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Al-Zaidi: 3 Iraqi factions out of 5 have surrendered their weapons

Al-Zaidi: 3 Iraqi factions out of 5 have surrendered their weapons

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi announced on Monday that 3 out of 5 factions have agreed to surrender their weapons and have already done so, while dialogue continues with the other factions.

This came during his reception of tribal sheikhs and notables, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office.

Al-Zaidi said that "5 factions agreed to surrender their weapons, and 3 of them have already surrendered their weapons, and dialogue is ongoing with the others"

He stressed that "Iraqi blood is our responsibility, and it is our duty to prevent the bloodshed of all Iraqis", affirming the government's commitment to "building and strengthening the presence of a state that honors Iraqis"

He added that the government "is fighting an approach that views the state as an individual benefit at the expense of the interests of all segments of the Iraqi people", stressing that those who try to weaken the state or threaten its existence will not be allowed.

Al-Zaidi praised the positions of the tribes supporting the state and their contribution to maintaining order during difficult times, calling for unity and preserving the decision to be "Iraqi"

The announcement is part of a government track to limit the possession of weapons to the state, as Al-Zaidi and government officials have previously confirmed that the state's monopoly on weapons and the enforcement of the law are a priority, coinciding with the end of the international coalition's military mission in Iraq at the end of September last year.

On foreign relations, Al-Zaidi revealed that his government has held dialogues with Kuwait, saying that there is a "sincere intention to resolve all bilateral problems and obstacles"

The two countries have intensified their contacts over the past months on a number of bilateral files, in parallel with steps to expand cooperation and trade movement between them.

Al-Zaidi stressed the need for Iraq to have a "beneficial international partnership", especially with major and economically advanced countries, and linking economic reform to attracting foreign investment.

He pointed out that his government has avoided imposing international isolation on Iraq and has extended its hand to the countries of the world for partnership.

Baghdad had announced during Al-Zaidi's visit to Washington in July last year the signing of dozens of agreements and memoranda of understanding, as part of efforts to expand economic partnerships and attract investments.

On the economic issue, Al-Zaidi said that "the current economic crisis has greatly affected the Iraqi economy", pointing to the government's work to establish a "successful economic identity"

He added that Iraq's oil production will reach "10 million barrels per day" by 2031.

Al-Zaidi had spoken in June last year about an ambition to raise oil production to 7 million barrels per day, while the Ministry of Oil is working to increase production capacity through the development of fields and exploratory areas and attracting new investments.

In September last year, Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair confirmed that his country is committed to a production ceiling of 4.2 million barrels per day.

Al-Zaidi revealed the establishment of the "Generations Fund", explaining that the government allocated 1.5 trillion dinars (about $1.15 billion) to it, and that the funds recovered from anti-corruption operations will be added to the fund's account.

The Iraqi government confirms the continuation of procedures to recover public funds and link them to the path of combating corruption and enhancing state resources.

On the agricultural file, the Prime Minister announced the launch of 500 billion dinars monthly (about $382 million) to pay farmers' dues.

The government had approved financial measures over the past months to pay farmers' dues, with monthly payments allocated for this purpose.

In the housing sector, Al-Zaidi confirmed that the "One Million Housing Plots" project will be completed, which will help address the housing crisis and provide services.

The competent government agencies have started preparing databases and selecting lands for the implementation of the project, in parallel with a broader plan that includes the establishment of new cities and residential complexes.

Al-Zaidi pointed to the government's intention to start building new cities in all governorates, each bearing the identity and history of the governorate.

He concluded by affirming his government's endeavor to keep Iraq away from the repercussions of conflicts in the region, saying that "the stability of our society and our people is our goal", and that the strength of the country lies in unity and that the decision must be Iraqi.

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