Accra:Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, stated that concluding the International Coalition’s military mission in Iraq is a crucial part of a broader national initiative aimed at establishing a state that can independently safeguard its political, security, and economic decisions, thereby reinforcing its national sovereignty.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Sudani emphasized during a speech on Sovereignty Day that true national sovereignty is achievable through autonomous decision-making in political, security, and economic spheres. He credited the Iraqi people’s sacrifices for this progress and urged political and social groups to focus on state-building and strengthening national institutions.
Al-Sudani elaborated that sovereignty encompasses strength, legitimacy, and capability, which enable a state to assert its independent will, protect its interests, govern its territory and resources, and manage foreign relations without external influence or imposed conditions.
He noted that Iraq’s battle was not only about reclaiming occupied lands but also about defending the state and its social and political identity, along with ensuring the people’s right to security and a dignified life. This struggle, he stated, has national and historical significance beyond its military aspects.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of Iraqi forces, including the armed forces, Popular Mobilization Forces, Peshmerga, and others, al-Sudani highlighted the role of religious authority, popular support, and political backing in the recovery efforts of cities and territories.
Al-Sudani remarked that the decision to end the Coalition’s mission is tied to the sacrifices of the people and cannot be reduced to mere government or political actions. Such decisions are rooted in the strength built through enduring conflict and nation-building efforts.
He pointed out that the government’s approach to ending the Coalition’s mission is a national sovereign duty, guided by a realistic understanding of international relations and power dynamics, rather than political or media rhetoric.
Al-Sudani asserted that Iraq aims to establish balanced relations with other nations, respecting its sovereignty and independent decision-making while advancing its interests in various domains.
He also mentioned that Iraq’s vision of national sovereignty is based on the principle that sovereignty is indivisible. A nation might achieve political independence while still facing vulnerabilities in other areas. Thus, a strong and stable state, supported by effective institutions and the rule of law, is essential for all Iraqis.
In conclusion, al-Sudani emphasized that protecting national sovereignty is linked to upholding constitutional legitimacy, combating corruption, reforming administration, and ensuring the state’s exclusive authority over military and security decisions. All security and military entities must operate under competent constitutional authorities.