Iraq negotiates with holdout factions on transferring arms to the state

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's government has begun adjusting some of its positions on concentrating weapons under state control, according to an Arabic-language report. A commission formed by the Coordination Framework of Shia political forces is continuing negotiations with factions that have refused to hand over their arms, including Hezbollah Brigades and the Najaf Movement. The commission, established by Hadi al-Amiri, Nouri al-Maliki and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, is trying to narrow differences with the groups. An offer under discussion would replace full disarmament by late September with a two-year "regulation" of weapons: factions would disclose the types and quantities of arms they hold, register their headquarters with the government and freeze their activities. Tehran is said to back the framework, while Washington wants the weapons physically handed over. The report said direct contact with the main leaders has been difficult, with messages relayed and replies sometimes taking hours or days. It added that the United States objected to the appointment of Laith al-Hazali, brother of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq leader Sheikh Qays al-Hazali, as a deputy prime minister, despite the movement joining the arms-transfer process. Sudani is negotiating on weapons handover with five groups: the Najaf Movement, Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, Iraq Hezbollah Brigades, Saraya Awliya al-Dam and Ashab al-Kahf. Earlier, the Peace Brigade, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and Imam Ali Brigades announced they had surrendered their arms to the state and would move into civilian work.