Fuad Hussein to Al Arabiya: A plan to restrict weapons to the state by next June

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein held a roundtable meeting with journalists in Washington, which included Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, during which he discussed the future of Iraqi-American relations following the end of the international coalition's mission to combat ISIS, the government's plan to deal with the weapons of armed factions, the impact of Iranian influence, as well as sanctions on Iranian airlines and their implications for religious visits between Iraq and Iran.

Hussein stated that his visit to Washington comes at an important stage in the relations between the two countries, coinciding with the transition from cooperation within the framework of the international coalition to discussing broader bilateral relations, including security, military, economic, financial, and political aspects.

He clarified that his meetings with American officials are still ongoing, and the agenda of the visit includes important meetings to discuss issues related to the Iraqi situation and regional developments, noting that the relationship between Washington and Tehran and the ongoing conflict between them were among the key topics in his discussions.

Government plan to deal with the weapons of factions

In response to a question from Al Arabiya regarding the monopolization of weapons by the state, the guarantees related to the armed factions handing over their weapons, and the impact of Iranian influence, Hussein stated that he had a lengthy phone call with the Iraqi Prime Minister on the morning of the meeting, during which they discussed this issue.

He explained that the government has a clear plan extending until June of next year, during which the concerned groups will relinquish their weapons, with the ultimate goal of integrating them into the government forces.

He pointed out that the implementation of the plan has already begun, and the group 'Loyalty to God' issued a statement announcing its support for the government's plan and the Prime Minister's policy. He added that he understood from the Prime Minister that the 'Brigades of the Masters of Martyrs' are also preparing to issue a statement, either on the evening of the meeting or the following day, announcing their support for the plan.

Hussein said that the government is dealing with seven groups in this file, three of which have already announced their support for the plan, while some have begun to hand over their weapons to the armed forces.

As for the other four groups, he clarified that the government was waiting for their positions, and that two of them are preparing to issue statements in support of the plan, while negotiations are ongoing with a third group, with the position of the fourth group to be clarified later.

He confirmed that the government aims to achieve its goal gradually, and has the necessary means and timeline to implement the plan. He reiterated that two groups have already announced their support for the Prime Minister's policy in the context of the developments he mentioned.

Hussein's statements came in response to a question posed by the director of the Al Arabiya and Al Hadath office regarding concerns about the continued influence of Iran-linked factions and the presence of weapons outside the authority of the state, as well as the commitment of groups that have not yet agreed to hand over their weapons to the announced timeline.

While the question referred to next July, the minister specified the end of the plan in June of next year, basing his response on what he described as progress in the positions of several groups and the ongoing negotiations with other groups.

Iranian influence.. 'An Iraqi issue and a constitutional demand'

In response to a question from 'Al Arabiya' regarding Iranian influence and concerns about Tehran's return to fill the vacuum, Hussein emphasized that the discussion involves Iraqi citizens, and that the debate within the government and among political leaders revolves around the nature of the step and its objectives.

He clarified that the internal question is whether the integration of these groups into the armed forces is an Iraqi step or a result of external pressures or influences, affirming that returning to the constitution makes its implementation a constitutional demand and primarily an Iraqi matter.

Hussein acknowledged that the Iraqi government has faced pressures, with influences from other parties on armed groups or the government to change course, but he affirmed the government's commitment to what it promised and the plan it laid out.

He added that Baghdad expects other parties to adhere to the Iraqi government's plan, expressing his belief that the majority of Iraqi political leaders support it.

He pointed out that support for the plan is not limited to the government, but also includes political parties, while considering that dealing with entities that will not cooperate with the government represents a 'different matter,' without providing additional details regarding potential measures against them.

Bilateral security relations after the end of the coalition's mission.

Regarding the security relationship with the United States, the Iraqi Foreign Minister stated that internal discussions about the departure of coalition forces began a year or two ago and have recently continued between the government and political leaders.

He explained that Baghdad was emphasizing during these discussions that leaving the coalition would open the door to establishing bilateral security relations, particularly with the United States.

He added that Iraq will look into how to build bilateral security relations with Washington and some European countries, including the United Kingdom and France, along with other European nations.

Regarding the nature of the anticipated relationship, Hussein said that it requires reaching an agreement between the two parties, and that Baghdad will present its vision on how to manage bilateral security cooperation, but the final formula also depends on the stance of the American side.

He confirmed that Iraq will raise this issue during its meetings in Washington, but negotiations on the agreement have not yet begun.

He pointed out the possibility of relying on the Strategic Framework Agreement signed between Iraq and the United States in 2008, as an existing framework that can be built upon to develop the relationship.

Sanctions on aviation and religious visits

Hussein also addressed the sanctions on Iranian airlines, describing the issue as highly sensitive for Iraq, due to its connection to the movement of visitors between the two countries and visits to holy sites.

He stated that he met with American officials, including the president and the secretary of state, in New York during the week prior to the meeting, and that he will continue his discussions in Washington with several officials.

He explained that his meeting schedule includes a meeting with the Secretary of the Treasury, and discussions with officials from the State and Defense Departments and the National Security Council, and that he intends to raise the issue of sanctions and the movement of flights during these meetings.

According to the figures provided by the minister, Iraq receives about five million visitors from Iran annually, most of whom head to holy sites, especially in Karbala and Najaf, while about three million Iraqis travel to Iran to visit the holy sites in Mashhad.

He confirmed that this movement represents a sensitive issue due to its connection to religion and shrines, noting that Baghdad welcomes Iranian visitors.

He stated that his goal in discussing the file with American officials is to reach a solution, warning that failing to address the issue could lead to a major problem.

He questioned how to deal with the sanctions and their impact on Iranian flights heading to Iraq to serve the visitors of Najaf and Karbala, as well as Iraqi flights heading to Mashhad, emphasizing the religious aspect of these visits.

Questions regarding the rapprochement between Washington and Tehran.

During the meeting, the minister was asked about Iraq's readiness to help bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table, and whether Baghdad is conveying messages between the two parties.

In the available part of his response, Hussein confirmed that Iraq enjoys an excellent relationship with Washington, and pointed out the reception of the Iraqi Prime Minister in the U.S. capital.

Regarding the role of mediation between Iran and the United States, Hussein stated that Iraq has good relations with both parties.

These issues are at the core of the discussions that the Iraqi Foreign Minister is conducting during his visit, amid Baghdad's efforts to develop its bilateral relationship with the United States, and to proceed with the plan to deal with the weapons of the factions, as well as addressing the repercussions of sanctions on travel and religious visits between Iraq and Iran.