State Administration Coalition Affirms Combating Outlaws and Prosecuting Armed Behavior Under Anti-Terrorism Law

The State Administration Coalition affirmed the necessity of combating outlaws and prosecuting any armed behavior under the anti-terrorism law. The State Administration Coalition held its regular meeting on Wednesday at the Government Palace, attended by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and the coalition leaders. The meeting aimed to discuss the overall political, security, economic, and service conditions in the country, as well as regional developments and their repercussions on Iraq. The meeting reviewed efforts to enhance security and stability, improve services, implement the ministerial program, and address economic and financial challenges. It was emphasized that the government prioritizes protecting citizens' interests. The State Administration Coalition also stressed its support for continued efforts to maintain security and stability and to confine weapons to the state, in accordance with the ministerial program approved by Parliament and now an enforceable law. Emphasis was placed on preventing the use of Iraqi territories as a launching point for aggression against neighboring countries or involving Iraq in conflicts that do not serve its people's interests. The attendees considered those who engage in behavior threatening national security to be outlaws who must be fought in accordance with constitutional articles prohibiting the use of weapons outside the state's will or the formation of any armed organization outside the official armed forces. The participants condemned the attacks targeting Iraqi armed forces units, which resulted in the martyrdom of several personnel. They called for adherence to the specified deadlines for weapon control after September 30, 2026, after which any armed behavior outside the state framework will be dealt with under the anti-terrorism law. The meeting also addressed economic and financial conditions, emphasizing the importance of taking measures to ensure the continuity of essential services and projects, diversify oil export outlets, enhance non-oil revenues, and combat waste, smuggling, and corruption. On the regional front, the meeting affirmed Iraq's support for de-escalation and dialogue efforts, its rejection of the use of force in resolving conflicts, and its readiness to play a positive role in bridging views between conflicting parties, thereby contributing to regional security and protecting common interests. The attendees also discussed developments in neighboring countries, stressing the importance of enhancing border security, combating terrorism, drugs, and organized crime, and developing Iraq's relations with neighboring, regional, and international countries based on mutual interests, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. At the conclusion of the meeting, the coalition called for accelerating the completion of government formation and submitting the government program to Parliament for discussion and approval.