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

[Butifldrm]

Kurdistan region agrees to 12% of the budget next year and sets one condition

SECTION: SLIDE NEWSNOVEMBER 15, 2017 4:54 PM

Kurdistan region agrees to 12% of the budget next year and sets one condition

 

A report issued by the Finance Committee in the Parliament of Kurdistan revealed on Wednesday that the region agreed to allocate 12.67% of the budget to him in one case only.

"If Baghdad does not agree to pay 17% of the budget for the Kurdistan region, the Kurdistan Region must adhere to be 12.67% of the total revenues of Iraq without the deduction of sovereign expenditures," said the report of the Committee on the share of the province of the budget and received Baghdadiya News / Of which".

He explained that "so will be the share of the Kurdistan region 13 trillion dinars, while the payment of 17% of the budget after the deduction of sovereign expenditure means sending 11 trillion dinars for the region."

The report stressed that "the difference in the number of employees of the Kurdistan region must be addressed by a specialized committee comprising experts from both sides, as the Kurdistan Region confirms that the number is one million and 249 thousand and 481 people, while Baghdad indicates that the number of employees in the region is 681 thousand Only 21 people. "

The report of the Committee, "the need to commit to the Kurdistan region to export 250,000 barrels of oil per day through Iraq."

http://www.albaghdadiyanews.com/?p=76375

[FROSTYJACK]

18 hours ago, ChuckFinley said:

Two of my favorite DV. Trust you guys are doing well. Please take your seats, we are making our final approach.   

 Hey Chuck, with the airplane landing reference are you channeling your inner OK? LOL 

[nannab]

More great news !!!!  Thanks much Butifldrm

[TexasMike1958]

On ‎11‎/‎7‎/‎2017 at 7:30 AM, tigergorzow said:

Dialogue the Only Means to Resolve Erbil-Baghdad Disputes: KRG PM

 

KRG PM met with Special Representative of UN Secretary General

Basnews English

07/11/2017 - 16:11

Kurdistan

 

 

 

 

ERBIL — Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani met on Tuesday with Ján Kubiš, the Special Representative of UN Secretary General, to discuss the pressing issues.

The sides reiterated the importance of dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad towards resolving the pending issues.

Commenting on the latest political and security developments in Iraq and Kurdistan Region, Barzani and Kubiš stressed that all sides should put an end to the tensions escalated lately between KRG and Baghdad.

They asserted that the role of the international community is significant in preparing the ground for negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad.

PM Barzani reaffirmed that the only way to resolve the disputes is serious dialogue and KRG has already expressed its willingness to hold talks with the Iraqi government for settling the outstanding issues.

 

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/kurdistan/391228

 

What in the name of Heaven and Earth have you been doing for the last 2,000 years???  Its time to ACT

[The Englishman]

http://gov.krd/a/d.aspx?s=040000&l=12&a=56023.

 

Prime Minister Barzani talks to the press: Dialogue is the only option

MON, 13 NOV 2017 22:05 | KRG Cabinet

   

 

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – In a press conference, Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani talked about the powerful earthquake which hit the Kurdistan Region and Iranian Kurdistan last night, Iraq’s 2018 Draft Budget bill and other issues related to the current situation in the Kurdistan Region.

Below is the transcript of the press conference:

 

Good morning,

As you all know, a powerful 7.3-magnitiude earthquake hit Halabja, Darbandikhan, and other areas in the Kurdistan Region last night. I want to express my condolences to the families of the victims and I wish a speedy recovery for those who are injured.

The Kurdistan Regional Government is sending teams to assess the situation and we will do whatever we can and spare no effort to help those in need.

I want to thank the Office of the Turkish President for calling us last night almost immediately after the earthquake occurred. I thank the Turkish Consulate in Erbil and the Turkish Foreign Ministry for contacting us last night and sending trucks of relief material so soon after the quake. They also sent a plane to Sulaimani with more relief material and a rescue team. I thank also the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, AFAD, and the Turkish President himself for his support. They did what was expected as they have done for us during difficult times in the past.

I also want to thank Germyan Administration officials, police, and security offices that immediately rushed to help earthquake victims last night and this morning, and they are still working to serve the people of our Region.
 
On another topic, we have officially sent our reservations and notes to Baghdad about the draft budget bill for 2018, pointing out problematic budget areas. We insisted on receiving the Kurdistan Region’s full 17 per cent share of the budget as agreed to in accordance with the Constitution and we await their response. There is also an issue of sending the required amounts of medical supplies essential, which is very important to serve over 1.5 million internally displaced persons, IDPs, and Syrian refugees.

Regarding military operations, there are currently no military movements on the frontlines. We have said before, and I will say it again, we believe peaceful dialogue with Baghdad on the basis of the Iraqi Constitution is the only way to solution for issues. 
 
Questions & Answers
 
Q: You have called for talks with Baghdad several times. Have they responded? What was their response?

Prime Minister Barzani: No, they have yet to respond. Once again, I reiterate that we should resolve our issues peacefully on the basis of the Iraqi Constitution.

Q: Last week, you said you would visit political parties in the Kurdistan Region. When are you going to visit them? Have you set a time for it?

Prime Minister Barzani: Yes, we were planning to visit the political parties, but the reason why it has been postponed is because some of the parties officials are not here. Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and I have decided to start visiting the political parties when they get back.

After visiting them, we will assess the current situation and will work together to resolve issues, and after that we will select a date for elections in the Kurdistan Region.

Q: The weather is getting cold and people are talking about ‘white oil’ (kerosene) distribution. Can KRG provide ‘white oil’ for the people?

Prime Minister Barzani: Our ability in terms of providing oil is limited, but we will work on this.  

Q: It was said that a KDP delegation would visit Gorran. When is that going to happen? Also, if you make new changes, are there any positive points that you would like to adopt from ‘’Gorran’s package’’?

Prime Minister Barzani: What is ‘’Gorran’s Package’’? I am not aware of that, but anyway, whatever it is, if it helps improve the current situation in the Kurdistan Region, I will consider it and I am ready to listen to all opinions and suggestions.

Regarding the KDP-Gorran meeting, it is true. KDP will visit Gorran as a political party. We are ready to negotiate with Gorran. We will talk as two political parties of the Region.

Q: I heard that Rosneft helped KRG pay its debts to Dana Gas, is that true?

Prime Minister Barzani: Dana Gas’s case was settled in the London Court. We reached an agreement and solved the issues with Rosneft’s help.

Q: The Federal Supreme Court of Iraq stated that secession from Iraq is unconstitutional. What is your opinion about that? Also, the US Congress has agreed to pay salaries of Peshmerga forces while Peshmerga’s name is not included in Iraq’s budget draft even though Peshmerga is listed as a defence force. Can you also give us an update on Kosrat Rasul’s health?

Prime Minister Barzani: We have read and discussed the decision made by the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq and soon we will officially respond to it. I do not want to respond here.

Regarding the decision of the US Congress, we had an agreement with the US Department of Defence to provide financial assistance for our Peshmerga. That agreement came to an end but we are trying to renew it. The US Congress has been considering our request and we thank them. Our Peshmerga deserve their help because they are part of the defence forces of Iraq, especially when it comes to fighting terrorism and ISIS.

Regarding Kosrat Rasul, we are saddened by the news of his health. We are in contact with his doctors and his son, and we have been told his health is better. We pray that he will become even better soon and comes back to the important work we are all engaged in.

Q: After the Iraqi Government cut Kurdistan Region’s share of the national budget, if the KRG does not reach an agreement with Baghdad, will the KRG be able to pay salaries of its employees? Also, there have been rumours going around that you will lead a delegation and visit Baghdad to negotiate. Is that true?

Prime Minister Barzani: The new budget draft is the worst draft so far. The words and statements used in the draft are intended to divide Kurdistan Region’s political entity. Our stance is clear, the Iraqi Constitution clearly recognizes the Kurdistan Region and the KRG as a political entity.  The governorates all agree insist on protecting that entity.

We want to reach an agreement with the Iraqi Government, but according to the budget draft, the money that Baghdad has budgeted is insufficient for our Region. It is not enough even for a single governorate. If Baghdad is serious about supporting the Region with the agreed, fair share of the budget, we welcome it. It is obvious, however, they do not intend to do so. We have a modern biometric system in which all KRG employees are registered.

If Baghdad sincerely really wants to pay salaries of the people of Kurdistan, we are accepting it. But Baghdad works in two different ways. On one hand, they tell the people of Kurdistan that they will pay their salaries, and on the other hand, they submit a budget draft to the Iraqi Parliament that not only is not enough to pay the salaries of the people, but also attempts to dismantle the Kurdistan Region, which is a constitutionally recognized entity. The Iraqi Government promises to pay salaries, but according to the budget draft, they actually are not ready to do so. If they want to pay the salaries of KRG employees, we are ready to collaborate with them.

And, no, we have not decided to visit Baghdad. However, we are willing to start peaceful and serious negotiations with Baghdad in order to resolve outstanding issues.

Q: Mr Prime minister, some Kurdish media and Turkish media stated that your attempt to visit Turkey and meet with Turkish officials has failed.  Would you continue to arrange a visit to Turkey?  My second question is about the Iraqi government’s response to the earthquake in the Kurdistan Region, did the Iraqi government contact you to show its readiness to help Kurdistan? The third question, what would be your comment about some talks which says Rosneft Company is going to offer the Kurdistan Region one billion US dollars. And my last question regarding employee salaries, how can the KRG pay salaries in the coming months.
 
Prime Minister Barzani: Regarding the salaries, we can and will pay salaries for this month and the next month. About your last question, we have received from Rosneft an amount in accordance with the agreement we sign with international oil companies and no amount thereafter. Turkey is our neighbour and we seek good relations with all our neighbours. We look forward to visiting Turkey but so far there has been no failed attempt as you mention. The Iraqi Minister of Health has contacted our KRG Minister of Health, asking about earthquake casualties. 

Q: We hear that those who visit Baghdad from the KRG are only technical teams, why just technical teams are being sent to Baghdad?

Prime Minister Barzani: First of all, everything and all problems should be solved between the KRG and the Iraqi Government in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution.  These technical teams consist of KRG ministers who represent various sectors of our government of particular importance at this time, including finance and law, to engage in serious talks with Baghdad.
 
Q: I have two questions, the first question; there are talks about a special team from Baghdad arriving in Erbil to review the KRG employees’ list. Is it true that Baghdad saying doesn’t want to work with the biometric system? The second question is related to the border crossing points with Iran. Why did Iran reopen some border crossings but some others are still closed?
 
Prime Minister Barzani: Our biometric system is a very good system and we are now auditing all names on the list. What some people say about this system is not true; the system is very credible and is part of KRG reforms.   We continue to review and auditing all persons in the list, that is why I cannot tell you the final number of employees at this time.  The number of pensioners published in the media is not accurate.  It was said there are more than 200,000 ghost names among retired people, which cannot be true, because the total number receiving pensions are 240,000. There are no Baghdad teams here in the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding border crossings with Iran, this question should be asked of the Government of Iran. Iran has reopened the Beshmakh border crossing and it is anticipated the rest will also open, which is in the best interest of Iran itself and our Kurdistan Region. We are in contact with Iran on this issue and await their decision.
                            
Q: The US State Department announced the US is monitoring closely the situation and works with both KRG and Iraq to start a new round of talks. Is this helping Baghdad and Erbil to begin talks?  My second question is this, the Iraqi government spokesperson said that Iraq works and treats the KRG and governorates as it did earlier, asserting that Baghdad respects the KRG and works with it, indicating Iraq has changed its attitude toward the Kurdistan Region. What is your comment on this? My last question is this, Kurdistan has a coordination office in Baghdad. Don’t you think now is the time to reactivate this office to bring Baghdad and Erbil closer together?

Prime Minister Barzani: Dealing between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi government is natural and necessary. Iraq should deal with the KRG in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution. Dealing directly with the governorates on regional issues instead of the KRG is unconstitutional. In reality, however, Baghdad doesn’t act according to what its leaders say.  Let me give you some examples. They said we deal with the KRG and not governorates, but in the Iraqi Budget Draft for 2018, the name of KRG is not mentioned. They talk about governorates, which is not constitutional, because the KRG is a one administration. Another example, we are aware that Baghdad has issued an instruction to their staff that they must seek permission by indicating the governorate they intend to visit in the Kurdistan Region.

Such action clearly contradicts what they say. What we see is that Baghdad is attempting to divide and dissolve the KRG, which is a clear and present danger to all political parties, other groups, and the people of Kurdistan.

We hope, ask, and assert that all issues be resolved in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution. We want a serious dialogue according to the Constitution, which was approved by the Iraqi people. We expect Baghdad to act according the Constitution by implementing what the Constitution says.

Many Iraqi Government decisions are unconstitutional, as are some decisions by the Iraqi Parliament against the Kurdistan Region. The Iraqi Constitution does not allow the federal government to act against the Kurdistan Region.  But, unfortunately, the federal government chooses to act according to some articles and not on others. The Constitution is not a restaurant menu.  We must accept and abide by each and every article.

We thank the US State Department for supporting talks, but up until now no schedule for talks has been proposed.  Regarding the coordination office, yes, it is important. If and when we start negotiations with Baghdad, this office will be reactivated with great care.  Regarding the closing of media offices, this is a highly inappropriate decision and we look forward Baghdad reviewing and reversing their decision.

Q: Mr. Prime Minister, there is also a crisis regarding a serious shortage of medicines because Baghdad is not allowing medicines to be sent to the Kurdistan Region.  Could KRG provide sufficient medicines and other medical supplies to KRG Ministry of Health for the coming months? My second question is about the salaries of the Peshmerga.  If Baghdad doesn’t intend to pay Peshmerga salaries, how will you deal with this issue?
 
Prime Minister Barzani:  We believe Kurdistan has the right to receive medicines and medical supplies up to 17 per cent of the total supplied to the whole country by the Iraqi Ministry of Health. 

The fight against ISIS is a very good example to illustrate the serious issues to be resolved with Baghdad. Our Peshmerga were vital to the liberation of Mosul where and when they acted as an integral part of the Iraqi defence force.  The Iraqi federal government should act in accordance with the Constitution and provide the full, agreed 17 per cent share of the total national budget, not 12 per cent. We reached an agreement with the federal government in the presence of Mam Jalal and the Iraqi Finance Minister.  I attended that meeting.

If they want to arrange the budget according the population, let us have a credible general census in all of Iraq. This would accurately indicate Kurdistan’s share according to the population.  In the meeting, we agreed that Baghdad would provide 17 per cent of total national budget and revenue until the results of a reliable census are known. At first we asked for 23 per cent but compromised on 17 per cent. Iraq should act according to this agreement until the general census is conducted. If there is a general census, we will agree and expect our share based on it. 

About medicines and medical supplies, Baghdad has sent some but Kurdistan’s share has been reduced.  We are in contact with the federal Ministry of Health to solve this issue.  Because of the 1.5 million refugees and IDPs we need much higher amounts than usual. Refugees and IDPs have increased Kurdistan’s population by almost 30 per cent. Hosting and caring for them has cost the KRG 1.5 billion US dollars to date.
 
Q: Iraq decreased Kurdistan’s share to 12 per cent. How do you think about this, and will the KRG work on this issue until it gets its full share from the Iraqi national budget? Are the talks helpful in solving this problem?  What would be the consequences?
 
Prime Minister Barzani: First, the Kurdistan’s political parties will meet to decide this issue. We affirm the KRG Kurdistan will not agree to this reduced rate from the Iraqi budget, but at the same time we don’t seek to break with Baghdad. We will not close doors, we ask for dialogue. We can reach good resolution by solving problems through dialogue. The question is this, do we want permanent stability in Iraq, or do we want these problems to continue? If we want stability in Iraq, we have to reject dominance through power politics. We have to sit down and talk together to solve these problems. If Baghdad doesn’t want a stable country, then we will face the same problem in the future and what we experience today will continue. But the people of Kurdistan Kurdish will remain and will continue to ask for their rights.

This is not about one political party, it is about one nation, who asks for their rights. The rights we seek are constitutional rights.  This is in the Iraqi Constitution and we seek it according the Constitution. We thought about the Referendum because we are deeply disappointed with implementation of the Constitution. If our nation is confident about the future, and Iraq seriously works to implement the Constitution to protect our rights, then our nation will not go in another direction. So, Baghdad should think about the stability of Iraq, which includes Iraqi Kurdistan. The way to reach this is through serious dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad based on the Constitution approved by the Iraqi people.
             
Q: Dear Mr Prime Minister, Baghdad says that KRG is going to send a political delegation to Baghdad, but Baghdad wants KRG to send a technical delegation to start talks, is that true? And my second question is about talks among Kurdistan’s political parties and internal talks in the Kurdistan Region. We know that it was expected to have a meeting with Kurdistan parliament factions yesterday, but Gorran made obstacles by not attending the meeting, do you think Gorran movement had influences on the internal talks and led to postponing the negotiations?
 
Prime Minister Barzani: We didn’t hear from Baghdad about sending any delegations. The meeting was expected to be held but is just postponed until another date. I personally don’t see Gorran intended to make obstacles for the dialogue. We might hold this meeting during next week, no problem with that.
 
Q: what is your expectation from USA to have a role in Iraq … [inaudible] 
 
Prime Minister Barzani: I think you had better to ask the Americans themselves. Regarding Iran, Iran is our neighbour and also Iraq’s neighbour.  We want to have a good relation with all our neighbours. We want to have good relations with the USA, too. Our expectations from the USA have been shared with the US Consul General and other US representatives.  The US State Department has official stated their desire to see a strong Kurdistan Regional Government.  However, what we see in their statement is not, unfortunately, what is being done to protect the balance of peace and security in Iraq. What we seek is for the US Government to work to support dissolving tensions and solving problems between the KRG in Erbil and the federal government in Baghdad.
 
Q: Mr Prime Minister, you talked about danger for KRG in the Draft Budget for 2018. How would KRG deal with this danger, because the people of Kurdistan are waiting for a new solution from you?
 
Prime Minister Barzani: I already talked about this issue. I said we have to start talks with Baghdad to solve our problems.  Dialogue is the only option, there is no more peaceful alternative than dialogue. We want to have dialogue with Baghdad and solve our problems according to the Constitution.  

[Dago!]

Unbelievable! 

[The Englishman]

BAGHDAD SAYS KRG'S RESPECT FOR FEDERAL COURT DECISION "A MEANS TO ANNUL REFERENDUM"

 

20 mins ago

Views 141

 

SULAIMANI – The Kurdistan Region’s declaration of respect for the Federal Court’s interpretation of Article 1 of the Iraqi constitution is a means to “annul the independence referendum,” a spokesman for Iraqi government said on Wednesday (November 15).

When asked about Baghdad’s requirements to start dialogue with Erbil, Saad al-Hadithi said "The Federal Court issued a decision in this regard, and the commitment to this decision means to cancel the referendum, and we look at it from this angle."

Hadithi said the Federal Court has issued a decision affirming that the Iraqi constitution does not contain a text authorizing the secession of any of the components of Iraq, pointing out that the constitution affirms the unity of the country.

Commitment to a decision issued by the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court on November 6 is a means to support Iraq’s unity, Saad al-Hadithi told Russian news agency Sputnik.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said it respects decision No. 122 of the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court regarding the interpretation of the Article 1 of the Iraqi constitution.

Rather, Article 1 says, “The Republic of Iraq is a federal, independent and fully sovereign state in which the system of government is a parliamentary and democratic republic, and this constitution is a guarantor of the unity of Iraq.”    

In its decision at the request of the Iraqi Council of Ministers to consider the September 25 independence referendum, the Federal Supreme Court ruled that there is no provision in the constitution that allows for the separation of any of its components [provinces or regions] provided for in Article 116 of the Constitution under its provisions.

The KRG issued a statement on Tuesday (November 14) saying the federal court’s decision regarding Article 1 should become a basis to start talks between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve the issues.

The KRG statement regarding Article 1 reads; “We believe that this decision must become a basis for starting an inclusive national dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve all disputes through implementation of all constitutional articles and in a way that guarantees all rights, authorities and status mentioned in the Constitution, since this is the only way to secure the unity of Iraq.

(NRT)

[yota691]

The United Nations is ready to cooperate in the dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil

 

Wednesday, November 15,

 

 

 

 

 

Alsumaria News / Baghdad , Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Koteras, Wednesday, expressed support for political dialogue between the Kurdistan region and the federal government on the basis of the constitution, declaring readiness of the organization to cooperate in order to hold that dialogue.  The Kurdistan Regional Government said in a statement received, Alsumaria News, a copy of it, "a meeting was held today between the representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jan Kubic and Prime Minister of Kurdistan province of Najirvan Barzani in the presence of the deputy of the last Qubad Talabani," indicating that "Kubish handed Barzani a letter from the Secretary General Antonio Cotteris expressed his satisfaction with the readiness of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government of Iraq for dialogue. "   "In his letter to Barzani, Coutres expressed his support for the political dialogue between the Kurdistan region and the federal Iraq on the basis of the constitution and the readiness of the United Nations to cooperate in the dialogue between the two sides," the provincial government said, adding that Cotérrez was working to motivate both sides to move forward with the steps required to secure the ground Is appropriate to start a real dialogue, while still a threatening threat to the region is not over, and for national reconciliation and the stabilization of stability must prevent instability.  For his part, Jan Kubic praised the "attempts of Erbil and Baghdad to reduce unrest," expressing "full cooperation of the United Nations in this context."  For his part, Nechirvan Barzani, "thanks for the meeting and the message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations," asserting that "the Kurdistan region as always is ready to resolve all problems with Iraq through dialogue within the framework of the Constitution." Confirmed on Tuesday (November 14, 2017), respect for the interpretation of the Federal Court of Article I of the Iraqi Constitution on the unity of Iraq and the illegality of the establishment of another state on its territory, pointing to the region's commitment to seek a solution to the differences with Baghdad in constitutional and legal ways.

[yota691]

The Kurdistan Democratic bloc decides to return to the federal parliament

 

Wednesday, November 15,

 

 

 

 

Alsumaria News / Erbil The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) announced on Wednesday the end of boycotting the sessions of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, stressing the need to participate in the parliamentary sessions at the current stage, while clarifying that the province is still part of Iraq .  The head of the bloc, Arafat Karam said in an interview for Alsumaria News that "the Kurdistan Democratic Party decided to return to the meetings of the Iraqi Council of Representatives," noting that "the decision to end the boycott of the meetings of the parliament came after studying the situation and recent changes and outstanding problems between Baghdad and Erbil."     Karam added that "it is necessary that the participation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in the sessions of the Iraqi parliament in the current stage," pointing out that "there are many important issues, including the budget law and contribute with our parliamentary brothers in the legislation of laws and control of the government and help the governments of the Kurdistan region and Baghdad to hold Dialogue and problem solving between them. "  "The region is still part of the political process and Kurdistan is still part of Iraq, and the referendum that was held is not to declare an independent state," he said.

[yota691]

Saad al-Hadithi to "Khandan": the start of the audit procedures in the names of employees of the Kurdistan region

- 11/15/2017 6:54:00 AM665 Number of readings

 

 

 

Khaddan - Dana Tayeb 

 Saad al-Hadithi, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, said that the federal government is committed to pay salaries of employees of the Kurdistan region, but after the completion of the process of verification and audit records and statements of salaries of staff of the region. 

Al-Hadithi said in a statement to "Khandan" the start of these procedures "by the specialized committees to check and verify the names of employees and their salaries and salaries to ensure transparency," noting that "these procedures applied in all federal institutions and the region is part of Iraq, Applies to the rest of Iraq. " 

"The process of verification and review is necessary to ensure that there is no file or suspicion of corruption in this matter, and also to ensure the equal amounts of staff in the region with the salaries of employees in the rest of Iraq in the grades of mutual work."

"We are committed to pay the salaries of the province, but properly, and we want the money to go to the employee who works in the state and not to the parties," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said at his weekly press conference on Tuesday.

[ChuckFinley]

10 hours ago, gregp said:

Me to Chuck. If you pass through Oklahoma, look me up. I know a good place on the executive side of the airport that has AMAZING  soul food. I’m sure miss kitty has ate there with her hubby.  

You can count on it. I have a list like 10 miles long. LBWiljorLGD10YAnewyorkguysynoppp.........and on and on. I plan on meeting everyone. That includes PP and the ladies and gentalmen in Canada and a final stop in Scotland to see McG and bang some scotches down.  

[Wiljor]

1 hour ago, ChuckFinley said:

You can count on it. I have a list like 10 miles long. LBWiljorLGD10YAnewyorkguysynoppp.........and on and on. I plan on meeting everyone. That includes PP and the ladies and gentalmen in Canada and a final stop in Scotland to see McG and bang some scotches down.  

 

Would be an honor brother Chuck 

[gregp]

2 hours ago, ChuckFinley said:

You can count on it. I have a list like 10 miles long. LBWiljorLGD10YAnewyorkguysynoppp.........and on and on. I plan on meeting everyone. That includes PP and the ladies and gentalmen in Canada and a final stop in Scotland to see McG and bang some scotches down.  

 

Awesome  my friend. We will smoke meat and catch bass in the pond. 👍👍👍

Shoot some pool and shuffle board!

[Synopsis]

3 hours ago, ChuckFinley said:

You can count on it. I have a list like 10 miles long. LBWiljorLGD10YAnewyorkguysynoppp.........and on and on. I plan on meeting everyone. That includes PP and the ladies and gentalmen in Canada and a final stop in Scotland to see McG and bang some scotches down.  

 

Looking Forward to the Meet And Greet, ChuckFinley and All!!! 

 

Pretty sure McG has the finest of the finest Scotch (OH, YEAH!!!) Scotland has to offer!!! May want to pay attention, though, as the night progresses to ensure no "Scotsditch" has been substituted so as not to end up there (not good, not good)!!!

 

              

 

Well, OK, just a little attempted humor here. Don't get up in arms or anything. This whole Scotch business affectionately noted in the forum is quite serious, actually, I know, but, hey, You never know who is being "thrifty" behind the scenes!!!

 

              

 

OK, OK, I'll quit here.

 

Go Moola Nova!

[yota691]

source reveals the negotiating paper for the Kurdistan Regional Government with Baghdad

 

Twilight News    

 

 6 hours ago

 

 

The source said on Thursday that the recommendations made by the Parliament of the Kurdistan Region will be the negotiating paper adopted by the Government of the Territory to negotiate with the federal government in Baghdad to resolve differences and outstanding issues between the two sides.

The source told the twilight news, that these recommendations will be the basis for the provincial government in the negotiation with Baghdad as it was issued by the parliament, which represents the people of Kurdistan.

The source explained that after the issuance of recommendations, the government of Kurdistan has become officially authorized from the authority of the people to negotiate with Baghdad.

The Parliament of Kurdistan, on Wednesday, a lengthy session discussed the analytical report of the Ministry of Finance and Economy and drew 18 recommendations to the Kurdistan Regional Government in various aspects.

 A statement issued after the meeting that the recommendations from the financial side that the provincial government to defend the share of the province of the Iraqi general budget, amounting to 17% of them, as in previous years since 2005 until 2013, which is 11 trillion dinars as it is fixed in the Iraqi budget for 2017 ,.

The recommendations also included that the Iraqi government to grant the Kurdistan region share of the sovereign expenses such as foreign loans and salaries of Peshmerga and supplies and the Office of Financial Supervision and the High Human Rights and the High Commission for Elections and Referendum and the Commission of Integrity and border crossings and others.

The statement said that if the Iraqi government insisted on not keeping the province's share of the budget, amounting to 17% and not give him share of the expenses of the sovereign Vtkhm grant 12.67 of the budget without the deduction of sovereign expenses and thus reach the share of the region to 13 trillion dinars.

The recommendations added that the Kurdistan Region will commit to export 250 thousand barrels of oil per day in total.

The recommendations also included that the governments of Iraq and the region through dialogue and a committee of experts address the problem of the number of employees and wage earners in the region.

The recommendations called on the KRG to continue with radical reforms in institutions, revenues and disbursements, and the number of employees and beneficiaries of salaries.

The statement pointed out in the recommendations of parliament to send draft draft general budget for Iraq with the proposals and recommendations of the Parliament of Kurdistan, to universities and the judiciary and the Kurdish blocs in the Iraqi Council of Representatives and related organizations with the aim of enriching the draft law and include.

 

Keywords: 

[yota691]

Abadi's and Trump's envoy agree on dialogue within the framework of the constitution between Erbil and Baghdad

 

Twilight News    

 

 5 hours ago

 

 

US President George W. Bush's envoy to the international coalition against the organization said on Thursday he had met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Wednesday evening.

McGowork wrote on social networking sites "Twitter" that he and Abbadi had discussed last night in Baghdad, the post-elimination of the militant organization in Iraq.

He pointed out that it was stressed the importance of dialogue within the framework of the Constitution to resolve outstanding issues with the Kurdistan Regional Government.

               

[yota691]

Abadi is discussing with MacGork the importance of dialogue within the framework of the constitution to resolve issues with Kurdistan

November 16, 2017

 

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi discussed with US President Bill McCormack's envoy ways to resolve the crisis between Baghdad and Erbil and the final phase of the raid on the terrorist.

McGowork wrote on the social networking site Twitter that he discussed with Abbadi the war against the organization calling the terrorist last night in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, noting that the importance of dialogue within the framework of the Constitution to resolve outstanding issues with the Kurdistan Regional Government was confirmed.

To the sources confirmed for special change that McGurk will meet later today the Prime Minister of Kurdistan, Najran Barzani, Barham Saleh and a number of Kurdish leaders in order to resolve outstanding problems between Baghdad and Erbil.

[yota691]

11/16/2017 (00:01 pm)   -   Number of readings: 88   -   Issue (4064)

 

 

The International Alliance is considering reducing its humanitarian aid to Iraq

 Baghdad / Reuters 
 

Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Jan Egeland, said yesterday that the war on a sympathetic organization could soon end, but the provision of humanitarian aid to Iraqis is becoming increasingly difficult as new political and cultural divisions emerge.

Egeland also warned that members of the international coalition, which has been helping Baghdad in a three-year-old crackdown, could now cut its budget for humanitarian aid in Iraq sharply after defeating militants. 
More than 3 million people have been displaced by violence linked to Da'ash in the last three years yet to their homes. A dispute between the central government in Baghdad and the Kurds after a referendum on independence in September triggered a new wave of displacement. 
"There seem to be a lot of divisions in Iraq, we do not need other obstacles and certainly we do not want more violence," Egeland said during a visit to Iraq. 
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is one of the largest foreign aid operations in Iraq. 
Humanitarian organizations say about one million people have fled Mosul since 2014, but only a third have been able to return.
Iraqi government officials estimate reconstruction of Mosul alone could take at least five years and require billions of dollars. 
"One thing we should have learned in Iraq is that we can not spend billions of dollars on military operations and then do not spend less, but it is necessary to make the situation safe for people in the future," Egeland said. 
He called on the international community not to abandon millions of displaced persons. "This will not only be a shame, but it will also be shortsighted," he said.

[yota691]

Welcome "cautious" and calls to speed up a conditional dialogue to cancel the referendum

16/11/2017 12:00 AM   After the "positive" position of the territorial government of the federal decision  Baghdad / morning / Muhannad Abdul Wahab The reactions of the announcement of the territorial government «respect» the decision of the Federal Court in Baghdad, which interpreted the first article of the Iraqi constitution on the unity of the country and the prohibition of any projects aimed at dividing or part of the separation between those who see a Kurdish tendency to "cancel" the results of the referendum, But under certain conditions, and demanded that Baghdad to take a positive step similar to the Kurds with a view to ending the crisis quickly before the elections, and among those who went to the «respect» shown by the authority in the region of the Federal Court decision did not include a declaration of cancellation of the results of the referendum, N issued, about two months ago, and an order to stop Aiaa referendum procedures of the Kurdistan region, but the advocates of separation did not abide by it. While the oil and energy committee in the federal parliament rejected a contract signed by a Russian oil company with the Kurdistan government, asserting that it is lawless and unacceptable by the federal government, the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in the Parliament of Kurdistan, Sherko Jawdat: "Iraq is not a party to contracts Oil, held by the Government of Kurdistan », noting that« resolve the issues of contracts and imports must be understanding ». The salaries of employees of the Kurdistan comes at a time when the federal government mechanism to pay the salaries of employees in northern Iraq ». Saad al-Hadithi, a spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, said: "The Iraqi constitution stipulates that the administration and maintenance of the border ports are the functions of the federal government." He pointed out that "there are measures on the ground will be through the movement of Iraqi forces to hold the ports in accordance with the constitution." He added that «the federal government is keen not to occur any clash and that the file is resolved border ports according to understandings», calling on the Kurdistan government to «cooperate with Baghdad to resolve this file».  Al-Hadithi said that "the government has set up a mechanism to study and scrutinize the numbers of the employees of the north in order to pay their salaries and deliver the money to their beneficiaries and cut the road from corruption."  On this subject, MP for the Kurdistan Islamic Group, Zana Said, the federal government to audit the accounts of the region to eliminate thousands of space.  Said Said, in a press statement, «We have repeatedly confirmed that there are suspicious deals in the region and do not know where the money goes and there is no transparency», and called on the federal government to «audit the accounts of the region and lists of employees and retirees to eliminate thousands of space. "The regional government has shown respect for the decision of the Federal Court, knowing that the decision will be against the referendum and is committed to the Constitution and wants to dialogue with the federal government under the Constitution of the Constitution," Said Said accused the two influential parties in the region (Democratic and National) . Giving priority to the national spirit in the meantime, welcomed the Vice President of the Republic, Osama Najafi, a statement of the Kurdistan Regional Government on the interpretation of the Federal Supreme Court for the first article of the Iraqi Constitution, calling for the start of a comprehensive dialogue under the roof of the Constitution. Nujaifi said: «We call for the start of a comprehensive national dialogue involving the national parties to discuss and discuss the crises and outstanding problems in a national spirit aimed at reaching durable solutions consistent with the will of the Iraqi citizen wherever he is», adding that «the statement of the provincial government development helps to start immediately dialogue and establish a serious dialogue Preserve Iraq's unity and respond to the aspirations and will of all citizens. "  While the MP for the rule of law, Rasul Abu Hasna, that Baghdad needs to clear the seriousness of Kurdish dialogue and resolve all outstanding problems between the region and the center.  He explained, Abu Hasna, that «the condition of the return of the dialogue table between Baghdad and Erbil is the announcement of the cancellation of the referendum, and today we need to clear the region of the seriousness of dialogue by announcing it». For his part, MP for the coalition of Iraqi forces, Ahmed al-Salmani, that the Constitution is the definitive reference to resolve the outstanding issues between all parties in addition to that everyone must abide by the decisions of the Federal Court.  "The decision of the Federal Court affirmed the illegality of the separation of any part of the country and the respect of the region for the resolution a message of reassurance that the national unity won the secession," he said, adding that "welcoming the decision of the court by the region will open the door for Dialogue and a final solution to the crisis between the region and the center ».  The deputy MP of the Liberal bloc, Ali Shuweileh, said that the basis for dialogue is to cancel the results of the referendum in a clear and frank manner, adding, in an interview with «morning», that the referendum is void of the decision issued by the Federal Court ». Shweila described the region's welcome as "a positive and important step," adding that "the region must officially announce the cancellation of the results of this referendum. Otherwise, the dialogue will become futile and useless."  For his part, called for the Kurdistan Alliance MP, Piston Zankana, the federal government to accelerate a similar positive response, indicating that the Iraqi street with his Arab and Kurd waiting for the end of the crisis and return to normal.  "The time has come to start the dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil," Zangana said. "The region has provided what it needs and the central government must respond to its repeated calls for dialogue." Kurds , the interest of the other hand, the official Office of Foreign Relations Kurdistan Democratic Party, Hoshyar Sewela, revealed the desire of his party to return to Kirkuk , indeed, speaking on condition not to be back «humiliated», also stressed the «need to be this back in the interests of the people of Kurdistan». "We want to have a Kurdish governor for the province, and all political forces should return to the province as before," he said. "We will not accept Rizgar Ali's appointment as governor of Kirkuk because he was part of the group that signed an agreement with the popular crowd."  While the MP for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Abdul Qadir Mohammed, on Wednesday, that Kurdistan is committed to the Constitution and Iraqi laws and the Federal Court, noting that the dispute between Arbil and Baghdad is on the way to resolve.  Mohammed said in a statement that "the dispute between the region and the center is on its way to a solution in accordance with the Constitution," stressing that «the Iraqi constitution is the solution to resolve all the differences between the parties».  He pointed out that «reducing the budget of the region will negatively affect the Kurdish people and the exacerbation of political differences», noting that «the difference between the center and the region can not be invested in the issue of the budget of the region». He added that «the Kurdish blocs are not with the reduction of the budget of the region and go to constructive dialogue to resolve all differences with the federal government».  And on the impact of the possible absence of Kurdish MPs from the session of the adoption of the budget, ruled out the mass of the parliamentary invitation, not to achieve a quorum at the meeting of the passage of the budget in 2018 in the event of withdrawal of Kurdish blocs of the Federal Parliament ».  "The Kurds are trying to get more than their financial dues at the expense of other provinces, as happened in the past years," said the head of the bloc, MP Khalaf Abdul Samad.  Abdul Samad said that «the withdrawal of the Kurdish blocs will not affect the meeting of passing the budget once it reached the parliament because the number of deputies of the Kurds do not exceed 65 deputies, the National Alliance and the Union of forces and other blocs to agree to pass the budget without the presence of Kurdish deputies». Refusal of oil contracts To this, the Committee on Oil and Energy in the House of Representatives signed a contract with a Russian oil company with the Kurdistan government, asserting that it is a lawless and unacceptable by the federal government.  The head of the parliamentary committee, Ali Maarj, that the rejection of the Committee of oil and energy parliamentary strong and condemnation of the contract concluded by Russian company Rosneft with Erbil and the company announced the delivery of $ 1.3 billion to the government of Arbil.  In a press statement, Maarj stressed that the contract is void of legal legitimacy and is not acceptable by the federal government, noting that the contract was concluded after the decision of the Iraqi Council of Representatives last September, which limited the sovereign powers, including oil contracts and the export of oil to the federal government. The head of the parliamentary committee said that the Federal Oil Ministry is the only official and legal authority authorized by law and the recent decision of the House of Representatives to sign oil contracts and export oil, pointing out that the contract between the Russian company and Erbil is therefore considered a loss of legal legitimacy and unofficial because it has lost the legal conditions for signing contracts Especially sovereign oil export.  He called on the Russian company to retreat from the contract and deal with the federal government and the Ministry of Oil exclusively in the oil sector, stressing that the continuation of this contract is a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and sovereign affairs of the country.  In response to the press statement above, the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in the Parliament of Kurdistan, Sherko Jawdat that «Iraq is not a party to the oil contracts held by the Kurdistan government, and that the resolution of issues of contracts and imports must be   understanding». "The Kurdistan region has a long-term agreement with Turkey and the Iraqi government is not a party to the agreement, and to reach Baghdad and the provincial government to an agreement in this regard must return to Articles 111 and 112 of the Constitution, which states that" oil wells in those areas before 2003 is entitled For the government production while the right of the Kurdistan region and with the consent of Baghdad to produce oil in wells dug after 2003 ». Disappeared and the file of the detainees on the other side, the Arab Council called for in the province of Kirkuk, the Federal Government and the Human Rights Commission to resolve the file «disappeared» and detainees in the region 's prisons, as called for the adoption of balance in the departments and institutions of the state and the electoral commission in Kirkuk after the application of the law enforcement plan. "We are calling on behalf of the Arab Council of the Iraqi government, the UN Human Rights Commission, the United Nations and international organizations to call for the fate of the disappeared and the detainees who were arrested, kidnapped or disappeared by the  Kurdish security services," said Yaseen al-Obeidi, a council leader  .  Al-Obeidi called for "the need to restore a fair balance between all components of Kirkuk in its official institutions and restructure the Office of the Electoral Commission in Kirkuk," noting that "the Arab Council refuses to return the work of the Kurdish security services in Kirkuk after the implementation of the plan to impose the law."

[yota691]

Iraqi President calls for the start of an immediate dialogue with Erbil for the return of life to the Kurdistan region

Arab and World

Thursday, November 16

 

Iraqi President Fuad Masum

 Iraqi President Fuad Masoum called on Thursday for the start of an immediate dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil, stressing the need to return life in the Kurdistan region to normal, and lift the ban on international flights to and from the airports of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. 
"We welcome the announcement by the Kurdistan Regional Government that the Federal Supreme Court is interpreting Article 1 of the constitution, which prohibits the separation of any part of Iraq and guarantees its unity and sovereignty," Massoum said in a statement. . 
He stressed the need to return the lives of citizens in the Kurdistan region to normal and lift the ban on international flights to and from airports Erbil and Sulaymaniyah and normalization of relations between the Iraqi people, and called on all political forces in Kirkuk to resume meetings of the provincial council as soon as to elect a new governor and end all forms of tension .
President Masoum praised the government's announcement

 

Iraq's commitment to pay the salaries of employees of the Kurdistan region and ease restrictions on private banks in the region and prepare for dialogue on the basis of the Constitution, stressing the need not to prejudice the interests of citizens and their daily lives and their future. 
The Iraqi president stressed the need for all citizens to unite in order to perpetuate the momentum of the victorious Iraqi armed forces in all their formations on terror. He reiterated his congratulations on the liberation of Al-Qaim city and the start of the first phase of the liberation of the city of Rawa and all other areas without exception.
He praised the importance of calling on friendly countries to continue dialogue among Iraqis to resolve any internal problem through compromise solutions to provide lasting protection for the interests of all Iraqi factions and promote a fair and developed federal democratic system and establish political and economic progress. He commended the Security Council's emphasis on priority efforts to ensure unity and sovereignty. And the security of Iraq, calling on the international community to continue to provide support in various fields to the Iraqi people.

[coorslite21]

Such an awesome timeline of these events as they have happened......This will all make for a great study in history some time in the future........(for our kids and grand kids).......thanks to all who have contributed.....!!!

[yota691]

Kurdistan Union expects to cancel the results of the referendum of Kurdistan after the federal decision

  Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 17:23 pm (24 views)                                                                                                Kurdistan Union expects to cancel the results of the referendum of Kurdistan after the federal decision

 

Baghdad / Sky Press

The leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Nasrallah Surgi, on Thursday, announced that the Kurdistan region to cancel the results of the referendum, after the issuance of a decision of the Federal Court in this regard, on the twentieth of this month. 
"The cancellation of the results of the referendum needed a collective decision of the Kurdish parties in the region as was the referendum on the basis of the decision of the Kurdish parties, expected to" declare the Kurdistan Regional Government cancel the results of the referendum after the decision of the Federal Court under the guarantees of The federal government and under the supervision of the United States of America. " 
He pointed out that the Kurdistan Regional Government is waiting for the decision of the Federal Court on 20 this month on the results of the referendum.
He explained that "the government of the region announced a few days ago to freeze the results of the referendum in terms of logic and reality, this means the abolition of its results, but this step needs a courageous initiative from the Government of the Territory to announce it," adding that "the decision of the Federal Court will be a catalyst for Kurdistan to announce the cancellation of the results of the referendum to congratulate For positive dialogues with Baghdad. " 
"The referendum reflected negatively on the economic and political situation in the region, although it is a legitimate right of the Kurdish people, who sacrificed many times and suffered decades of injustice and persecution from previous governments, but the regional and international environment is not convinced of these rights, Legitimate right reflected negatively on the internal situation of Kurdistan. "
He explained that "Baghdad is determined to cancel the results of the referendum to begin negotiations with the region as a prerequisite." "It is okay that the Kurdistan government canceled the results of the referendum provided that Baghdad undertakes to pay the full rights of the region of the federal budget as well as pay dues Peshmerga as it fought with the Iraqi army and the popular crowd in the war against Daqash and was an important factor in the liberation of many sites, including Nineveh province, .

[Wiljor]

ABADI SAYS IRAQ DETERMINED TO PAY SALARIES OF STATE EMPLOYEES IN KURDISTAN

Iraq, November 16, 2017  Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Baghdad is determined to pay the “rightful salaries” of state employees in the Kurdistan Region. Abadi said during a press conference on Tuesday (November 14) that the government of Iraq will pay the salaries to the actual numbers of government’s employees. “We have no intention of cutting salaries as some have falsely claimed and we will strip away corruption and inefficiency by local authorities,” Abadi added. According to KRG, over 897 billion Iraqi dinars (more than $769 million) per month are needed based on the biometric system use by the KRG payroll. KRG’s statistics in the new biometric system shows that the number of Kurdish employees is 1,249,481, down from 1.4 million. The Iraqi premier further said Iraq does not seek confrontation with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), calling on the Kurdish government to cooperate with the measures taken by Baghdad to improve “transparency and accountability.” Abadi insisted that border crossings with neighboring countries must be controlled by the federal government. “As mandated by the constitution, we are committed to maintaining Iraq’s unity, applying federal jurisdiction in all areas, providing security and ensuring stability for the benefit of all of our citizens, especially those in the Kurdistan region,” he continued. nrttv   http://iraqdailyjournal.com/story-z16223984

[yota691]

The commitment of Kurdistan to the decisions of the Federal Court means the cancellation of the results of the referendum implicitly

Readers

 

 

The commitment of Kurdistan to the decisions of the Federal Court means the cancellation of the results of the referendum implicitly

 

16-11-2017 04:37 PM

 

The Euphrates -

 

The leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Nasrallah Surgi said that the Kurdistan Regional Government's commitment to the decisions of the Federal Court, which is scheduled to issue on the twentieth of this month on the results of the referendum in Kurdistan means that those results have become obsolete. 

Al-Surji expected that the region will form a delegation of all parties after the 20th of the same month, which will be authorized by the Kurdish masses to negotiate with Baghdad regarding the application of the constitution with all its might. Stressing that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan supports the federal government to take responsibility for border crossings and airports and oil fields in the region, so that they are solely responsible for paying salaries of employees of Kurdistan and its benefits, pointing out that the failure of the Kurdistan in building an independent economy and economic deterioration suffered by the region as a result, Officials in the near future, especially some of the advisers in Kurdistan. 

He expressed his hope and the majority of the members of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan to ensure the federal government the rights of the Kurdish people and the Iraqi in general through the application of all provisions and paragraphs of the Iraqi constitution, and to ensure the achievement of justice among the people of one people.

[The Englishman]

https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/baghdad-in-secret-talks-to-resolve-crisis-with-kurds-says-iraq-mp-1.676446.

 

Baghdad in secret talks to resolve crisis with Kurds, says Iraq MP

 

Revelation comes amid international pressure to restore ties through negotiations

 

Mina Aldroubi

November 16, 2017

 

 

Iraq's government has been holding secret talks with leaders from the Kurdish region to resolve the crisis triggered by its independence referendum, a member of Iraq's parliament said.

Kamel Al Zaydi, an MP from the State of Law coalition, said prime minister Haider Al Abadi had "established a secret committee headed by instrumental political figures to negotiate with the Kurds on the referendum crisis”.

“The negotiations are advancing rapidly and an announcement is going to be made,” Mr Al Zaydi told the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq Al Awsat.

Relations between the central government and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) deteriorated after it went ahead with a referendum on independence for the semi-autonomous region. The September 25 vote saw an overwhelming response in favour of secession but was rejected by Baghdad as illegal.

Mr Al Zaydi was a member of a parliamentary committee set up to try to convince Kurdish leaders not to go ahead with the independence referendum.

His revelation about the secret talks comes amid international calls for Baghdad and the regional government in Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, to begin negotiations on resolving their differences under the Iraqi constitution.

“If all sides work towards the same goal, while protecting the unity of the country and the constitutional system, Iraq could possibly overcome the major challenges it has faced,” German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Thursday.

The KRG said on Tuesday that it would respect a ruling by Iraq's federal court against its push for independence. “We believe that this decision must become a basis for starting an inclusive national dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve all disputes,” the Kurdish government said.

France immediately welcomed the move. A statement issued by the French foreign minister also called for talks to begin and praised the UN’s efforts in reducing tensions.

The United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres said the UN shared the Kurdish government's view that "outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil should be resolved by peaceful means through political negotiations based on the constitution of the republic of Iraq".

“I am encouraged by the fact that the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan regional government have publicly expressed openness to such negotiations on several occasions,” Mr Guterres said in a letter delivered to Kurdish prime minister Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday.

“A further destabilisation of the current situation must be prevented, in the interests of promoting national reconciliation, fostering greater stability in a volatile region and confronting the threat that ISIL continues to pose."

Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump's special envoy to the anti-ISIL coalition, Brett McGurk, also touched on the Kurdish issue during a meeting with Mr Al Abadi on Wednesday.

View image on Twitter

 

Brett McGurk 

 

✔@brett_mcgurk

 

Reviewed upcoming surprises for #ISIS terrorists with PM Abadi & LTG Paul Funk last night in #Baghdad. Affirmed importance of dialogue under the constitution to resolve outstanding issues with #KRG.

7:29 AM - Nov 16, 2017

 

 

 

Kurdish politicians have also called for talks to begin as soon as possible.

“We call on Iraq to not waste any more time and to starts talks with the Kurdish regional government and to avoid the language of threat,” said Jaafar Emnini, deputy speaker of the Kurdish parliament.

Begard Talabani, secretary of the regional parliament, warned that Kurds would "withdraw from the political process in Iraq" if Baghdad refused to start talks with the region.

The central government responded to the referendum by halting all international flights in and out of the Kurdish region and later launched a military operation that recaptured the oil-rich city of Kirkuk and other areas that lie outside of region's borders but are claimed by both Baghdad and Erbil.