[ENGLISH.AAWSAT] Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi accused political parties of obstructing government efforts in restoring state prestige and combating corruption.
Kahdimi indicated that some parties are trying to disrupt the anti-corruption committee which is accused of abuse against officials arrested on corruption charges.
During a televised interview with a number of Arab channels, Kadhimi said that restoring the state means some parties will be affected and harmed, and they will try to resist until the last moment.
The PM asserted that the government took a number of measures to restore confidence in the security services, noting that all parties must work within the framework of the state.
Asked about the military parade of "Rubu Allah" faction in Baghdad last Thursday, Kadhimi asserted that it won't be repeated.
Some parties want the government to fail and are trying to impede its work, according to Kadhimi, noting that the cabinet took bold decisions and presented a number of reforms including the white paper on economic and administrative reform.
Kadhimi earlier adopted the "New Mashreq" concept, which was rejected by a number of parties, especially those affiliated with Iran.
He explained that the New Mashreq can be established with Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt at its core, in conjunction with the preparations for a tripartite summit, which was postponed.
"When economic interests are the main element in the strategy of cooperation, problems are reduced."
Iraq does not need foreign forces on its territories, asserted Kadhimi, adding that the country needs international support, and the help of the coalition air forces to direct Arclight airstrike
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s against ISIS hideouts.
Kadhimi stressed that the relationship between Washington and Baghdad must be transformed into a US-Iraqi interest in the fields of economy, security, culture, and health.
Kadhimi’s advisor Hussein Allawi, told Asharq al-Awsat that the government has worked with the US on the strategic dialogue.
This includes redeploying 2500 out of the 5000 advisors who previously worked with the international coalition against ISIS.
Iraq is looking towards expanding its relations with the US to include various fields such as economy, development, and investment.
Allawi asserted that the "New Mashreq" is an important economic, political, and security project that aims to strengthen various fields and provide public services, which will enhance Iraq’s foreign policy.
Iraq will have a competitive advantage, especially for its oil and gas resources, in addition to improving its capacity in joint projects with other countries, namely Jordan and Egypt, according to the advisor.
On Saturday, Kadhimi announced the postponement of the "New Mashreq" tripartite summit with Egypt and Jordan, in wake of Friday’s deadly train collision in Egypt.
The PM also discussed in a phone call with Jordan’s King Abdullah II bilateral ties, regional issues, and means to boost cooperation.
For his part, King Abdullah stressed the need to build on the trilateral cooperation mechanism between Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, in service of their peoples' interests, adding that he looks forward to the next trilateral summit, according to a Royal Court statement.
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