Abadi says centralizing weapons must be pursued through dialogue, not force

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Haider al-Abadi, leader of the Revival Coalition, said on Thursday that recent attacks by the United States and Saudi Arabia violated Iraqi sovereignty. Speaking in Baghdad, the former prime minister noted that no definitive evidence exists on the source of the attacks and recalled that the Houthis have claimed responsibility for some of them, calling for an investigation. Abadi stressed that centralizing weapons in the hands of the state is a constitutional requirement, but said the issue should be resolved through dialogue and reconciliation rather than force. He warned that a forced solution would drive a wedge among members of the Iraqi public and ultimately weaken the state. On the economy, Abadi said Iraq has been facing a serious financial crisis for four months, with difficulties predating the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He said oil exports have fallen to about 12 percent of their normal level. He also pointed to nearly 3,500 accounting units across the country, arguing that small expenditures combine into a heavy burden on the state. Abadi said appointments made for electoral gain serve corruption rather than the public and warned that salary and pension payments could be placed at risk if the trend continues.