Iraq: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi reaffirmed that the government was moving ahead with efforts to place all weapons under exclusive state control, saying there would be no retreat from the policy and that all political forces agreed on the issue, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, speaking during a panel at the eighth Baghdad Dialogue Conference, Al-Zaidi said mechanisms were being developed for the handover of weapons and the complete elimination of arms outside state control. He warned that weapons beyond the state's authority created an environment that deterred investment, harmed Iraqi interests and undermined development and stability.
Regionally, Al-Zaidi said Iraq had worked to transform its role from an arena of conflict into a bridge for negotiation and understanding, stressing that the country's weight was influential and decisive for regional stability. He also expressed optimism over growing international openness toward Iraq and said there were no intentions for military confrontation, while reaffirming his commitment not to seek a second term.
Al-Zaidi further unveiled plans to raise Iraq's oil export capacity to 8-10 million barrels per day within six years by expanding exports through Turkey's Ceyhan port, pursuing exports via the ports of Baniyas and Aqaba, and seeking a larger Iraqi export share through OPEC.