Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has initiated efforts to draft a law aimed at restricting the possession of weapons exclusively to state authorities. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to address the proliferation of uncontrolled weapons, which the Prime Minister identifies as a significant threat to national stability.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the announcement was made following a meeting between Prime Minister al-Zaidi and Khalid Mutab al-Obeidi, head of the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, along with other committee members. During the meeting, they assessed the current security situation in Iraq and the measures being taken by security forces to maintain stability and protect the nation’s borders and airspace amid regional tensions.

Prime Minister al-Zaidi emphasized that restricting weapons to state control is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and reinforcing the authority of security institutions. He underscored the need to bolster Iraq’s sovereignty, strengthen its constitutional institutions, and enhance the military’s capabilities to ensure internal stability, which is intrinsically linked to the nation’s economic, political, and security conditions. Al-Zaidi highlighted the necessity for cohesive collaboration between the executive and legislative branches to foster stability, enact effective laws, and support government development initiatives.

Khalid Mutab al-Obeidi, representing the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, reiterated the committee’s commitment to supporting government efforts to fortify state security and military institutions. He stressed the importance of advancing the capabilities of the armed forces, fortifying border defenses, improving air defense systems, and elevating readiness levels to protect Iraq’s security and uphold its sovereignty amidst regional and international challenges.