Iraq's Hikma Movement: draft 'understanding paper' on armed groups under discussion

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A leader of Iraq's Hikma Movement said negotiations between the government, the Coordination Framework and armed groups have produced a preliminary understanding, with work under way on a written document outlining specific steps. Fahd al-Juburi, a senior official in the movement, said a committee had been formed within the Coordination Framework to hold dialogue with armed factions and convene meetings on related files. According to al-Juburi, the sides are drafting a document expected to be completed by the end of the month, covering next steps once the international coalition's presence in Iraq ends. He said the process would proceed within a shared political vision for the coming period. The talks also address restricting the weapons of armed groups, al-Juburi said. No further details on the proposed measures or timeline were immediately available.