Baghdad, The Prime Minister, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, revealed today, Saturday, that we demanded the Interpol the arrest and extradition of high-ranking officials who have embezzled more than $2.5 billion in tax funds, stressing that our special forces have uncovered a series of planned attacks by ISIS in Europe.
Al-Sudani said, in an article published in the British newspaper The Guardian, according to the official agency, that “the government paved the way over the past year to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people and support their basic needs,” stressing that “the government is focusing on attracting foreign investment, strengthening the private sector and addressing important issues, especially in Education and health care.”
The Prime Minister added: "The government has taken important steps to restore Iraq's reputation on the global stage," stressing "Iraq's decisive role in working to protect political and economic security in the region through cooperation with our international partners."
He pointed out that "the tripartite budget focuses on modernizing our infrastructure and creating job opportunities," stressing that corruption is the biggest threat to future development in Iraq.
Al-Sudani said: “We asked Interpol, as part of our anti-corruption campaign, to arrest and hand over former high-ranking Iraqi officials who embezzled more than $2.5 billion in tax money,” noting that “we have recovered a large amount of stolen tax money, and we will bring those responsible to justice, and this "requires continued cooperation with partners like the UK."
He explained, "Iraq has become a place for international companies to invest and work, especially in the energy sector," while revealing that "during the first year of the government, major investment deals were signed, which indicates the growing international confidence in the Iraqi economy."
He also continued: “We will confirm our pivotal role in the region, through partnerships and investing in our untapped potential,” pointing out that “Iraq will be able to help achieve broader regional prosperity,” noting that “Iraq is on a positive path."
“There is still a lot to be done, and we are committed to ensuring that this continues for all Iraqis,” Al-Sudani said.
He stressed that “ISIS gangs no longer exist, except in small pockets in Iraq,” stressing that “our special forces uncovered a series of planned attacks by ISIS in Europe, including the United Kingdom.” He also stressed: “We will ensure the end of the ISIS gang threat locally and internationally, by continuing to work with our global security partners.”
Regarding the tragic events in Gaza, the Prime Minister indicated that “there is an urgent need for critical humanitarian aid,” stressing that “Iraq has solidarity and a strong stance with the Palestinian people, and our country has committed to providing significant assistance to the people of Gaza,” stressing “work with our international partners to put "A quick end to this tragedy."
Al-Sudani explained: “We stressed with our international partners during the Cairo Peace Summit that the destruction practiced by the occupation forces must stop, and it is very important that the region not retreat into instability and conflict again,” stressing that Iraq hopes that the region will be able to move forward and address the challenges through effective cooperation,” pointing out that “our country has worked hard to establish stability.”
Source: National Iraqi News Agency