Iraq’s President Rashid: ‘The risks should not be underestimated’

BAGHDAD — Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid warned on Saturday that the current regional circumstances pose a threat to all countries in the area, emphasizing the importance of “not underestimating the risks”.

His remarks came during a memorial ceremony marking the anniversary of the passing of Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir Al-Hakim, where he underscored the need for collective vigilance and cooperation to navigate the challenges facing the region. He also highlighted the significance of dialogue, regional stability, and unified efforts to safeguard security and peace amid ongoing tensions.

Mohammed Baqir Al-Hakim was an Iraqi Shiite cleric and scholar. He emerged as a key leader in the opposition against Saddam Hussein’s Baath regime. In 2003, Al-Hakim was assassinated in a car bombing near the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf.

During the ceremony, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani also delivered speeches, addressing both Iraqi and regional issues.

Excerpts from President Rashid’s speech:

His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir Al-Hakim played a prominent role in confronting dictatorship and tyranny, working to unify the efforts and capabilities of the Iraqi national opposition during those years. Later, he played a noble role in fostering unity among Iraqis of all components, sects, and denominations on the path to building a federal democratic state.

We have achieved much, but much remains ahead of us, especially in these regional circumstances that pose threats to all countries in the area. We are determined to overcome these challenges through dialogue, understanding, and a steadfast policy of combating terrorism, unifying efforts for the sake of security, peace, development, and progress that will restore stability, safety, and the aspirations of the region’s people for a free and dignified life.

The risks should not be underestimated, but at the same time, we have full confidence in the will and unity of Iraqis in facing these challenges, striving for a free, independent, and dignified Iraq—one committed to refraining from aggression against others while working to uphold the principles of dialogue and safeguarding the legitimate rights of all, particularly our brothers in Palestine. We support their right to a secure life and their independent state.

We affirm our commitment to Syria, whose people have endured and overcome difficult circumstances. From our side, we reiterate our support for rebuilding their independent state based on a fair democratic approach that preserves the rights of all components of the Syrian people.

We also affirm our solidarity and support for the Lebanese people in overcoming their current challenges. We continue to offer assistance to alleviate the impacts of their ordeal on the lives of the Lebanese. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of strengthening the unity of the Lebanese people, securing their right to a safe and stable life, and rebuilding cities, villages, and institutions affected by war.

We stress the importance of consolidating our unity and Iraq’s strategy, which is based on maintaining the country’s independence, unity, security, and safety, while ensuring that its territory is not used as a platform for aggression against any of its neighbors.