Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani will meet with Shiite Coordination Framework leaders to amend the PMF Service and Retirement Law, aiming to retain senior commanders, protect member rights, and create clear leadership criteria. The amendments seek to establish the PMF as an independent security force under the Prime Minister’s authority, free from political influences. Disputes over the law have led to a legislative deadlock in parliament, prompting Al-Sudani to withdraw the law for further negotiations and potential inclusion in a broader legislative package.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is set to convene with leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework to deliberate on amendments to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement Law. This meeting aims to revise provisions that will help retain senior PMF commanders while safeguarding the rights of members and creating transparent criteria for leadership and ranks.
The proposed revisions will also aim to restructure the PMF into a security force that operates under the exclusive authority of the Prime Minister. This change is intended to shield the PMF from political and personal interference, ensuring that it remains a professional entity within Iraq’s security landscape.
A senior member of the Coordination Framework emphasized that the amendments are critical not only for the PMF’s future but also for its continued role as a stabilizing force in Iraq. The objective is to establish a clear leadership framework without external pressures influencing operations.
Current disagreements surrounding the PMF law have exacerbated political divisions, leading to a paralyzed parliament. This has been evidenced by boycotts from lawmakers, which have hindered quorum and impeded significant legislative progress.
To mitigate these tensions, Prime Minister Al-Sudani has decided to withdraw the PMF law from parliamentary discussions. The Coordination Framework is now considering incorporating the PMF law within a broader legislative package, contingent upon the Kurdish and Sunni factions’ demands for the approval of accompanying legal measures.
The disputes regarding the PMF law center around several contentious issues, including concerns over political influence, particularly from Iran, which raises questions about Iraq’s sovereignty. Moreover, there is debate about whether the PMF should be merged into the Iraqi armed forces or maintain its independence, as well as discussions about the level of government oversight it should undergo, funding sources, and salary alignments with the Iraqi army.
In conclusion, the amendments to the PMF law propose significant changes intended to enhance the independence and professionalism of the PMF while safeguarding the rights of its members. The ongoing political tensions surrounding this legislation highlight the complexities of governing and the intertwining of political agendas within Iraq’s legislative framework. It remains to be seen how these amendments will evolve and their potential impact on the PMF’s functioning within Iraq’s security landscape.
Original Source: shafaq.com
