Najaf:Sheikh Qais Al-Khazali, Secretary-General of the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq movement, highlighted the importance of detaching political entities from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), asserting that the PMF should be directly accountable to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He also urged the swift enactment of the Popular Mobilization Law and the reinforcement of Iraq’s economic sovereignty.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Khazali made these remarks during the “Sovereignty Day” celebration in Najaf. He commended the Iraqi people for their ability to reclaim sovereignty and expel foreign forces, drawing parallels to Iraq’s previous sovereignty celebration on January 1, 2012.

He acknowledged the significant role played by the Supreme Religious Authority in securing Iraq’s sovereignty and expressed gratitude to both the Religious Authority and the Iraqi people for their support. Al-Khazali emphasized the collective effort required to achieve economic sovereignty and manage Iraq’s revenues independently, urging adherence to the Religious Authority’s directives.

He further insisted on the importance of finalizing the Popular Mobilization Law to honor the sacrifices of fighters, and reiterated the need to separate political influences from the PMF, ensuring their direct report to the Armed Forces’ leader. Al-Khazali also stressed the rejection of sectarian rhetoric and the need to oppose any attempts to revive it.

He assured that the government, with backing from all political factions, is dedicated to preventing the use of Iraqi land for attacks on neighboring countries, hoping for cooperation with these nations. Addressing the armed forces, Al-Khazali described them as the nation‚¬Å¡¬‚¬Å¾¢s steadfast shield responsible for protecting its sovereignty and dignity. He also called for dialogue among political forces to establish a new social contract.