Bahaa Al-Araji: State Control Over Arms Needs Significant Time, May Extend for Months

The head of the Construction and Development bloc, Bahaa Al-Araji, affirmed that the issue of monopolizing arms by the state is a national process that cannot be achieved in a single day, indicating it could extend for several months. Al-Araji clarified in his statements that two types of foreign forces are currently present in Iraq: American forces, in addition to forces tasked with protecting embassies, foreign interests, and consulates. He stated that the withdrawal of international coalition forces would proceed according to the announced understandings between the relevant parties. The bloc leader added that national consensus has been reached regarding the state's monopoly on arms, and work on this file could commence following the completion of foreign withdrawal, requiring dialogue and time that may span several months. Al-Araji considered the completion of this process within a year a commendable achievement.