Iraqi President Nizar Amidi vowed to pursue a campaign to end the carrying of arms by anyone other than state officials, in an Al Arabiya interview Saturday.
– Amidi said that there would be no reversal of the decision to place all weapons exclusively under state control, stressing that “bringing all weapons under the authority of the state is the most important issue awaiting the government.”
– He added that Iraq would solve the issue of armed groups “wisely,” stating that Iran received a letter from Baghdad on the necessity of negotiations regarding borders, sovereignty and armed factions.
– Amidi stressed that security in Iraq remained fragile, rejecting the use of its territory to harm neighboring countries.
– “The Gulf’s security is Iraq’s security and its (Iraq’s) security is the region’s security,” the President said.
– Amidi clarified that Iraq would not take sides in a conflict between the US and Iran.
– “Iraq won’t side with Iran against Washington, and it won’t be siding with Washington against Iran,” he said.
– Separately, he added that Iraq is seeking “the best strategic ties” with Saudi Arabia.