Baghdad: Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, has issued a warning regarding attempts to ignite political “fires” and destabilize Iraq, cautioning against any actions that could lead to internal conflict. He emphasized the need for careful handling of the issue of weapons control without escalating tensions.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Maliki’s office released a statement following his meeting with several political analysts and experts. During the meeting, al-Maliki highlighted the current sensitive phase Iraq is undergoing, which demands wisdom and responsibility. He pointed out efforts to incite instability in the political arena, while the Coordination Framework remains committed to supporting the government for the sake of the country’s stability and its broader interests.

Al-Maliki underscored the importance of addressing the weapons control issue without confrontation, warning that any clash between the state and factions could jeopardize Iraq’s stability and lead to divergent political stances. He stressed that any internal conflict would be detrimental to all of Iraq, not just a single party or group, and cautioned against perceiving potential conflicts as solely “Shia-Shia” conflicts, as their impacts would resonate across the state and society.

He assured that the government and the coordination framework are determined to prevent Iraq from descending into internal fighting. He also noted the importance of formulating a clear national and regional vision to shield Iraq from becoming a battleground for external conflicts or regional and international power struggles, thereby safeguarding its security, sovereignty, and stability.

Al-Maliki highlighted the urgency of completing the cabinet by filling vacant ministerial positions, revealing that Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi shares the same urgency in resolving this issue. He clarified that while the coordination framework supports the government, any concerns about its performance should be addressed through constructive measures rather than advocating for governmental change or downfall.

He reiterated that preserving Iraq’s stability is paramount and emphasized that dialogue and understanding should guide the resolution of contentious issues. Prioritizing the national interest, al-Maliki said, is essential to overcoming the current challenges facing the country.