Parliamentary power: Kurds did not provide a convincing justification for non-commitment to pay oil money

[jcfrag]

Seems they should vote in someone younger with less bitterness towards Iraq to move forward. This old fart was alive when Husain was in charge and still living in fear, or so it seems. Sounds kind of like Chicken Little... imho...

Edited June 16, 2017 by jcfrag

[tigergorzow]

1 hour ago, jcfrag said:

Seems they should vote in someone younger with less bitterness towards Iraq to move forward. This old fart was alive when Husain was in charge and still living in fear, or so it seems. Sounds kind of like Chicken Little... imho...

jcfrag Concur,  It is time for new "Blood".

[SocalDinar]

Masoud Barzani says he will not stand in November’s presidential elections

By Rudaw 11 hours ago http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/160620171

President Masoud Barzani's supporters fly high a flag of the Kurdistan Democratic Party with his portrait. File photo: Rudaw

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Kurdish President Masoud Barzani has said that he will not stand in the presidential elections to be held in November, following the planned referendum for independence that is going to take place in September.
 
The US-based Foreign Policy magazine asked Barzani about his position with regard to the general election that is expected to take place on November 6, more than a month after the referendum that is scheduled for September 25.
 
“I will not stand for election,” Barzani said in his response that was published on Thursday.
 
Barzani's term in office ended in 2013 after serving two four-year terms and was then extended for two years by an act from the then KDP-PUK dominated parliament. It was further extended by a Kurdish court when the political parties failed to reach a negotiated solution.
 
His term in office and the debate about what system should Kurdistan have, presidential as promoted by Barzani’s Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), or parliamentarian as almost all other major parties demand, have been the main factors behind the political stalemate.
 
The Kurdistan presidency law as passed by the parliament stipulated for the president to be elected by direct popular vote, as was the case in 2009 when President Barzani won more than 70% of the votes. 
 
Gorran (Change) Movement, the second-largest party in Kurdistan with 24 seats, has repeatedly called for a parliamentary system and the law for the Kurdish presidency to be amended. It wants to elect the president by the parliament, as used to be the case before the 2009 presidential elections, with fewer powers.
 
The KDP virtually shut down the Kurdistan parliament mainly because the Kurdish legislature whose Speaker Yousif Mohammed, a Gorran member, had insisted on amending the law in the parliament in 2015 before the end of Barzani’s extended term in August that year.
 
The parliament has not convened since, and all attempts, including a recent initiative by the KDP and its strategic ally, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), have failed to reopen the parliament.
 
The KDP has 38 seats in the parliament and heads the coalition government comprised of the first five parties in terms of the number of seats.
 
Gorran ministers have been barred from performing their duties since October 2015.
 
President Barzani has asked the Kurdish electoral commission to prepare holding the parliamentary and presidential elections "on time,” which is expected to be on November 6.

[Officiallytook]

Dope moves 

[yota691]

President Barzani: the referendum will be followed by negotiations and dialogues with Baghdad

He confirmed the continuation of joint action to eradicate Daesh from Iraq  

 

 Rawezh Muhamad

 06/17/2017 - 15:40

 

 

 

 

President of the Kurdistan region, Massoud Barzani, on Saturday, June 17, received in 2017 the President of the Foundation term for Media, Culture and Arts Fakhri Karim, The meeting dealt with developments in the situation in Iraq, achieved successes against Daesh, and relations between the federal government and the region, including the position of the referendum, the central issues outstanding under participation and national consensus.

     Statement issued by the Kurdistan president, read (Basenyoz) a copy of it, quoted President Barzani confirmed, that "the referendum the right of the Kurdish people, and requires after the vote and negotiations dialogues with the federal government and other parties concerned, and to address the outstanding issues between the center and the region."

 President Barzani praised the unity of ranks, which reflected the Kurdish parties and agreed to hold the referendum deadline set (September 25 next, noting that "dialogue and measures required will take its way in the coming days to strengthen the unity of the situation achieved and the participation of everyone in the fate of the people of Kurdistan Report."  

  At the end of the meeting, it was stressed interest in the relationship with the resurgence of the Federal Government, and the dialogue and negotiations on all matters relating to relations between the two parties, and to continue to work together to eradicate terrorism Daesh and from all Iraqi territory.

[yota691]

Urgent .. planned visit by Secretary General of the Arab League to Kurdistan to demonstrate their rejection of the draft referendum

Hits: 907

 

 

Urgent .. planned visit by Secretary General of the Arab League to Kurdistan to demonstrate their rejection of the draft referendum

 

17-06-2017 03:43 PM

 

Euphrates -

 

Revealed sources responsible for a planned visit by the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit to Kurdistan to meet Massoud Barzani.

The sources said in a telephone call to Firat news that Aboul Gheit promised Vice President Iyad Allawi visited Kurdistan to meet Massoud Barzani and urge him not to proceed to hold the referendum and independence Krdstan.makda that the League does not want to divide Iraq and must be a united Iraq. 

The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit held talks with Vice President Iyad Allawi, who is currently visiting Cairo, addressed the entire Iraqi developments, especially with regard to the ongoing battle with the inhabitants and Daesh Daesh in Mosul. And Massoud Barzani sought to hold a referendum in preparation for the independence of Kurdistan

Aboul Gheit expressed during the meeting its full support for the Iraqi efforts under way for the liberation of the national territory, and cleanse the country of terrorist groups, and the restoration of sovereignty over the entire territory of Iraq. Aboul Gheit added that, according to his spokesman, post-political Daesh require great wisdom and mutual concessions from various parties in order to reach a coherent and stable political situation, be a bulwark against terrorism criminal schemes.

[tigergorzow]

Abadi: Kurdistan independence referendum is "illegal"

June 18 2017 12:42 PM

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi

 

 

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi urged politician to stop using vendetta methods which serves only the enemy and defame Iraq's in front of the world.
 

Parliamentary general election will be held in its date, Abadi asserted during a meeting with the press, calling for parliament to form a new electoral committee.
 

The prime minister also tackled Kurdistan independence referendum, describing it as "illegal", saying that the federal government won't support, participate or fund it.
 

He also stressed that the United Nations declared that it will not participate in this referendum without Baghdad's approval.
 

Kurdistan regional government announced that the referendum is not binding and only aims to know Kurdistan's people opinions on the matter of independence, he further added.
 

Independence will further Kurdistan's problems, especially as Kurds have splitting opinions about this issue and will deepen Kurdistan's economic crisis.

 

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/12215/Abadi-Kurdistan-independence-referendum-is-illegal

[yota691]

Lawmakers warn of the danger of a referendum on the region and the unity of the country

6/18/2017 0:00    BAGHDAD / Shaima Rashid    since identifying the Kurdish parties , which met at the invitation of the President of the Kurdistan region, Massoud Barzani, on 25 September next date for a referendum on independence from Iraq, and the debate rages between the Arab parties , which warned of the consequences of independence , the unity of Iraq, and that circumstance and time is not suitable for the vote, and between the two Kurdish parties possess the weight and a popular political movement of change (Curran) and the Kurdistan Islamic group , which affirms that no call for a referendum in isolation from the federal government and the Parliament is disabled. The MP for the Reform Front, Fred Brahimi, to put the referendum in this dangerous time and a big risk for the political process in the country, indicating that the whole subject does not serve Iraq or the Kurdish people , despite the insistence of it led to the presence of a lot of obstacles in front of him. Brahimi said in an interview for "morning": that the timing of the referendum is not suitable because it is not in the interest of Iraq and the Kurdish people . Some Kurdish opposed by parties, as well as regional and international opposition to him, pointing out that the region semi - independent since 1991 , the Iraqi government. Brahimi said that raising the issue of the referendum is intended to distracting Iraq after a new dilemma "Daesh", or divert attention from the victories achieved by the security forces from the army, the police and the crowd, noting that put the issue must be at the right time and circumstance. Brahimi saw what he described as "adventure" by the president of the region will not be in his favor, especially that all regional states and most of the political blocs opposed to the referendum and prepared by a first step to divide Iraq. Brahimi asked: Are countries in the region that allow there to be the nucleus of a Kurdish state in southern Turkey and western Iran? MP did not rule out the mass of reform that political dimensions are behind the referendum, adding that the Kurdish people 's rights will not be realized for secession because the region will benefit from remaining in Iraq under greater than his separation with him. In turn, through the MP for the Liberal bloc, Abdul Hadi al- Odeh, lamented projects that lead to disrupt the unity of the country, stressing that the referendum is not in the interest of Iraq now , nor at any other time , because Iraq is not only to be strong in its unity. He said the return, in an interview with the "morning", the right to self - determination acknowledged constitutionally, but such a right would lead to a weakening of Iraq in the region, adding that the Liberal bloc will issue a statement on the subject, while the parliament will discuss in the next chapter of this issue and its implications with Kurdish parties. While the Kurdish MP went in the House of Representatives, Adel Nouri, the regional situation today is very appropriate for the referendum "in the presence of international understandings", stressing that the referendum will keep an appointment scheduled, while the announcement of the establishment of a Kurdish state understandings with Baghdad to cut off the road in front of the problems that needs It may occur later. He explained Nuri, in an interview with the "morning", the Kurdish people struggling for ages to realize his dream of independence from the monarchy and so far, noting that after the fall of the previous dictatorial regime and the writing of the Iraqi constitution was supposed to Article 140 lead to resolve the outstanding problems between the Federal and Government the region , but the period has elapsed and did not solve the problems. Nuri said that the solution of the problems are three ways the first legal and constitutional means and , unfortunately , we did not find a real intention to resolve problems between the federal government and the region, and the second is to resort to political consensus and this also did not happen so it was left only to impose a fait accompli, referring to the Kurdish administration already exist on all regions disputed control of the Peshmerga forces on the territories occupied by the "Daesh". Nuri pointed out that the confusion and controversy between the Kurdish parties on independence and the establishment of a Kurdish state due to the fear of some of these parties of the security, economic and political problems that may arise as a result of independence, stressing that the parties and the Kurdish people fully agree on the referendum as truly their rights recognized constitutionally.

[GregHi]

Back from a very long break and I see the Kurdish independence talk is still a go.. interesting that some said it would never happen, when my friend told me they were super serious about it.. I guess we shall see..

[ChuckFinley]

1 minute ago, GregHi said:

Back from a very long break and I see the Kurdish independence talk is still a go.. interesting that some said it would never happen, when my friend told me they were super serious about it.. I guess we shall see..

Welcome back. The U S has taken a big stake with the Kurds. Will be interesting to see where this goes.  

[GregHi]

1 minute ago, ChuckFinley said:

Welcome back. The U S has taken a big stake with the Kurds. Will be interesting to see where this goes.  

Thanks Chuck!!

[yota691]

Arbil: We want to share power and wealth with Baghdad

Political

 Since 06/18/2017 13:26 am (Baghdad time)

 Baghdad balances News

Iraqi Kurdistan Foreign Minister Falah Mustafa called on the Baghdad government to respect the will of the people of Kurdistan, stressing that the region presented the idea of a referendum on independence as a way to solve problems, and to spare Iraq and the Kurdistan tragedies and woes.

Mustafa said in an interview with the site "Sputnik": "We suffered a lot in the past, and we need to find a solution now, port out of the crisis and to find a lasting and peaceful solution of independence."

He called Mustafa federal government in Baghdad to "respect the will of the people in the region, and to engage in serious negotiations to find a peaceful solution to this issue," he continued: "We have tried very much to be part of a federal Iraq federal, pluralistic, but unfortunately, we can not build this Iraq; because Our partners in Baghdad, are not ready to share power and wealth. "

Mustafa explained that "the referendum on the independence of the province solution in itself, not a problem, we reached out continuously to enter into negotiations on this subject.

Mustafa stressed that "on 25 September / September, the date of the referendum on independence for the region, it will be a national day for the people of Kurdistan," pointing out that "the decision of the referendum taken by the leadership of the Kurdistan region, with the political parties in the region, and all the forces represented in the parliament and is represented also , who became the feel of inequality, and not to be treated as a partner. "

Mustafa pointed out that "the people of Kurdistan is the only one who can suspend or cancel the referendum, and we are committed to what he wants," noting that "we want to show through this referendum, that the people of Kurdistan decided to exercise their right to self-determination."

Mustafa stressed that the region has yet to begin talks to conclude any deals or buy weapons, with any of the international companies, while stressing that the doors of the region is open to oil and gas companies, from around the world.

Mustafa said: "There are no attempts with companies for arms deals."

Mustafa added that "the subject of cooperation in the field of oil and gas, an open field and we have companies operating Russian, Chinese, American, British, European and neighboring countries."

Mustafa said that investment in the oil and gas field is discussed by officials of the region with all countries, stressing: "Our economy is free, and our doors are open, in front of everyone."

Mustafa stressed that the leadership of the region, "wants to build bridges of communication and strong economic relations with all countries."

The Kurdistan Iraqi Foreign Minister expressed hope that the support of the peoples and countries of the world for the independence of the region, pointing out that the Kurdistan government understands the inability of many countries to disclose their full support before the formal declaration of independence.

Mustafa said in an interview with Sputnik that "we hope all free peoples to support the independence of the Kurdistan region, but at the same time we understand and appreciate the principles of international relations between these countries and they can not disclose the full support before the declaration of independence."

Mustafa added that he hoped to support countries' demand for a sovereign independent Kurdistan in a free state, because it will help to restore order and stability, and will be a partner to support peace and stability in the region. "

Mustafa stressed that "the political leadership of the region, and all officials, are seeking the subject of independence when they visit friendly countries, as the subject of a fateful," following: "We want all countries to understand our position, the subject of the referendum was and still search our place in all international forums."

Mustafa stressed that international positions in general and Russia in particular, the positions of pro-independence and ambitions of Kurdistan, as well as dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad, saying: "For our part we thank all the countries that support our legitimate demands, and at this stage, our demand is that these countries understand the position of the region, and why we are involved in the conduct of the referendum, as well as to support the dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad, in order to have a peaceful and serious dialogue to end the status quo ".anthy 29

[tigergorzow]

Arab league urges Kurdistan to cancel independence referendum

June 18 2017 01:20 PM

Masoud Barzani

 

The Secretary General of the Arab league Ahmed Aboul Gheit will visit Kurdistan region soon to meet with head of the Kurdish regime Masoud Barzani, according to press sources. 

During his meeting with vice President Ayad Allawi, Aboul Gheit promised to meet with Barazani and urge him to cancel the referendum on Independence slated for the 25th of September.

The Arab league is seeking a unified Iraq, Aboul Gheit added.

The meeting tackled the recent developments of Mosul offensive and the battle against ISIS terrorist group as well as Kurdistan referendum   

On 7th of June 2017, Barzani met with Kurdistan political parties representatives and other senior officials. They decided to hold an independence referendum on 25th of September and general elections on 6th of November.

 

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/12219/Arab-league-urges-Kurdistan-to-cancel-independence-referendum

[yota691]

of a delegation from the Kurdistan Region to visit Baghdad soon

5 hours ago

 

 

Twilight News / A spokesman for the federal government Saad Sabri, on Sunday, said a delegation from the Kurdistan region will visit Baghdad soon, without specifying the date of the visit.

Sabri said in a press statement quoted by the media Kordih is expected to visit a delegation from the Kurdistan region of Baghdad soon to discuss the outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil.

With regard to the publication of a statement on behalf of the Iraqi government to hold the referendum in the Kurdistan Region, Sabri said this statement untrue said was issued by the federal government.

He added that the Iraqi government had previously issued a statement nine days ago regarding the referendum, stressing that the Iraqi government has not issued any statement after this date.

It is scheduled to hold a referendum for the independence of the region from Iraq on 25 September next in a move opposed by the Iraqi federal government.

[tigergorzow]

KDP MP calls for prosecution of Kurdistan referendum's opponents

June 19 2017 12:46 PM

Kurdistan referendum to be held on Sep. 25

 

Judicial authorities have to open files for opponents of Kurdistan Region's referendum on independence, Shakhwan Abdullah, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) MP, suggested on Monday, adding that this move shall pave the way for their trial.

In a statement, Shakhwan said that statements of referendum opponents will be recorded and archived so that they would stand trial on charges of spying and subordination. 

The Kurdistan democratic Party MP called on the region's judicial authorities to take the opponents statements seriously from the legal viewpoint, adding that they shall not hold positions in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)'s institutions and departments in the future. 

The Kurdistan Region would hold a referendum on September 25 that would also include "the Kurdish areas outside the region's administration", a term Erbil uses for the disputed areas that are claimed both by Baghdad and Erbil. It is to be followed by parliamentary and presidential elections on November 6.

 

http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/12265/KDP-MP-calls-for-prosecution-of-Kurdistan-referendum-s-opponents

[yota691]

Kirkuk governor announces readiness to hold a referendum in Kurdistan next September

Political

 Since 19.06.2017 at 12:53 (Baghdad time)

Baghdad balances News

He announced the governor of Kirkuk, Najm al-Din Karim, Monday, in preparation for the province to hold the referendum on 25 of the month of September next.

 Karim said in a statement received / scales News /, "The practice of a democratic referendum to know the views of citizens," expressing his "willingness Kirkuk to participate."

In another context, Karim said, "The criminal activities of gangs Daesh terrorist, increasing the Hamrin basin area which pose a threat to the security of the provinces of Diyala and Tikrit, the latest exposure failed to these gangs in the Zerga area when they foiled the Peshmerga exposure forces killed the attackers."

He explained that "this increase in Daesh activities was expected due to the arrival of editing operations to the city of Mosul, the final stages of flight Aldoaash to Hawija and remote mountain where" .anthy 29

[yota691]

Jubouri meets Barzani calls for giving priority to the language of dialogue to deal with outstanding issues

 

Monday, June 19, 2017 16:21

 

 

 

Alsumaria News / Baghdad  called House Speaker Salim al - Jubouri , during a meeting with President of the Kurdistan region , Massoud Barzani, on Monday, to give priority to the language of dialogue in dealing with outstanding issues, warning that the region is going through a severe tensions could result in fallout and repercussions of the "serious".  Jubouri said the Office in a statement Alsumaria News received a copy of it, that the latter "met with the President of the Kurdistan region , Massoud Barzani, the meeting reviewed the current developments on the Iraqi political scene and developments of the regional landscape and the importance of continued cooperation between all Iraqi parties to ensure stability."   The head of the House of Representatives, according to the statement, that " the region is going through severe tensions could result in serious repercussions and repercussions", calling on everyone to "give priority to the language of dialogue in dealing with all outstanding issues."  He added Jubouri that " the Iraqis with all their constituents have made great sacrifices in order to get rid of terrorism and restore stability to Iraq, and that the participants must be the area that can launch them towards achieving all the goals."  And on the independence referendum of the Kurdistan region, al - Jubouri said that " the sacrifices of the Kurdish people and their suffering during the past decades , the focus of respect and appreciation, taking into account the conditions experienced by the country, and the mechanisms stipulated in the Constitution."  Kurdish parties held a meeting in (June 7, 2017), the resort of Salahuddin in Erbil , headed by President of the Kurdistan region , Massoud Barzani , the center of the province of some political forces, and those parties agreed to hold a referendum on the fate of the region in the twenty - fifth of next September.

[ChuckFinley]

Thanks Yota, both sides pushing their thoughts. Will be interesting what Adam thinks.  

[jcfrag]

Tell ya what I think.... I think Barzani will be the hair that splits Kurdistan into a civil war. He should have bowed out gracefully in 2013 when his time was up. He is every bit the dictator that just doesn't want to give up his importace. He is the only one talking about seperation. Everyone else seems to be sitting on the fence. I agree with Abadi, nothing good will come of seperation, only turmoil and more Barzani political acrobats at the Kurds expense. He says he isn't running in November, and he won't. He won't step down either....   🙄

[Wiljor]

Kurdistan Wants Independence Vote to Be First Step in Talks With Iraq

© AFP 2017/ AHMAD AL-RUBAYE

POLITICS

18:58 18.06.2017(updated 02:24 19.06.2017) Get short URL

269085

Iraqi Kurdistan expresses hope that the independence referendum, scheduled for late September, will mark the beginning of a comprehensive dialogue with Baghdad, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Foreign Relations Department, Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir told Sputnik Sunday.

CAIRO (Sputnik) — Kurdistan became an autonomous region in Iraq after former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was overthrown and a new constitution was adopted in 2005. Since then, Kurdistan’s authorities have repeatedly raised the issue of the region’s independence and announced on June 7 that the referendum will be held on September 25. The decision was slammed by multiple Western states, including the United States, which regards the independence vote as a distraction from the war against the Daesh terror group.

© AFP 2017/ AHMAD AL-RUBAYE

Putin: 'Kurdish Military Very Effective Against Terrorism', No Grounds to Break Ties

 

“We want the referendum to become the first step to the launch of a serious and comprehensive dialogue… aimed at the independence of Erbil from Baghdad,” Mustafa said.

The minister noted that Kurdistan offered a referendum as an option of the peaceful solution to the internal problems of Iraq.

"This is why we want Baghdad to respect the will of the people of the region," Mustafa stressed.

The relations between Iraqi Kurdistan and shia government in Baghdad have worsened in the past years over multiple reasons, including views on local oil fields and the profits therefrom. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi, who came to power in 2014, took the path of normalizing relations with the autonomous region and admitted its right for self-determination.

 

https://sputniknews.com/politics/201706181054743757-kurdistan-independence-vote-baghdad-talks/

[yota691]

European Union: Erbil advise you not to hold a referendum

Political

 Since 20.06.2017 at 09:37 (Baghdad time)

Baghdad balances News

He called on EU foreign ministers, the Iraqi Kurdistan region to avoid taking "unilateral steps" and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue with Baghdad.

The ministers said in a statement: "The European Union believes that the public interest of the Iraqi people realized to the fullest through dialogue and cooperation, and that it should avoid unilateral steps. Must resolve all unresolved issues through based on consensual positions based on the full implementation of the provisions of the Constitution Iraqi. "

The statement added that the Iraqi government and the Kurdish regional authorities must continue to work together on security, including the military campaign to liberate Mosul from the grip of extremists "Daesh" and engage in constructive on all other issues of dialogue.

For his part, head of the Kurdish region in Iraq, Massoud Barzani, said that "the leaders of the region's decision on a referendum to secede from Iraq is not irreversible."

He stressed that: "The decision of the referendum the people of Kurdistan is irreversible," and that "the region wants to achieve their rights away from violence and through peaceful means, and understanding with the Iraqi parties," adding that there were "several irregularities" took place in the Iraqi constitution, and that there is "a violation of the principle of partnership and compatibility. "

In a move faced criticism from Iraq and neighboring Turkey, select the Kurdish region of Iraq, who grew up in 1992, unilaterally on the twenty-fifth of next September as the date for a referendum on secession from Iraq, including the provinces of the three region, Erbil, Dohuk, Sulaimanah.anthy 29 / a 43

[yota691]

Barzani meets with UN envoy to Iraq and discuss referendum

 

 

 45 minutes ago

 

Twilight News / media reported on Tuesday that the Kurdish President of Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani met with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jan Kubis.

Those means and said the two sides discussed the right to self-determination referendum for independence from Iraq, scheduled to take place in 25 of the month of September next.

Barzani and Kubis also discussed a number of issues pertaining to the region as well as relations between Erbil and Baghdad.

 

Keywords: 

[jcfrag]

Why Sept 25th, why so far off into the future? If it is just a vote to see what the Kurds really think about seperation, and it really holds no water as Barzani says, why not here in the next week? Because the war with ISIS is nearly a done deal and Barzani needs to grandstand for the next 3 months. The world then turns their attention to The Great Barzani and holds their breathe waiting on the HCL to be signed so Iraq can actually move forward.....     

 

Just so not what I want to see right now. Neg away, but just plain grandstanding and politics getting in the way of Iraq's progress

Edited June 20, 2017 by jcfrag

[tigergorzow]

Baghdad to Use Hawija Liberation as a Bid Against Kurdistan’s Independence Referendum

 

Basnews English

22/06/2017 - 01:26

Kurdistan

 

 

 

ERBIL — The Iraqi federal government is attempting to further delay the Hawija operation on hopes of using the liberation of the town from Islamic State (IS) as a political bid against the Kurdistan Region, said commander of Peshmerga forces on western Kirkuk frontline.

The Sunni town of Hawija has been under the control of IS since 2014 and it is of strategic importance for the jihadist group. Located in west of Kirkuk province, the town under IS rule is believed by Kirkuk officials to be a constant threat on their province.

Commander Mohammed Regir told the Voice of America that Hawija assault is not believed to happen any time soon as the Mosul operation is likely to further prolong.

Kurdistan Region is holding a referendum on independence on September 25th, until when Regir believes Baghdad will delay Hawija operation.

However, the Peshmerga commander dismissed the claim about increasing number of IS jihadists in and around Hawija, saying only few militants can be found in each village around the town.

Iraqi Prime Minsinter Haider al-Abadi previously ensured that government forces will move on in Hawija and neighbouring Tel Afar soon after they conclude the operation in Mosul. However, he is yet to provide a timetable.

 

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/kurdistan/359422

[yota691]

Daoudi: dialogues and talks are continuing between Baghdad and Erbil to reach a satisfactory outcome on the referendum

22-06-2017 01:07 PM

Hits: 848

 

Baghdad News -

 

 

MP from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Xuan Daoudi block, on Thursday, that the issue of federalism in Iraq is still only on paper, as he emphasized that the Kurdistan region will not abandon the referendum and will spend it, and pointed out that the dialogue will continue between Erbil and Baghdad to reach 'satisfactory results'. 

Said Daoudi in a press statement, he said that 'there are dialogues and talks going on and did not cut off on the issue of the referendum between Prime Minister Haider al - Abadi and regional president Massoud Barzani', noting that 'dialogues will continue until the date of the referendum and beyond to reach a satisfactory outcome for all parties. " 

He added Daoudi, that " the region will not abandon the referendum and would go on this subject, but it will remain one thing to negotiate it is to work the results of the referendum or not ', noting that' there is a constitution that was voted on by all Iraqi factions , but unfortunately , Iraq has not been able to apply it ."