
PM: Iraq's interests are paramount, as evidenced by the support of the supreme religious authority
PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani held on Saturday three meetings with groups of tribal sheikhs and dignitaries from Tikrit, Al-Awja, Al-Dour, Baiji, and Al-Sharqat, as well as other districts and sub-districts in Salah Al-Din Province.
The meetings took place at the guesthouse of Member of the Parliament Haitham Al-Zahwan, in the presence of Provincial MP Zuhair Muhammed Al-Zahwan, Sheikh Hatem Abdul Karim Al-Nada, and Sheikh Yasser Shukr Mahal. These meetings were part of the PM's visit to the province to follow up on, inaugurate, and launch several service projects, according to a statement by the PM's Media Office - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
The discussions focused on the social, economic, and service-related conditions in the province, in light of the ongoing implementation of projects across various sectors aimed at delivering essential services to citizens, as pledged in the government's program and its core priorities.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that "the government has adopted a comprehensive path of reconstruction, development, and progress, placing it at the top of its agenda from day one. This stems from the government's fundamental responsibility to implement these commitments across all sectors, based on the five priorities of the government program."
"Iraq is witnessing a new reality and is moving toward a better future through strategic projects, chief among them the Development Road Project. Despite the government's relatively short tenure, it has laid solid foundations for building a state endowed with resources and capabilities that ensure a dignified life for all Iraqis," he highlighted.
Key highlights from the PM's remarks included that, "Our efforts continue from Basra to Mosul, guided by a national, legal, and moral responsibility to treat all Iraqis equally. Salah Al-Din is a promising province with the potential to thrive in oil, agricultural, and commercial industries due to its strategic location. We will soon announce new infrastructure projects in Al-Dour District, followed by a visit to Samarra to unveil the largest infrastructure project. We will also visit Balad and Dujail districts. A new bridge project will be announced in Tikrit, along with a water project that complements Beiji Water Project, which was launched today. Relevant ministries will be directed to begin implementing project procedures. Salah Al-Din is one of the leading provinces in agriculture. The third batch of entitlements for farmers will be disbursed this week."
"Economic reform has been a central focus across all sectors. Continued dependence on oil is no longer viable. Our people are united through brotherhood and social cohesion. Our tribes in the south, center, and north form one unified social entity," he added.
The remarks included, "What is happening in Gaza is a genocide not only by weapons of war but also through starvation, amid the absence of a decisive international response. Wisdom and responsibility require safeguarding the country's higher interests while maintaining our principled stance in rejecting aggression and supporting humanitarian relief efforts."
"Iraq's national interest comes above all else. This is evident in the support of the Supreme Religious Authority, our honorable tribes, and national political forces. The electoral process will proceed as scheduled, not due to any emergency or foreign pressure, but in line with the principle of peaceful transfer of power," Al-Sudani underscored.
The Prime Minister pointed out that "The government is committed to fulfilling all requirements to conduct the elections on time, and to ensuring a secure and stable environment for both voters and candidates."
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