Iraqi PM says government committed to anti-corruption, anti-narcotics fight

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Falih Ziyadi said Iraq is waging a determined campaign against corruption and narcotics, pledging that no concessions would be made in the effort. The prime minister's press office said Ziyadi visited on Friday the General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, which operates under the Interior Ministry. During the visit, Ziyadi chaired a meeting with senior directorate officials that was also attended by the director of the Chief of General Staff's office. The directorate presented a detailed briefing on its operations, results and the main challenges in countering narcotics, according to the statement. Ziyadi said the data showed significant progress in the drug fight, adding that Iraq has emerged as a leading country in the region in preventing narcotics smuggling. He set the goal of an Iraq completely free of drugs and instructed officials to prioritize treatment for addicts and meet the directorate's operational needs. The prime minister also ordered the creation of a commission involving multiple agencies and asked to receive monthly reports on the narcotics file.