Security advisor: September deadline applies only to the coalition, not militias

BAGHDAD — Sept. 30 is the date the U.S.-led coalition leaves and the point at which talks with armed factions on disarmament begin, not the deadline for handing over weapons, the prime minister’s security adviser said — six weeks after Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said there would be no justification for any faction after that date.

“Sept. 30 is allocated to the coalition only,” Qasim al-Araji told Al-Iraqiya. “They have bags, they take them and leave. We have relations with coalition countries that will continue, and Sept. 30 is the date for beginning the understandings for disengagement and restricting weapons in a good way.”

Presenting it as a disarmament deadline was creating unnecessary tension, he said. “Do not tell me that the international coalition withdraws on Sept. 30 and you want to implement disengagement and restricting weapons on the 31st. You have to give some space.” The factions “are not against the state,” he said, and the political will exists — “but when? This is what we must agree on.”

Zaidi said at the White House on July 14 that there would be no need for any faction after Sept. 30 and no justification for their existence. The State Administration Coalition said this month that armed activity outside state authority after the date could be handled under the Anti-Terrorism Law.

Officials have moved away from that framing since. Security Media Cell chief Lt. Gen. Saad Maan said last week that talk of the date was an inaccurate characterisation of state policy. Communications Minister Mustafa Sanad said on Saturday the issue could not be resolved through fixed dates. Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said Friday that talks were at an advanced stage and the remaining disagreement was over mechanisms. President Nizar Amedi said two or three factions had yet to hand over weapons. Zaidi himself ruled out any military confrontation.

A Coordination Framework committee of Hadi al-Amiri, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Nouri al-Maliki has been formed to consider proposals on the issue, and Maliki has called for a national conference. Harakat al-Nujaba, Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada continue to refuse while foreign forces remain; Saraya al-Salam, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Imam Ali Battalions have moved toward compliance.