By John Lee.
Nouri Al-Maliki (pictured), head of the State of Law Coalition, has confirmed that he will not withdraw his candidacy for the post of Prime Minister, in remarks to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Monday.
He said that any US messages are directed to the Iraqi state rather than to him personally, and rejected external interference in Iraq's sovereignty.
Al-Maliki stated that the next government should be civilian rather than military in nature, adding that participation would be conditional on armed groups relinquishing their weapons. He said some factions had expressed readiness to hand over their arms in order to avoid exposing Iraq to risks.
He stressed the need for weapons to be held exclusively by the state, under a single central authority, and called for a unified army operating under state command.
On international relations, he described ties with the United States as necessary for Iraq's recovery, noting that US forces had withdrawn from Iraq in an orderly manner. He added that Washington wants the next Iraqi government to exclude MPs affiliated with armed factions.
He also affirmed the importance of relations with Iran, citing the two countries' 1,300-kilometre shared border and common interests, while reiterating that Iraq would not accept interference from any country and would not become subordinate to external powers.
Al-Maliki said Iraq seeks balanced relations with major global and regional powers based on mutual interests, and rejected oil and dollar smuggling.
He described the Coordination Framework as an important institution for the national political landscape, and said Iraq does not pose a threat to regional security but contributes to its protection.
He added that Iraq would not allow attacks on foreign embassies or official interests within the country.
On domestic issues, he acknowledged that the economic situation is difficult and requires fundamental solutions, calling for an economic revival and improved public services. He said he is not concerned about the stability of Iraq's political system.
(Source: @Nouri.Kamel.AlMaliki)
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