Al-Maliki to US Chargé d'Affaires: State Sole Authority on Security, Military Files

Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, affirmed Tuesday that the state is the primary authority for managing security and military files. Al-Maliki's office announced that he received Joshua Harris, the US Chargé d'Affaires to Iraq, at his office today. They discussed enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation across various fields, in line with the Strategic Framework Agreement, to preserve shared interests, Iraq's sovereignty, and independence. The meeting addressed government efforts to restrict weapons to state control. Al-Maliki confirmed that "the Coordination Framework formed a committee, soon to commence work with the government, to find appropriate implementation mechanisms." He stressed resolving this issue through dialogue and understanding for national unity and Iraq's security, reiterating that "the state and its constitutional institutions are the sole authority in managing security and military files." The US Chargé d'Affaires praised Al-Maliki's political role and contributions to stability and political consensus. Harris valued Al-Maliki's support for government efforts in addressing national issues and strengthening state institutions, emphasizing continued bilateral cooperation to serve Iraq's interests.