Iraq's four top leaders to meet in Baghdad on three key issues

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's prime minister, parliament speaker, president and head of the Supreme Judicial Council are scheduled to meet in Baghdad on Monday evening to discuss the handover of weapons to state institutions, the continuation of anti-corruption efforts and the financial crisis triggered by a halt in oil exports. Prime Minister Ali Zayidi, Parliament Speaker Habib al-Halbousi, President Nezar Amidi and Judicial Council head Faik Zidan are set to take part in the talks. The weapons file has become one of the most sensitive issues for the government as the September 30 deadline set by political forces for disarmament approaches. The State of Law Alliance led by Nouri al-Maliki has submitted a proposal to separate the timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the disarmament file. The proposal remains under review. On the anti-corruption track, authorities launched a wave of arrests in late June under the operation named "Fajr," targeting politicians, lawmakers and business figures. Zayidi described the campaign as the first phase of broader steps to recover public resources. Iraq is meanwhile facing a severe financial crisis after oil exports through the Gulf were halted, with part of July salaries paid late to public employees, adding to pressure on markets.