Iraq's president says Baghdad can play central role in regional security framework

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid said there is an opportunity to build a regional security framework covering neighboring states, with Iraq positioned to take a central role. In an interview with Saudi-owned Al Ahdari TV, Rashid said the past four presidential meetings addressed economic and security files and produced agreement among political forces on complementary work. Rashid described corruption as a threat as serious as terrorism and said there is firm political will to consolidate weapons under state control, with some armed groups responding positively. He reiterated that Iraqi territory will not be used to target any regional state, including Gulf countries, and said Baghdad will continue implementing its security agreement with Iran. On ties with the United States, Rashid said relations will be strengthened on the basis of a strategic partnership. He added that Iraq is conducting high-level coordination with Turkey on the PKK and Sinjar files. Addressing the dispute between Baghdad and Erbil, Rashid said financial disagreements will be resolved through the budget law and guarantees of constitutional rights. He also called for the formation of a new government in the Kurdistan Region and the reactivation of its parliament.