Iraq: Criminalizing the Use of State Land to Commit Aggression Against Neighbors
Baghdad, KUNA: The Iraqi State Administration Coalition, which includes all political forces participating in the government, has decided to criminalize the use of Iraqi territory to attack neighboring countries, deeming it a crime that threatens national security. This decision was announced at a meeting convened by the coalition, chaired by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Allaq, and attended by the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, the President of the Higher Judicial Council, the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and coalition leaders.
In a statement, the coalition clarified that the attendees reaffirmed their support for continuing efforts to preserve security and stability, and for efforts aimed at monopolizing weapons in the hands of the state, in accordance with the ministerial program, as well as to prevent the use of Iraqi territory as a launching pad for attacks on neighboring countries or for dragging Iraq into conflicts that do not serve the interests of its people.
The coalition viewed that anyone engaging in such behavior is committing a crime that threatens national security and would be considered among those outside the law who must be combated, in accordance with constitutional provisions that prohibit the use of weapons outside the state’s authority or the formation of any armed organization outside the official armed forces.
The coalition called for adherence to the timelines for steps to monopolize weapons after September 30, after which any armed behavior outside the framework of the state will be dealt with under the anti-terrorism law.
On the regional level, the meeting reaffirmed Iraq’s support for de-escalation and dialogue efforts in the region, its rejection of the use of force in settling disputes, and its readiness to play a positive role in bridging differences between conflict parties, thereby contributing to the preservation of regional security and the protection of shared interests.
The attendees also discussed developments in neighboring countries and emphasized the importance of strengthening border security, combating terrorism, drugs, and organized crime, and developing Iraq’s relations with neighboring, regional, and international countries based on mutual interests, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs.
