Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has reaffirmed the government's commitment to resolving outstanding issues with the Kurdistan Region, including financial and administrative files.

In a media interview, he also denied reports that Iraq plans to leave OPEC, pledged to continue the anti-corruption campaign, addressed the issue of weapons held by armed groups, and outlined Iraq's monetary policy and foreign relations.

Kurdistan Region an Integral Part of Iraq

Speaking in an interview with the media, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi described the Kurdistan Region as an important part of Iraq while discussing relations between Erbil and Baghdad.

Al-Zaidi said the federal government is working to resolve the outstanding issues with the Kurdistan Regional Government. These include the transfer of public sector salaries, non-oil revenues, and the implementation of the ASYCUDA customs system.

Iraq Will Remain in OPEC

Addressing reports that Iraq may withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), al-Zaidi denied the claims and said Iraq has no intention of leaving the organization.

Anti-Corruption Campaign Will Continue

The Prime Minister said the government's anti-corruption campaign will continue, stressing that neither internal connections nor external relations will protect corrupt individuals or halt legal proceedings against them.

Al-Zaidi said the confessions of former Ministry of Oil Undersecretary Adnan al-Jumaili helped investigators identify other individuals allegedly involved in corruption cases.

He added that arrest warrants were issued through legal procedures before being handed to the government for implementation as the executive authority.

Commenting on the use of military vehicles during the operation in Baghdad's Green Zone, al-Zaidi said tanks were deployed to secure and close the area during the operation.

He added that the only option for those accused of corruption is to return the stolen funds to the state treasury.

Program for Weapons Surrender

On the issue of armed groups, al-Zaidi said some groups continue to retain weapons because they believe foreign forces are still present in Iraq.

He said the government is preparing a program for the surrender of weapons and the regulation of the activities of armed groups.

Monetary Policy and the U.S. Dollar

Discussing monetary policy, al-Zaidi said Iraq handles incoming U.S. dollars in accordance with Central Bank standards and that the country's annual cash requirements are determined at the beginning of each year.

Al-Zaidi said Baghdad and Washington will announce a political and economic alliance. He also stated that Iraq is working to bring Iran and the United States closer together, emphasizing that Iraq seeks to serve as a point of convergence rather than a venue for conflict and will not align itself with any front.