Babylon Movement chief backs Iraqi government on sovereignty, calls it 'red line'

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The leader of the Babylon Movement, Ryan Keldani, has declared full support for any measures the Iraqi government takes to deter repeated violations of the country's sovereignty. In a written statement, Keldani said sovereignty breaches by any state are rejected in the strongest terms, without naming any specific country. Keldani said recent developments require a national stance that rises above historical, sectarian and partisan divisions. He described Iraq as the homeland of all its people and said protecting its territory is the responsibility of every honest Iraqi. The statement backed government efforts to strengthen internal security and secure the country's borders with rigor. Keldani also reiterated opposition to any use of Iraqi territory as a venue for settling scores or as a starting point for conflicts. He stressed that sovereignty is a red line and that Iraqis themselves are the final decision-makers on the matter. No further details on the specific incidents prompting the statement were immediately provided.