President Rashid Outlines National Priorities in Interview with El Mundo

Iraq 01:27 PM - 2025-07-02

Iraqi President's interview with El Mundo.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, His Excellency Dr Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq, reaffirmed Iraq’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and addressed a host of national and regional issues, from sovereignty and security to governance and economic reform.

Solidarity with Palestine

President Rashid made clear that Iraq’s stance on the Palestinian issue is unequivocal. He condemned the recent war as involving criminal acts against civilians, particularly women and children, and stressed that a resolution to the crisis is impossible without the Palestinians obtaining their legitimate rights.

Lack of Accountability in International Affairs

The President criticised the international community for failing to uphold numerous UN resolutions in the face of aggression, and expressed disappointment that many Western countries continue to support such violations. He praised Spain’s principled position in defending Palestinian rights.

Violation of Iraqi Sovereignty

President Rashid condemned recent breaches of Iraqi airspace during the conflict, noting that Iraq had sought to acquire air defence equipment to safeguard its skies. However, he acknowledged that Iraq’s prolonged history of dictatorship had hampered its defence capabilities. He emphasised that international coalition forces should have taken steps to protect Iraqi sovereignty.

Weapons Must Be in State Hands

He reiterated the government's firm policy that arms must remain exclusively in the hands of official state security forces, across all formations.

Future of Coalition Forces

Regarding the presence of international coalition forces in Iraq, President Rashid clarified that their presence is governed by formal agreements with the Iraqi government. He stated that discussions over whether these forces will remain or withdraw are progressing well.

Ongoing Threat of ISIS

While noting that ISIS no longer poses the existential threat it once did within Iraq, President Rashid warned that the group continues to present a danger globally. He added that the crimes committed by ISIS, particularly against the Yazidi community, will never be forgotten.

Erbil–Baghdad Coordination

The President confirmed regular communication between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to address outstanding issues related to revenue sharing and administrative matters. He emphasised the urgent need to pass an oil and gas law to resolve these disputes permanently.

Call for Inclusive Elections

President Rashid urged all political groups to participate in the upcoming elections, including those that have declared a boycott. He underlined the importance of collective action to address national challenges such as corruption. He added that political boycotts are a natural part of democratic life and occur in many countries.

Crimes of the Saddam Hussein Regime

Reflecting on Iraq’s past, the President stated that the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime was a significant moment for the country. He noted the widespread suffering caused by Saddam’s policies, including Iraq’s isolation from the international community, the use of chemical weapons in Halabja, and brutal campaigns against citizens in the south.

A Vision for Progress

Concluding the interview, President Rashid expressed optimism about Iraq’s future, highlighting improvements in security, ongoing efforts to develop the economy and infrastructure, and the government’s commitment to providing services. He also noted that Iraq now enjoys good relations with most countries and benefits from freedom and democracy.