Al-Zaydi: Iraq is proceeding with the monopoly of weapons and the decision of peace and war rests with the state.
Al-Zaydi: Iraq is proceeding with the monopoly of weapons and the decision of peace and war rests with the state.
2026-09-25
Shafaq News – New York
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed on Friday that one of his government’s priorities is for the state to be the decision-maker in peace and war, stressing that weapons and instruments of power must remain in the hands of the constitutional state institutions, and that the law should be the arbiter and the national interest the compass.
Al-Zaidi said in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, as reported by Shafaq News Agency, that the executive procedures in the field of arms control and the decision of peace and war are moving in the right direction, as they are the basis for building a state of institutions, protecting sovereignty, and establishing stability.
He pointed out that the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq moves the relationship with strategic partners to a new stage, from military cooperation to economic and development cooperation, stressing the continued development of security and military capabilities to protect Iraq, its land, its people and its sovereignty.
The Iraqi Prime Minister called for securing the borders, addressing gaps, and maintaining constant vigilance to prevent the formation of an environment conducive to extremism. He also reiterated Iraq’s position in support of dialogue, diplomacy, defusing crises, respecting sovereignty, non-interference, and good neighborliness, calling for an end to conflicts through negotiation and preventing the outbreak of wars again.
Economy and Energy
On the economic front, Al-Zaydi added that Iraq seeks to become an active economic power in the region, reduce the effects of a rentier economy, and enhance production and exports, calling from the United Nations platform for investment in Iraq, based on its resources, market, and geographical location.
He also stressed the importance of the development road project as a strategic corridor for trade, investment and energy, linking the Grand Faw Port to Turkey and from there to Europe.
In the energy sector, Al-Zaydi announced that the government is adopting a program to increase crude oil production, develop gas fields, expand refining capacities, and produce derivatives and petrochemical industries.
He said that Iraq aspires to be a global energy production hub, with diversifying oil export outlets and developing energy lines and corridors linked to Turkey, Jordan and Syria.
On the environmental front, the Prime Minister stressed that Iraq faces the challenges of climate change, desertification, water scarcity and their impact on food security, emphasizing Iraq’s commitment to its legitimate and fair water rights, and calling for joint management of water resources in accordance with the principles of cooperation and international law.
Al-Zaydi affirmed that Iraq will continue to confront organized crime and cross-border drug trafficking through international cooperation, information exchange, and coordination.
A message to the world
In closing, Al-Zaidi addressed a message to the entire world, calling for greater openness towards Iraq, and stating that his country is capable of contributing to security, stability and development, stressing that Iraq has never been on the margins, but is the heart of history and the pulse of the present, and is worthy of partnership towards the future.
shafaq.com
