Iraq anti-corruption body chief meets Finnish envoy to deepen cooperation

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Anti-Corruption Commission is treating the fight against corruption as a government priority backed by the country's legislative and judicial branches, the agency's head, Mohammed Ali Lamii, said. He told Finnish Ambassador Antti Poutkonen during a meeting in Baghdad that the commission is pursuing corruption suspects and working to recover stolen public funds. Lamii said effective anti-corruption work requires international partnership and called for legal assistance to overcome obstacles in returning illicit proceeds. He also pledged that the commission would protect investors and foreign companies from extortion, and that its work is carried out in line with the law and aimed at safeguarding public assets. Poutkonen expressed appreciation for Iraq's anti-corruption efforts, saying he saw a serious political will in the country on the issue, according to Lamii's account. The ambassador said Finland's counterpart agency was ready to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Iraqi commission, though no further details on timing were provided.