Iraqi PM announces serious start to bringing weapons under state control

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said today marked a serious beginning in efforts to bring weapons outside state control under the authority of the government.

Al-Zaidi affirmed his government’s determination to move forward with ensuring that weapons are held exclusively by the state.

He set the middle of next year as the deadline for achieving that goal, linking the government’s commitment to a clear timeframe.

His remarks framed the effort as a process beginning now, with further action needed to secure state control over weapons by the stated deadline.