Iraq Moves to Strengthen State Control Over Weapons

(MENAFN) Iraq’s prime minister on Thursday vowed to enhance the state’s exclusive authority over arms ownership as part of a wider governmental plan centered on security improvements, political adjustments, and better public services, following parliamentary endorsement of his Cabinet.

According to a news agency, Ali Al-Zaidi presented what he called three main directions for government action during a parliamentary address. These included overhauling the security structure by reinforcing state control over weapons, boosting the capabilities of security forces, and rebuilding public trust in the country’s democratic system.

Later on Thursday, Iraq’s parliament approved Al-Zaidi along with 14 ministers in his Cabinet through a vote of confidence, while decisions on nine remaining ministerial positions were delayed to a later session.

The presence of weapons outside state regulation has long represented a major and delicate political and security concern in Iraq, especially given the influence of various armed factions. Some of these groups operate under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces, while others function independently.

Al-Zaidi was assigned the responsibility of forming the government after receiving backing from the Coordination Framework, Iraq’s largest parliamentary bloc, which supported his nomination following several weeks of political negotiations.

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