HAIDER AL-ABADI

The Iraqi constitution is clear in two articles: one says that Iraq is united, and the second one prevents any legislation or acts that impact its unity even from the regional side.

I was elected prime minister in 2014 under incredibly difficult circumstances: A third of the country was overrun by terrorists, the economy was struggling, people were divided by sectarianism, and relations with the wider world were strained.

The role of the government is not to solve religious or sectarian or ethnic problems. These are age-old. I don't think any government of the day can solve all differences. But the government of the day can deliver to our citizens and show our citizens that they are equal in front of the law.

Iraq deals with the United States regardless of who is in the White House.

In the midst of the war against ISIS, we have also waged war on corruption in civil and military institutions.

My role is not to cover up for the crimes of others.

Our citizens must feel they are part and parcel of this country. This is essential.

As prime minister of Iraq, I am required to act in accordance with the Constitution to protect all of the Iraqi people and to keep our country united.

2016 is the year of eliminating corruption.

Corruption is a disease, and sometimes it's institutionalized. It takes years to remove it. But I want to remove it.

We succeeded in fighting terrorism - we will succeed in reconstruction.

I think Mr. Trump is a pragmatic man; he is a businessman.

Iraq is fighting a war against terrorism. We are trying our best to fight them. We are trying our best to fight outlaws in our country.

Inclusiveness has an outlook, an appearance and substance.

The Iraqi people will not allow any country to take possession of their own resources.

Peace has to be solved equally.

We can make sacrifices to fight Islamic State, but the international coalition has to support us.

We cannot afford to fight our neighbor, even if we disagree on many things.

We cannot stop senseless violence without the rule of law and security forces that represent and respect every segment of society.

I never think that walls can protect you.

All border crossings in and out of Iraq must be under the exclusive control of the federal state.

When Saddam Hussein was overthrown, Iraqis resolved never to allow one man, one political party, or one segment of society to dominate our diverse nation. Now we have the opportunity to build an Iraq worthy of what we are: a pluralist people, steeped in history, striving to build one nation in peace and mutual respect.

Any claim between the U.S. and Iran, any conflict is bad for Iraq.

If you challenge the constitution and if you challenge the borders of Iraq and the borders of the region, this is a public invitation to the countries in the region to violate Iraqi borders as well, which is a very dangerous escalation.

At the end of the day, Iraq was a part of the fight against terrorism.