Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah: No talks on disarmament until all foreign forces leave the country

BAGHDAD, Dec. 21 (YPA) – The Iraqi group Kataib Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) on Saturday rejected calls to disarm, linking any such move to the withdrawal of US forces and other foreign troops from Iraq.

In a statement, the group argued that Iraq’s sovereignty and security, along with preventing foreign interference, must be guaranteed before any discussion on consolidating weapons under state authority, stressing that its weapons will ‘’remain in the hands of its fighters.’’

“Engagement with the government will occur only after the withdrawal of all ‘occupying forces, NATO troops, and the Turkish army,” the statement added.

The statement stressed that ”the weapons are not personal property and cannot be seized before national sovereignty is secured and citizens are protected.”

@E.Y.M