The Head of the Federal Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, affirmed on Monday that efforts to combat corruption and protect public funds necessitate a convergence of national and international endeavors. He underscored the imperative to bolster cooperation in pursuing those
involved in corruption and illicit enrichment, as well as recovering wanted persons and smuggled assets. During his meeting with the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, Stephen Fagin, Al-Lami emphasized the paramount importance of activating international cooperation mechanisms
and fully leveraging the provisions of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). He particularly highlighted Chapter V on asset recovery, noting that reclaiming funds and assets from corruption is a fundamental pillar of global anti-corruption efforts. He also noted
the necessity of removing recovery impediments like dual nationality, differing legal frameworks, and claims of political targeting. Al-Lami further stressed allocating significant focus to prevention within anti-corruption strategies, aligning with Chapter II of the UN Convention. This includes developing preventive measures,
entrenching integrity, transparency, and accountability, establishing rules for professional conduct, and mitigating conflicts of interest. He also emphasized enhancing transparency in public fund management and government procurements, alongside expanding civil society and media participation in prevention initiatives and disseminating a
culture of integrity. Al-Lami articulated that fostering integrity and combating corruption creates a secure and attractive investment environment by solidifying the rule of law, transparency, equal opportunities, and safeguarding investors and their capital from corrupt practices. He reiterated the importance of
supporting governmental directives aimed at expanding investment opportunities and strengthening economic cooperation with foreign nations and companies. For his part, the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, Stephen Fagin, expressed his country's desire to intensify cooperation with Iraq
across various domains. He clarified that cooperation between the two nations has evolved from military support to broader economic collaboration, including integrity and anti-corruption fields. Fagin affirmed the importance of sustained coordination and experience exchange to serve the mutual interests
of both countries. The meeting also delved into cooperation prospects between the Integrity Commission and the American side in corruption prevention, deterrence, and combat. Both parties explored avenues for exchanging expertise and enhancing coordination on files of mutual concern, supporting efforts
to protect public funds and prosecute and recover corruption proceeds.
