Iraqi PM approves officer promotion schedule, vows no weapons outside state control

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Fallah al-Zidani, who also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, visited the Ministry of Defense on Monday and approved the officer promotion schedule. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's press office, al-Zidani said the government places significant emphasis on building the Iraqi army into a professional and capable institution. The prime minister said the military's core doctrine is the protection of Iraq and its people, and that all required support for the armed forces would be provided. He stated that no weapons would be allowed to remain outside the framework of the law and the state, and that the fight against corruption would continue with resolve. Al-Zidani said the state being built would be one where the rule of law prevails, justice is upheld, and citizens benefit from security and stability. He added that the effort to professionalize the army is aimed at creating a structure capable of carrying out its duties fully. The prime minister also said officers would receive the promotions they have earned, and that advancement would be carried out strictly on the basis of merit.