Iraq PM Zebari presides over National Security Advisory handover ceremony

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Felah Zebari on Tuesday presided over a handover ceremony at the National Security Advisory following recent leadership changes in the office, the Prime Minister's Press Office said. The ceremony marked the transfer from outgoing national security advisor Abdulkarim Abd Fadel Hussein al-Basri to his successor, Besim Mohammed Yunus al-Badri. The statement said the National Security Advisory would continue to carry out its national duties in safeguarding Iraq's security and strengthening stability. Zebari expressed appreciation for al-Basri's work during his tenure and wished al-Badri success in his new role, according to the statement. The prime minister also stressed the need to maintain institutional functioning and reinforce coordination among Iraq's security institutions. The statement said the leadership transition was intended to reinforce national security and protect the state's higher interests. No further details on the circumstances of the appointment were immediately available.