Prime Minister Affirms No Pressure to Release Detainees or Halt Anti-Corruption Drive

Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi confirmed that there have been no internal or external communications regarding the release of detainees or the halt of the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. Al-Zaidi clarified that the judiciary has issued arrest warrants for those involved in corruption cases, in accordance with established legal procedures. He added that the confessions of Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al-Jumaili have led authorities to a number of other individuals implicated in corruption cases. He emphasized that the only option for those accused of corruption is to return the looted funds to the state treasury. In another context, Al-Zaidi mentioned that the tanks used in the "Dawn Raid" operation were primarily intended to close the Green Zone. He indicated that some armed factions mistakenly believe that the international coalition forces will not withdraw from Iraq. Al-Zaidi also noted that a program is being prepared for the handover of weapons, affirming that the factions' work will transition to the political and social arenas, and their weapons will come under state control after the specified deadline. He concluded by referring to preparations for a major conference titled "National Sovereignty Conference," coinciding with the end of the international coalition's mission in Iraq.