Foreign Minister: State Sovereignty Over Weapons, Anti-Corruption Drive, and Energy Development Priorities

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed that the state's exclusive control over weapons is a pivotal constitutional matter, and the government is committed to its comprehensive campaign against corruption. Hussein highlighted the necessity of establishing new oil export pipelines with neighboring countries, especially after challenges that have affected vital straits. He explained that the Basra-Aqaba pipeline project, a long-standing initiative subject to various studies, has begun implementation and reached the Jordanian border, emphasizing that extending oil pipelines has become a strategic imperative for the country. The Minister added the region urgently requires security, stability, and a focus on economic development and reconstruction, noting wide-ranging negative impacts from regional conflicts. Hussein described Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's upcoming July 14 visit to Washington as vital for consolidating and developing bilateral relations with the United States. He confirmed discussions would primarily focus on economic issues, particularly energy, anticipating understandings regarding continued investment in electrical power and other energy domains. Hussein reiterated that the issue of confining weapons to state control is a fundamental constitutional principle, and that managing these matters falls exclusively within the state's prerogatives. He clarified that this issue represents an internal political matter raised by successive governments. He indicated the American administration supports this approach, considering that weapons outside state control pose an internal threat and could sometimes be misused against other countries. Hussein reported the Prime Minister has addressed this matter in his program and in ongoing dialogues with armed groups to begin surrendering weapons to the national armed forces, confirming some armed individuals have already started handing over arms, with the Prime Minister leading this process. Regarding the fight against corruption, Hussein asserted that the government has made a firm decision to confront this phenomenon and will continue its efforts, noting that "fighting corruption is more difficult than fighting terrorist organizations." He explained that corruption is one of the biggest internal problems facing the country, pointing to widespread popular and political support for this campaign, along with the availability of multiple tools to combat corruption.