Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, received Stephen Fagin, the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, on Wednesday. During the meeting, which addressed bilateral relations and the latest political and security developments, Maliki affirmed
that a government program for exclusively placing arms under state control would be announced on September 30. Maliki welcomed Fagin, wishing him success in his new mission, and emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between Iraq and the United States based
on mutual respect and common interests, particularly within the framework of the existing Strategic Framework Agreement. Both sides also highlighted the recent visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister to Washington last July, and its role in bolstering bilateral relations and
opening new avenues for cooperation. Regarding security matters, Maliki affirmed Iraq's commitment to addressing the issue of confining arms to state control in accordance with the constitution and law, thereby preserving the country's security and stability. He clarified that work is
currently underway through a committee formed by the Coordination Framework to develop a clear and specific program. He stressed that resolving this file requires dialogue and understanding, in line with constitutional and legal procedures. Maliki reiterated that a timeline and a
program for restricting arms to state control would be announced on September 30. He emphasized that these sensitive issues must be dealt with in a balanced and simultaneous manner, safeguarding Iraq's sovereignty and national interests.
