Iraqi government spokesperson Bassem Al-Awadi speaks during a televised interview
Media Monitor
Iraqi government spox denies reports on ‘dissolving’ Popular Mobilization Forces
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government has received no official notification regarding the dissolution of the Popular Mobilization Forces or any other security agency, government spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi said Saturday.
“Iraq has not been officially notified of the dissolution of the Popular Mobilization Forces or any security institution,” Al-Awadi stated.
He insisted Iraq will not allow regional or international ‘interference’ in its internal affairs.
“No country has formally asked the Iraqi government for anything related to the PMF,” he said.
Debates surrounding militia disarmament have intensified following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and amid waning Iranian influence in the region. The Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of mostly Shia militias created in 2014 to combat the Islamic State, remains at the center of these discussions.
Some excerpts of Al-Awad’s interview on Al-Iraqiya:
“Iraq has not been officially notified of the dissolution of the Popular Mobilization Forces or any security institution. However, the Prime Minister has considered the worst-case scenario and requested preparedness regarding the exemptions issue.
Government dialogue with armed factions is ongoing, and the stance of all parties, even during the events in Syria, has been rational and balanced, allowing us to contain the crisis.
The issue of disarming factions has not been raised with Iraq as portrayed in the media, and the government has not received any official request in this regard. Instead, there have been private messages expressing viewpoints, and the request has been about controlling weapons, not seizing them. The Iraqi government is moving in this direction and is capable of doing so.
The Popular Mobilization Forces is a national security institution established under Resolution No. 40 of 2017, and Iraq will not allow any regional or international party to interfere with this institution. No country has formally asked the Iraqi government for anything related to the PMF.
Two weeks ago, the Council of Ministers voted on a new law for the PMF, which is comprehensive and detailed regarding the work of this security institution. It represents a complete restructuring that defines all aspects related to the PMF, including the granting of military ranks.
