Accra:Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi affirmed that state institutions serve as the unifying framework for all Iraqis during a speech at a memorial ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of the passing of former President Jalal Talabani.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Halbousi emphasized that commemorating ‘Mam Jalal’ is more than recalling a political figure’s life story; it is a reflection on an era in Iraq’s history characterized by significant challenges requiring wisdom, patience, and the ability to manage differences.

Al-Halbousi noted that Mam Jalal believed Iraq, with its ethnic, religious, and sectarian diversity, could only achieve stability through the collective will of its people and their ability to transform plurality into a foundation for national partnership. During his presidency, Mam Jalal was instrumental in bridging viewpoints and opening dialogue among political forces, crucial at a time when the country needed understanding and consensus.

He further emphasized that state institutions are critical to unifying Iraqis, with the constitution, partnership, and respect for diversity being essential for political stability and national unity. Al-Halbousi stressed the importance of fostering a culture of understanding among government branches and political forces, strengthening trust between the state and its citizens, and enacting laws that reflect the aspirations and rights of the Iraqi people, ensuring equality without discrimination or exclusion.

Al-Halbousi concluded that Iraq must learn from past leaders who recognized that state-building is achieved through governance within constitutional institutions and reaching a consensus on a secure and stable future for future generations.