Iraqi Prime Minister al-Ziyadi approves military officer promotions

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih al-Ziyadi approved a list of military officer promotions during a visit to the Ministry of Defense, the Prime Minister's Press Office said. The visit included a meeting with senior commanders at which the ministry's plans and the security posture of military units were reviewed. Al-Ziyadi told participants that the rights of army personnel would be safeguarded and commended the efforts of officers and soldiers in their duties, according to the statement. He said the government is working to transform the Iraqi army into a professional force and to strengthen the country's defense capacity, adding that the military institution's needs would be met. The prime minister also said no weapons outside the framework of the state and the law would be permitted, that anti-corruption efforts would continue, and that a state based on the rule of law would be built. No further details on the number or ranks of officers affected by the promotion list were immediately available.