Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said Monday that three of five armed groups that agreed to give up their weapons have already done so, while talks continue with the remaining factions.
– “Five factions agreed to hand over their weapons, and three of them have already done so. Dialogue is continuing with the others,” al-Zaidi said during a meeting with tribal leaders and dignitaries, according to his office.
– He said the government was pressing ahead with efforts to strengthen state authority and prevent any group from undermining it.
– “The blood of Iraqis is our responsibility,” al-Zaidi said, stressing that protecting lives and reinforcing state institutions remained central government priorities.
– He also called for Iraq’s decisions to remain firmly in Iraqi hands and praised tribal leaders for their role in maintaining stability during periods of unrest.
– The announcement comes as Baghdad pushes to bring weapons outside state control under government authority following the end of the US-led international coalition’s military mission in Iraq in late September.
– Al-Zaidi said his government was also working to shield Iraq from regional conflicts, saying national unity and independent decision-making were key to the country’s stability.