Coordination Framework backs state control of weapons in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s Coordination Framework said it supports a project to keep weapons only in the hands of the state and to separate the Popular Mobilization Forces, known as Hashd al-Shaabi, from all political, party and social structures. The bloc held its 279th regular meeting at former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s office, with Prime Minister Ali al-Zeydi attending. In a statement, it said the decision on war and peace is a matter of national sovereignty that can be made only through Iraq’s constitutional institutions. The statement also described Hashd al-Shaabi as an official security institution bound by the constitution and applicable laws. The Coordination Framework said its leaders based the project on the Iraqi constitution, the relevant article of the Hashd al-Shaabi law and the government program. It also authorized the prime minister and commander-in-chief of the armed forces to take decisions and steps needed to protect the country’s higher interests.