Maliki says challenge between state and armed groups has ended

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, said the process of consolidating weapons under state control is currently being carried out as "regulation and control," adding that the term "disarmament" is no longer being used. In remarks to Al-Sharqiya TV, Maliki said the previous language of confrontation, threats and intimidation has ended, and stressed that attacks against the government, as well as attacks by armed groups, serve no one's interests. Maliki said there is no room for internal conflict in the country and that this approach opens space for dialogue and negotiation. He said the process is moving forward on the basis of differentiating between heavy, medium and light weapons, and that the matter will be handled by a commission established with the armed groups. The State of Law leader noted that the question of consolidating weapons under the state does not have full agreement among armed factions, pointing out that the Najab Movement, Hezbollah Brigades and Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades refused to relinquish their military capabilities on September 30. The State Administration Alliance had also warned that after September 30, any armed activity outside the state would be treated under counterterrorism law.