Iraq PM tells UN state must hold sole authority over war and peace

Iraq's Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi told the United Nations General Assembly that his government is determined to keep decisions of war and peace in the hands of the state, with weapons and the instruments of force controlled by constitutional institutions.

Addressing the 81st session in New York, al-Zaidi said the law should serve as the arbiter and the national interest as the compass. He said his government's priorities include strengthening state institutions, upholding the rule of law and protecting Iraq's sovereignty.

The prime minister said Iraq is entering a new phase in its ties with strategic partners as the international coalition's mission in the country concludes, shifting from military cooperation toward economic and developmental cooperation. His remarks came days before a September 30 deadline for ending the US-led coalition's military mission in Iraq.

Baghdad has been pursuing a phased effort to bring weapons held by armed factions under state authority, a process expected to run into 2027.

Al-Zaidi also said Iraq is working to diversify its oil export outlets and develop energy lines and corridors linking Iraq with Turkey, Jordan and Syria, describing the move as a way to contain risks and repercussions for the region's peoples.

He said Iraq would keep strengthening its security and military capabilities after the defeat of the Islamic State group, while calling for continued international cooperation to secure borders and prevent conditions that could fuel extremism.