BREAKING NEWS Nijaifi arrives in Erbil to meet with Barazani

[Alexyn1006]

BREAKING NEWS Nijaifi arrives in Erbil to meet with Barazani

21:17:00 Baghdad (NINA) –

Speaker of Parliament, Usama al-Nijaifi, arrived on Friday evening, Dec. 21, in Erbil to meet with the President of Kurdistan Region, Massoud Barazani.

Parliament's Secretary, Mohammed al-Khalidi, told NINA that the visit comes in light of recent developments related to the arrests of the bodyguards of the Finance Minister, Rafi al-Essawi, to acquaint the Kurds of the case, being partners in the political process.

He added that the meeting will take place later in the evening, and Nijaifi is to return to Baghdad on Saturday. / End.

http://www.ninanews.com/English/News_Details.asp?ar95_VQ=GFELIL

[Dinar_o'saurs]

Thanks for bringing this Alexyn1006. I wonder if the arrests are the only issue they are meeting on. Isn't Nijaifi a Kurd?

[Alexyn1006]

Nujafi’s Secessionist Comments Surprises Iraq

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Usama al-Nujafi shocked the Iraqi political establishment when he declared that Sunni Arabs may consider seceding from Iraq if they are not given more power.

The comments, made during an interview with US-government backed Al-Hurra television while Nujafi was touring the US, led to speculation that America could support the idea.

There have been calls in the past for Sunni-dominated Hawija in Kirkuk to break away and create their own province because of the Kurdish authorities’ dominance there, but Nujafi’s talk of a full secession of minority Sunni Arabs was something totally new, said Iraq expert Reidar Visser.

Most Sunni Arab and Shia politicians reject the idea of seceding from Iraq, but many Kurds have considered it. Most notably, senior PUK official Kosrat Rasul and Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani have both stated that the Kurds have the right to a Kurdish state.

The Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) and other Shia-dominated parties floated the idea of creating a Shia region in southern Iraq in the past, but the idea lost traction and public support over the years. Now in control of most of Iraq’s political institutions, the Shias don’t need a separate region as the Kurds have to protect them from a strong central government.

Some Sunni Arabs have asked for more local power in Anbar and Salahaddin provinces but reject a Sunni region, fearing they would be locked in — without oil — between two powerful Shia and Kurdish regions.

The creation of a homogeneous Sunni region is also difficult given that many regions include Sunnis, Kurds and Shia. In diverse regions like Kirkuk and Mosul, where Arab nationalism is stronger, most Arabs reject secession since it could lead to conflict.

A high-profile Sunni politician from Kirkuk told me that the creation of a Sunni region was an old project of Sunni Arab states like Qatar, the Saudis and Jordan to “liberate Iraq from Iran and the US.”

“It seems to me that Nujafi’s statement is more the expression of frustration than a real plan to create a separate Sunni region”

Most Sunni Arabs in Iraq fear Iran’s influence. But the politician claimed that Sunni Arabs completely reject secessionism because it would eventually lead to the partition of Iraq. A UNAMI report claimed that the Arab district of Hawija in Kirkuk was opposed to creating its own province.

In 2006 then-US Senator Joseph Biden, currently the Vice-President, proposed the idea of partitioning Iraq, but only Kurdish nationalist parties supported this scheme. The US government didn’t support the idea either, fearing it could give Iran even more power over the Shia region.

The fall of the Sunni-led Baath regime in 2003 politically weakened Sunni Arabs. But it is wrong to assume that the Baath was a Sunni-only party. It was created by a rich Shia merchant and later most Iraqi citizens – of all ethnic and sectarian backgrounds — were forced to become Baath members. Shia and Kurdish groups primarily opposed Saddam Hussein, however, and many Sunnis remained relatively quiet.

The Shia and Kurds had political parties with experience and money prior to 2003. The Sunni Arabs were surprised. They became strong supporters of the insurgency and boycotted the first parliamentary elections, but this only hurt their own interests.

The divisions among Iraqiya, which includes prominent Sunni leaders, and Sunni groups, along with Nujafi’s statement, show the weakness of the Sunni political parties. Meanwhile, Shia parties are backed by Iran and the Kurds have a united project to annex the so-called disputed territories to the Kurdistan region through Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution.

It seems to me that Nujafi’s statement is more the expression of frustration than a real plan to create a separate Sunni region. It was Nujafi and his nationalist Al-Hadba party from Mosul who rejected federalism or autonomy inside Iraq most fiercely. His opposition policy was strongly supported by Turkey financially and politically.

Nujafi’s own allies in Mosul, most Sunni circles and the majority of the Iraqiya bloc rejected his “separatist” statement. The Iraqi National Accord (INA), the party of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, rejected it and Iraqiya MP Omar al-Jubouri asked for an explanation because he couldn’t believe that Nujafi had actually made the statement. Nujafi’s deputy immediately resigned in protest.

Members of Nuri al-Maliki’s State of Law alliance and the Iraqi Islamic Party (which in the past some Sunnis accused of pushing for decentralization, says Visser) are trying to use Nujafi’s words against the Iraqiya bloc. More than 50 Iraqi MPs have requested that Parliament hold Nujafi accountable, a member of the State of Law alliance has said.

It is clear that Sunni Arabs are unhappy with their ineffective political power in Iraq and their lack of unity. They are also upset that the Iraqiya coalition couldn’t form a government, despite winning the majority of votes in last year’s elections.

But I doubt this means they want to secede from Iraq or form an independent region, since it would leave them helpless and without any resources. The Sunnis might want to have more local power for Sunni-dominated provinces, but not secession is highly unlikely.(rudaw)

http://ikjnews.com/?p=952

***Yes, I know this article is "old"..just listing as a reference.

Usama al-Nujayfi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search This article may be in need of reorganization to comply with Wikipedia's layout guidelines. Please help by editing the article to make improvements to the overall structure. (November 2010) Usama al-NujayfiUsama al-Nujayfi during a meeting at the U.S. Department of State in 2011Speaker of the Council of RepresentativesIncumbentAssumed office

11 November 2010PresidentJalal TalebaniPreceded byAyad al-SamarraiPersonal detailsBorn1956

Mosul, IraqPolitical partyIraqi National ListReligionSunni IslamUsama Abdu'l Aziz al-Nujayfi (born c. 1956) is an Iraqi politician from the Iraqi National List who was Minister of Industry in the Iraqi Transitional Government. He has been Speaker of Council of Representatives of Iraq since 2010.

According to political ballot in 2010 his name was listed as "Usama Abdulaziz Mohammad Abdulaziz."

Born in Mosul in 1956 to a wealthy family of landowners and politicians, he has a degree in electrical engineering and was involved in building power plants in Iraq. ^[1]

Nujayfi obtained his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Mosul in 1978, after which he worked in the Iraqi government's electricity ministry for 12 years. In 1992, he established his own company. ^[2]

As Minister of Industry he privatised most of the state-owned companies which included firms working in sectors from petrochemical and cement to sugar, silk and heavy industry.

He campaigned against the ratification of the Constitution of Iraq.^[3]

After the Iraqi legislative election of December 2005, he was nominated by the Iraqi National List to be a member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and subsequently headed a parliamentary committee.^[4]

In September 2006 he sparked a walkout by Kurdish MPs when he said the villages around Mosul were of Arab origin.^[5] His bodyguard was also assassinated in that month.^[6] He claimed in October 2008 that the 2008 attacks on Christians in Mosul were carried out by Kurdish peshmerga and intelligence operatives.^[7]

On 11 November 2010, he was elected as Speaker of Council of Representatives of Iraq.

He is the brother of the current governor of Ninawa Governorate, Atheel al-Nujaifi.

http://en.wikipedia....sama_al-Nujayfi

Edited December 21, 2012 by Alexyn1006

[Dinar_o'saurs]

Baghdad / Orr News

Despite the fact that the Kurdish parties refuse to talk about who succeeds President Jalal Talabani in the presidency of Iraq, even now, and put in the corridors of political name Barham Salih Talabani's successor, other sources confirm that the Sunni figures, some of which has the support of al-Maliki, to aspire to the position.

And learned Agency (UR) of political source well-informed that the United Nations and American and British embassies in Baghdad bargaining in complicated situation that may leave absence Talabani, expressing hope that the move embassies in time prompt and fast for fear of the occurrence of a new crisis between the region and the center had "no evil "he says.

Moreover, sources revealed high-level political political moves in anticipation of the death of President Jalal Talabani, pointing out that regional president Massoud Barzani, trying to be the next president of Iraq.

Sources indicated that contacts with the head of the United Nations Mission in Iraq to intervene in solving the problem of large expected breaks, pointing out that signs the crisis started because of choosing an alternative to Talabani. The sources said that Barzani put himself forward as an alternative candidate for Talabani for the award of the presidency of the Kurdistan region, Barham Saleh, indicating that Saleh agreed to this, saying that the region sees himself as a first step in identifying alternative to Talabani in the event of his death.

Politicians say in response to this "right guaranteed them the Convention on the formation of the current government," stressing that "the choice of Barzani will solve more problems of the region, while assuming the presidency of the Republic," to افتين to the presence of parliamentary support for this proposal by the Liberal bloc and the Iraqi List.

Paid this reservation National Alliance to assume Barzani as president, Aazin to mismanagement Barzani political crises as well as the tip region on the balance center. Refers politicians in the National Alliance to Barzani in the event of receipt of the presidency, it will waste ambitions Dawa Party to continue governing , emphasizing that the first duty will be to Barzani as president of the Republic is the overthrow of Maliki, without discussion.

On the subject of the succession of President Jalal Talabani to the presidency of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, competing Barham Salih on the party presidency leaders Tarichaon in the Kurdistan region, such as Rasool and Mullah Bakhtiar, in addition to the leader of the "change" Mustafa Naoshrooan.

[easyrider]

BIG things are about to go down very soon. Looks like they are gearing up to take Maliki out of power.

[Dinar_o'saurs]

True easy. Regardless, it appears that they will be looking to replace Talabani.

My link

[dhall]

Just heard on the news Sen. John McCain stated " Iraq is coming apart at the seams, its going to be another Syria if something is not done."

[whatsthis]

F Y I Talabani has handed his resignation letter to Barzani already & this could be the time for him to step down. Ether way I fell Talabani's time in office is up do to the last year not having been very good for his health.

[Alexyn1006]

Thanks to you too, Dinar_O'saurs.

[uncirculd]

Wow, it says Najayfi will return to Baghdad. didn't maliki cut off the roads? Maybe he's taking a flight. I don't like the idea of 2 separate states. They cannot protect themselves against maliki. He's a tyrant. He's already trying to get the arms to destroy them. Geographically they need to be together for their own safety. Heck, look at the border with Iran, not good. Looks like we are in for another week of mischief and excitement.

[Alexyn1006]

Nujaifi heads for Arbil unexpectedly

12/21/2012 6:19 PM

BAGHDAD/ Aswat al-Iraq: Parliament Speaker Usama Nujaifi will leave for Arbil in undeclared visit.

Aswat al-Iraq correspondent reported that Nujaifi was seen at Baghdad International Airport where he mounted a plane heading for Arbil, accompanied by minister of agriculture Izzidin al-Doula, who is a member of Iraqiya bloc, headed by Iyad Alawi.

No reason was given for the sudden visit, at a time of a new crisis might erupt following the arrest of finance minister Rafi' al-Issawi's bodyguards.

Interior ministry announced today the implementation of judicial warrant to arrest 10 persons of finance minister's bodyguards, with prior knowledge of minister Rafi' al-Issawi.

Minister Issawi charged "militias" of kidnapping his bodyguards, calling Premier Nouri al-Maliki to protect them.

In a statement by the Interior Ministry, it added that only the wanted persons were arrested according to military discipline.

The arrest was made upon terrorism charges, while pro-Issawi elements called for peaceful demonstrations in Anbar province in his support.

Iraqiya bloc will hold an emergency session to discuss the current situation and its implications.

Earlier, Minister Issawi called, few months ago, Maliki to resign and the parliament should activate withdrawing confidence from Maliki's government.

http://en.aswataliraq.info/(S(foudpy55eizlq155rr4fgjz2))/Default1.aspx?page=article_page&id=151830&l=1

Najafi up Arbil to meet with Barzani and crisis-Issawi forefront of their talks .

Friday, January 21 1 / December 2012 22:48 .

Twilight News / arrived House Speaker Osama Nujaifi to Arbil on Friday evening to meet with the President of Kurdistan, Massoud Barzani to discuss the issue of the arrest of protection and Finance Minister Rafie al-Issawi.

A source in the Iraqi List for "Twilight News", Najafi will discuss with regional president Massoud Barzani, the latest developments and especially the arrest of protection and Finance Minister Rafie al-Issawi and reached the assembled leaders of the list today.

The Interior Ministry said in an earlier statement that the arrest of guards Issawi has according to court filings included 10 guards and flag-Issawi.

The Iraqi List, held a meeting after the recent developments, where they decided to authorize Iraqi leaders to take important decisions.

http://translate.goo...ar&tl=en&u=http://shafaaq.com/sh2/news/kurdistan-news/50105-%25D8%25A7%25D9%2584%25D9%2586%25D8%25AC%25D9%258A%25D9%2581%25D9%258A-%25D9%258A%25D8%25B5%25D9%2584-%25D8%25A7%25D8%25B1%25D8%25A8%25D9%258A%25D9%2584-%25D9%2588%25D8%25A7%25D8%25B2%25D9%2585%25D8%25A9-%25D8%25A7%25D9%2584%25D8%25B9%25D9%258A%25D8%25B3%25D8%25A7%25D9%2588%25D9%258A-%25D8%25AA%25D8%25AA%25D8%25B5%25D8%25AF%25D8%25B1-%25D9%2585%25D8%25A8%25D8%25A7%25D8%25AD%25D8%25AB%25D8%25A7%25D8%25AA%25D9%2587%25D9%2585%25D8%25A7.html&usg=ALkJrhidTA_W6ygsBQ9NYk17okIQ2pbZHw amhvl said:

The above article from Gamaray

Issawi Najafi looking with Barzani's political crisis and the issue of the arrest of protection Issawi

History of edits :: 1356165098 • 70 times readable •Published in the section: Iraq News

22/12/2012

{Baghdad: Euphrates News} Search House Speaker Osama Nujaifi with the President of Kurdistan, Massoud Barzani, the developments of the political crisis in the country and the arrest of individuals to protect and Finance Minister Rafie al-Issawi.

Still Iraq's political process in a bottleneck despite all the efforts to resolve by many national parties in the country because of differing views between the political parties and ceilings demands does not intend parties waived. said the Iraqi List MP appearance Janabi told {Euphrates News} that "Nujaifi discussed during his meeting with Barzani in Arbil on Saturday the current events in the political arena and ways to resolve the crisis between the center and the province and address the issue of arrest protection and Finance Minister Rafie al-Issawi." and noted that "the meeting included initiatives to resolve the crisis between the center and the region and put an end to the political crisis ravaging the country in the fastest time through Rcn all parties to the negotiating table. " and worsen the political crisis in light of the issues that arise from time to time and other it is a crisis center and the province and the issuance of an arrest warrant against the vice president sentenced to death Tareq al-Hashemi to arrest members of the Protection and Finance Minister belonging to the Iraqi List, Rafie al-Issawi, these crises deprived the political arena of calm, which led to popular discontent and senior politician according to analysts. ended

http://www1.alforatt...p?storyid=83763

Iraq and Barzani discuss political developments

Date: 2012/12/22 19: 58: 07 Saturday

Erbil (newsletter) ...Kurdistan Regional President Massoud Barzani, on Saturday, with the House of Osama laeis Iraqi political developments, including the arrest of several members of the protection of the Minister of finance.

According to a statement by the Presidency of the territory received (News Agency news) on Saturday, the two sides discussed the latest political developments and the financial Ministry raided the Office and home of Finance Minister and arrested the Minister and protection which is the leader in the Iraqi coalition and President of the future national pool block, as well as the results and decisions of the last meeting of coalition leaders.

The two sides, it said: their risk of this file, and stressed that Iraq aithml other crises, such as those practicing with Kurdistan region, it was necessary for the Federal Government taking into account the critical situation affecting the country, and taking into account the health situation for the President and respect for his efforts to find radical solutions to the outstanding problems and issues.

It added: the Iraqi Parliament, said that Iraqi Ministers authorized Iraqi coalition led to the fateful decisions on the political process, and that his visit to Arbil came to consult with President Barzani about the steps involved in getting the political process.

For his part, Barzani said: that this file will be discussed with political parties, the Kurdistan region./finished/24. o. p/

http://www.microsoft...ew%26id%3D68297