PM Al-Sudani pays tribute to Grand Ayatollah Al-Hakim, emphasizes reform and neutrality

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani participated in a memorial ceremony in Baghdad on Saturday, marking the anniversary of the death of Shia Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir Al-Hakim. In his speech, Al-Sudani paid tribute to Al-Hakim’s legacy as “a national, religious, and patriotic symbol”, highlighting his role in opposing the Baath dictatorship.

Mohammed Baqir Al-Hakim was a prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric and scholar. Born in 1939 in Najaf, he was considered a leading figure in the opposition against Saddam Hussein’s Baath regime, playing a central role in the Shia Islamic movement. Al-Hakim was assassinated on in 2003, in a car bombing near the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf.

Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s commitment to “neutrality” in regional conflicts. Al-Sudani also addressed ongoing government reforms, including economic and administrative improvements, and underscored Iraq’s efforts to rebuild regional partnerships based on “productive diplomacy”.

Full statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani participated today, Saturday, in the memorial ceremony held in Baghdad on the occasion of the anniversary of the martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammed Baqir Al-Hakim (may his soul rest in peace).

In his speech during the ceremony, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Sayyid Mohammed Baqir Al-Hakim, describing him as a national, religious, and patriotic symbol for all Iraqis. He highlighted his scholarly contributions, his leadership of the Islamic movement opposing dictatorship, and his courageous stance alongside fellow fighters in defending the nation, emphasizing his belief that Iraq belongs to all its people.

The Prime Minister noted that Iraq’s freedom was earned through the sacrifices of martyrs, foremost among them Sayyid Al-Hakim, whose efforts helped bring down the dictatorship through the perseverance and bravery of the Iraqi people. He also pointed out that the commemoration of Sayyid Al-Hakim coincides with the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Victory Leaders, that targeted two symbols of the fight against terrorism.

Key highlights from the Prime Minister’s speech:

🔷 Iraq’s enemies carried out divisive and sectarian projects, targeting this great figure and hundreds of worshipers at the shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him).
🔷 Our region has witnessed pivotal developments over the past year, resulting in significant political changes.
🔷 From the outset of the Syrian conflict, we have maintained Iraq’s neutrality, allowing Syrians to determine their own future.
🔷 Some attempted to link changes in Syria to discussions about political change in Iraq, an issue that is not open for debate.
🔷 Iraq has a democratic, pluralistic system that ensures peaceful power transfer, allows for reform, and addresses shortcomings within the framework of the constitution and law.
🔷 No external party has the right to impose change or reform on us, whether economic or security-related, though we acknowledge the need for comprehensive reforms across various sectors.
🔷 We must evaluate both our accomplishments and the areas where progress has been delayed. Our achievements are numerous because we have established a political system based on a constitution that represents all Iraqis.
🔷 Our government has prioritized key areas in its program, achieving significant progress, as reflected by performance indicators over the past two years.
🔷 The government program has achieved over 60% completion, including major structural administrative and economic reforms.
🔷 We have completed significant milestones, such as holding provincial council elections, conducting a national census, regulating relations with the international coalition, and establishing a new framework with the UN mission.
🔷 Our government remains committed to fulfilling all requirements for full sovereignty and eliminating inherited constraints that limit Iraq’s international engagement.
🔷 We continue to pursue security sector reform through a high-level committee chaired by the Prime Minister, which has developed a roadmap for reform that complements ongoing economic and administrative reforms.
🔷 Our government has worked to rebuild Iraq’s relations with all countries based on the principle of “productive diplomacy” and to establish economic and developmental partnerships that position Iraq as a hub for regional cooperation, rather than conflict.
🔷 We have spared no effort to keep Iraq out of regional conflicts over the past months, working in consultation with regional and international partners, with continued support from national political forces.
🔷 We have repeatedly expressed our readiness to assist in alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza, and we maintain the same stance regarding Lebanon, which endured a devastating war.