electoral Commission offices in Karbala, Najaf, and Babylon. The meeting reviewed the ongoing preparations and security plans for this constitutional entitlement.
The statement added that participants discussed deployment timetables for security forces, measures to counter legal violations and breaches, as well as the activities of the media committee in promoting awareness campaigns in Baghdad and other provinces.
Al-Muhammadi emphasized that the security forces remain equidistant from all parties, stressing that the ultimate objective is the success of the elections. He further underlined that providing a safe environment for voters represents a duty of loyalty to the sacrifices of the martyrs.