Al-Sadr, Defense Minister emphasize importance of ending militias existance in military

(IraqiNews.com) On Monday, cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi confirmed the need to end the presence of militias in the military. Sadr indicated that the army is not bigoted, but is for all of Iraq, while al-Obeidi called for the need to reject the militia and restore the army’s prestige.

Mr. al-Sadr said in a press conference with Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi—after a meeting between the two—attended by IraqiNews.com, “The visit of Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi to Najaf came to announce that the army is not sectarian, but is an army for all of Iraq,” noting that, “We will work together to bring back the prestige of the state and the unity of Iraq, and push militias out of the army and outside Iraq to be replaced by the army, which is the only one that should be in control and fighting terrorists. ”

For his part, al-Obeidi said, “This visit comes at the invitation of Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr; it is a historic meeting despite it is short. We have achieved a lot, and an important part of the military support was achieved during it,” adding that, “We are interested in the guidance of Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr; we are on the same path.”