Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has declared his government's unwavering commitment to tackling corruption both within Iraq and internationally. He emphasized the state's resolve to recover embezzled funds with the assistance of Interpol.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sudani, in an interview with Al Jazeera, highlighted Iraq's current phase of development, labeling it as unprecedented. He noted significant progress in public services over a period of two and a half years, including the recovery of approximately 500 billion dinars from the infamous 'heist of the century' and the implementation of reforms across oversight bodies.
Al-Sudani detailed advancements in the energy sector, revealing that electricity production reached 28,000 megawatts this summer. He attributed part of his success in dealing with agricultural issues to his academic background in the field, which provided valuable insights into the needs of farmers and rural communities.
Reflecting on his personal history, the Prime Minister shared that he remained in Iraq until 2003, witnessing the collapse of the former regime in Maysan. He recounted the execution of his father, a member of the Islamic Dawa Party, under the previous regime, and the subsequent surveillance and restrictions his family endured.
On the political front, Al-Sudani asserted that decisions regarding war and peace are exclusively within the state's jurisdiction. He emphasized that his government is committed to preventing Iraq's involvement in regional conflicts and has engaged in comprehensive national dialogues with political forces to maintain Iraq's security and sovereignty.
Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq's condemnation of aggression against Qatar and advocated for a political, security, and economic alliance among Islamic countries. He proposed the creation of a joint security force to address shared challenges and stressed the importance of Arab and Islamic states engaging with the UN Security Council and the International Criminal Court.
Addressing the Palestinian issue, the Prime Minister confirmed Iraq's support for the Palestinian people through political, media, and humanitarian efforts. He highlighted Iraq's diplomatic initiatives, including efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran on nuclear matters.
In conclusion, Al-Sudani emphasized his government's program to ensure state control over weapons and affirmed that the conclusion of the international coalition's mission does not justify the presence of arms outside state authority. He reiterated Iraq's commitment to consolidating security and stability and continuing the fight against extremism and terrorism.