Iraqi PM says no justification for armed groups after US withdrawal

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said Wednesday that there is no justification for armed groups to continue operating in Iraq after the withdrawal of U.S. forces, adding that most of those groups have begun handing over their weapons to the state. Speaking in his first media interview since taking office, with Hadley Gamble of IMI International, Sudani said Iraq would not need a "resistance" once U.S. troops leave the country. He also identified anti-corruption efforts as a priority, saying his government has taken steps at every ministry and institution to cut off the sources of graft. On bilateral ties, Sudani said relations with Washington are shifting from a military nature toward an economic partnership. He also said Iraq has asked OPEC to allow it to raise oil production in line with its capacity and population.