Baghdad: During a meeting with the US Charg© d’Affaires, Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National State Forces Alliance, emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding in resolving regional problems and controlling weapons.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the alliance released a statement saying that al-Hakim met with Joshua Harris, the Charg© d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq, at his office in Baghdad. They discussed bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States. Al-Hakim highlighted the need to translate agreements into practical action plans and wished Harris success in his future endeavors as he completes his mission in Iraq.

Al-Hakim addressed the challenges facing Iraq, particularly the economic issue and lack of financial liquidity, which are exacerbated by regional events and escalating tensions. He advocated for dialogue to resolve these outstanding issues. Furthermore, al-Hakim urged for understanding and dialogue to ensure that weapons are solely in the hands of the state. He acknowledged the role of various factions in the fight against ISIS, noting that thousands of martyrs sacrificed their lives to restore stability.

He proposed that weapons should be handed over to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a recognized government institution, and stressed the importance of incorporating all armed individuals outside the state framework.

In another meeting, al-Hakim’s media office reported that he met with the British Ambassador to Iraq, Irfan Siddiq. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations to serve the interests of both nations. Al-Hakim reiterated the necessity of dialogue and understanding to restore stability and calm in the region.

He also pointed out the economic challenges Iraq faces due to regional events and emphasized the need to diversify income sources and export routes. This includes developing a network of pipelines across the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Al-Hakim stressed the importance of dialogue on restricting weapons to the state and handing them over to the PMF as an official entity within the state’s institutions.