Did the Iraqi Presidency Approve Terror Designation for Hezbollah and Houthis?
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Synopsis
The Iraqi presidency has categorically denied any knowledge or approval regarding the classification of Hezbollah and the Houthis as terrorist entities. This controversy arose from an erroneous publication by a government committee, which has since acknowledged the mistake and promised to correct it. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has ordered an investigation into the matter.
Key Takeaways
- Iraqi presidency denies knowledge of terrorist designation.
- Designation of Hezbollah and Houthis was an error.
- Only laws from Parliament are sent for approval.
- Prime Minister orders an investigation into the issue.
- Iraq maintains a principled humanitarian stance.
Baghdad, Dec 6 (NationPress) The Iraqi presidency has firmly denied any awareness or consent regarding the classification of Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi group as terrorist organizations facing asset freezes.
In a statement released by its media office on Friday, the presidency clarified that it has not been presented with such decisions. They emphasized that only laws enacted by Parliament and presidential decrees are forwarded to the Presidency for examination, approval, and publication, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The presidency highlighted that it only became aware of the inclusion of the Houthis and Hezbollah on the list via social media.
This issue arose from a list published by the country's Committee for Freezing Terrorists' Assets in the official Gazette on November 17, which mistakenly included Hezbollah and the Houthi group among entities slated for fund freezes.
The committee announced on Thursday that the inclusion of these two groups was an error and would be rectified immediately.
The statement from the presidency follows a clarification from the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, which noted that the asset freeze applies solely to individuals and entities linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda terrorist organizations.
Al-Sudani has called for an urgent investigation to identify those accountable for this mistake, emphasizing that the published decision contained language that was inconsistent with the factual situation. He reiterated Iraq's principled and unwavering political and humanitarian stance towards the aggression against the people in both Lebanon and Palestine.
Point of View
My perspective emphasizes the importance of clarity and accuracy in matters of national significance. The Iraqi presidency's denial reflects a commitment to maintaining a principled stance on foreign relations. Our responsibility is to ensure that such critical issues are reported with integrity and fairness, fostering informed public discourse.
NationPress
06/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Iraqi presidency's response to the terrorist designation?
The Iraqi presidency denied any knowledge or approval of the designation of Hezbollah and the Houthis as terrorist groups.
How did the presidency find out about the designation?
They became aware of the designation through social media, not through official channels.
What action did Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani take?
He ordered an urgent investigation to determine responsibility for the erroneous listing.
What did the Committee for Freezing Terrorists' Assets say?
They admitted that the inclusion of Hezbollah and the Houthis was a mistake and would be corrected.
What is Iraq's official stance regarding terrorist asset freezes?
Iraq's asset freeze applies only to entities and individuals linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
