Maliki says threat-based rhetoric between state and factions has ended

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, said the process of consolidating weapons under state control is being pursued through "regulation and framing," warning that the phrase "fully taking the weapons" would have negative psychological and practical effects on the other side. In an interview with Al-Sharqiya television, Maliki said the threat and conflict-driven language that previously prevailed no longer applies, adding that an attack against the government or the factions serves no one's interest. He said a commission established with the factions would handle the classification of weapons into heavy, medium and light categories, and that the process is continuing through dialogue aimed at reaching a formula without triggering internal conflict. Maliki had warned in a statement issued on August 26 that any escalation of the file would jeopardize the country's stability. Separately, the Nujaba Movement, Hezbollah Brigades, Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades and other factions announced on September 30 that they would refuse to relinquish their military capabilities — the date the government had set as a deadline and one that coincided with the end of the international coalition forces' military presence in Iraq. The State Administration Coalition has said that armed activity outside state control after September 30 will be assessed under counterterrorism law.