Iraq’s Islamic Supreme Council chief says sovereignty will strengthen after foreign troop withdrawal

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of Iraq’s Islamic Supreme Council, Sheikh Hemmam Hamoudi, said on Wednesday that the country will enter a new phase in which sovereignty and the rule of law are strengthened after foreign forces withdraw. In a written statement from his office, Hamoudi said he received Abu Ala al-Walai, secretary-general of the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, for talks on recent political developments and the Coordination Framework forces’ support for state processes. Hamoudi said dialogue and mutual trust are the only path to preserving stability and strengthening the power and authority of the state. He also stressed the need for all national forces to unite around a shared vision in line with Iraq’s higher interests and those of its people. The council chief underlined the importance of maintaining Iraq’s position as a source of regional security and stability. No further details on the timeline of the foreign troop withdrawal were provided in the statement.