Iraqi official says dialogue continues with armed factions, coalition to withdraw September 30

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's National Security Adviser Qasim al-Areci said dialogue is continuing with armed factions, including the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), on bringing weapons under state control. In an interview with Al Jazeera television, al-Areci said the international coalition forces will withdraw from the country on September 30, adding that the pullout does not signal a break between Baghdad and Washington. Al-Areci said a serious dialogue process aimed at consolidating weapons under state authority will begin after the withdrawal. He noted that armed factions are currently refraining from actions directed at neighboring countries or inside Iraq, and described relations with both Iran and the United States as good. Al-Areci said Iraq seeks to serve as a bridge between regional parties and wants both Iran and the United States to safeguard Iraq's interests. He also stated that the presence of the PKK on Iraqi territory is illegitimate and that Iraq is working with Turkey on the issue. The Iraqi adviser said that once the PKK file is resolved, the justification for Turkish forces to remain in Iraq will end. He added that intelligence and security sharing with the United States will continue after the coalition withdraws.