Sayyid Al-Hakeem: Balancing National Interests with Regional Solidarity Is Essential for Iraq’s Stability

During a forum organized by Mawja Organization for Human Rights in Najaf, Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakeem, Head of the National State Powers Alliance, highlighted the pivotal role of the religious authority in guiding public opinion through its advice and directions. His Eminence noted that its recent statement reaffirmed prior positions expressed in sermons, statements, and even private recommendations, such as those conveyed to the UN envoy.
H.E. stressed that while the situation in Iraq is improving across various sectors, it still falls short of aspirations. H.E. reiterated that any weapons outside the state’s framework are unacceptable, asserting that the state alone has the right to monopolize arms.
Addressing Iraq’s role in regional solidarity, H.E. emphasized that national interests must remain the foundation of such efforts. H.E. underlined the need to strike a balance between supporting regional causes and safeguarding Iraq’s supreme national interests.
On elections, H.E. mentioned a trend toward extending the term of the Independent High Electoral Commission due to its commendable performance in the recent elections. H.E. noted that this aligns with public desires for electoral system stability. While there is no current consensus on amending the election law, there is support for maintaining its existing form to ensure balance between votes and seats.
H.E. emphasized the importance of genuine political competition in a functioning democracy, warning against reducing democracy to a mere formality. H.E. urged vigilance against regional developments and internal instability, stressing the need for national unity and responsible freedom of expression, free from direct targeting.
H.E. called for standardizing human rights criteria in holy cities and urged the Najaf Provincial Council to take responsibility in this regard. H.E. also renewed his call for greater roles for Iraqi women in society.
H.E. advocated for reforms in the banking system and fostering a culture of financial transactions, along with supporting Iraqi provinces to achieve gradual positive change. H.E. stressed the importance of public trials for high-profile corruption cases. Despite challenges in securing gas supplies, H.E. pointed to progress in electricity production and ongoing steps to increase domestic gas output.
Concluding his remarks, Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakeem called for sustained efforts in development and reconstruction to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people for a brighter future.