Masrour Barzani and Al-Kazemi agree to deepen dialogues between the Federal Oil and Natural Resources Ministries

[6ly410]

Al-Kadhimi and Barzani agree to address outstanding issues on oil file

 

 

Al-Kadhimi and Barzani agree to address outstanding issues on oil file - Iraq News (iraqakhbar-com.translate.goog)

 

Source of the news /Mawazine News

| politics 08:28 – 23/07/2022

 

Baghdad - Mawazine News

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimy on Saturday welcomed Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and his delegation to the government palace in Baghdad.

According to a statement received by Mawazine News, during the meeting, all national files, issues of concern to the lives of citizens, services and ways to continue joint work between Baghdad and Erbil in a way that achieves food security for all Iraqis, continued fulfillment of their benefits, and ensuring a decent life for them.
Both sides strongly condemned the Turkish attacks on Iraqi territory, particularly the recent attack that killed many innocent citizens, and the importance of agreeing on an unified vision to deal with the attack and investigating its circumstances in a way that strengthens Iraq's sovereignty and works not to prejudice it in the future.

[6ly410]

Details of Al-Kazemi and Barzani meeting in Baghdad

Posted 8 seconds ago

 

news source /Baghdad today

Details of al-Kadhimi and Barzani meeting in Baghdad - Iraq News (iraqakhbar-com.translate.goog)

Baghdad today - Baghdad

 

Today, Saturday, Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi discussed with the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, the Turkish bombing of the city of Dohuk.

And Al-Kazemi’s media office said in a statement received (Baghdad Today) that “Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi received at the government palace in the capital, Baghdad, the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, Masrour Barzani and his accompanying delegation, during which the meeting discussed all national files, and issues of concern. The lives of citizens, providing services to them, and ways to continue the joint work between Baghdad and Erbil in a way that achieves food security for all Iraqis, continues to fulfill their entitlements, and secures a decent life for them.

The two sides expressed "strongly condemnation of the Turkish attacks on Iraqi territory, especially the recent attack that killed many innocent citizens, and the importance of agreeing on a unified vision to deal with the attack, and to investigate its circumstances, in a way that enhances Iraq's sovereignty and works to prevent it in the future."

They also discussed security coordination between the federal security forces and the forces of the region, and the importance of this in continuing to confront the threat of ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and to ensure that they do not threaten the security of Iraqis again.

The statement explained that "the meeting also discussed ways to address the effects of the economic challenges that the world and the region are going through, and the importance of creating the appropriate atmosphere for economic development, as it was emphasized in this context the need to strengthen cooperation mechanisms and joint coordination between the federal government and the regional government, to improve the work environment, and attract investments and maximizing revenue.

He continued, "It was agreed within this framework to deepen dialogues between the Federal Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the region; To address outstanding issues, continue to work to reach common solutions, and achieve a state of integration in managing the oil file, in a manner that achieves the supreme interest of the Iraqi people.

At the conclusion of the meeting, "the Prime Minister stressed the importance of working in the spirit of one team, and focusing on the participants in a way that achieves security, stability and prosperity for the Iraqi people of all stripes."

[6ly410]

Al-Kadhimi and Masrour Barzani agree to deepen dialogues to reach solutions in managing the oil file

الكاظمي ومسرور بارزاني يتفقان على تعميق الحوارات للوصول لحلول في إدارة الملف النفطي (shafaq.com)

 

Shafaq News/ Federal Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi and Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani agreed on Saturday to deepen dialogues between the Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources to reach solutions to manage the oil file. This came during a meeting that brought them together at Al-Kazemi's office in Baghdad, according to a statement received by Shafaq News Agency. During the meeting, they "discussed all national files, issues that concern the lives of citizens, providing services to them, and ways to continue joint work between Baghdad and Erbil in a way that achieves food security for all Iraqis, continues fulfilling their entitlements, and secures a decent life for them." The two sides "expressed their strong condemnation of the Turkish attacks on Iraqi territory, especially the recent attack that claimed the lives of many innocent citizens, and the importance of agreeing on a unified vision to deal with the attack, and to investigate its circumstances, in a way that enhances Iraq's sovereignty and works to prevent it in the future." It also "discussed security coordination between the federal security forces and the forces of the region, and the importance of this in continuing to confront the threat of ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and to ensure that they do not threaten the security of Iraqis again." The meeting discussed ways to address the effects of the economic challenges that the world and the region are going through, and the importance of creating the appropriate atmosphere for economic development. Revenues". Within this framework, it was agreed to deepen dialogues between the Federal Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the region. To address the outstanding issues, to continue working to reach common solutions, and to achieve a state of integration in the management of the oil file, in a manner that achieves the supreme interest of the Iraqi people. At the conclusion of the meeting, Al-Kazemi stressed "the importance of working in the spirit of one team, and focusing on the participants in a way that achieves security, stability and prosperity for the Iraqi people of all stripes."

[6ly410]

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday was received by Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, discussing relations between Erbil and Baghdad among other topics.

PM Barzani's office said in a press release that the pair shed light on the latest developments in Iraq as well as the wider region.

They both sides stressed the importance of resolving the remaining disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, including issues concerning the oil and gas industry, through a Federal oil and gas law that "serves all constituencies of Iraq."

"Prime Minister Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is always ready to resolve all issues through dialogue in a way which preserves the constitutional rights of the people of the Kurdistan Region," the press release concluded.

Prime Minister Barzani arrived in Baghdad earlier today. He is holding separate meetings with senior Iraqi leaders, including his Iraqi counterpart Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

[horsesoldier]

55 minutes ago, Stelardoc said:

All looking Really GOOD!!

I hope I don't have my beer goggles on.

Nope just checked.

Now I just need to deal with the celebratory fireworks going off in my head.😄

Closer and closer.

Big believer in Quantum Leaps and BOOMs!!

Sometimes I wear my Scotch Goggles...I see things 😆 ... But I swear I still can't see the end of this roller 🎢 coaster ride.

[jake21]

All I'm getting out of this, is that both sides agree to keep in communication. They just bought themselves more time to delay everything.

[horsesoldier]

1 hour ago, jake21 said:

All I'm getting out of this, is that both sides agree to keep in communication. They just bought themselves more time to delay everything.

When I read " agree to deepen dialogues " my reaction was 

[6ly410]

 

[JonnyV]

2 hours ago, jake21 said:

All I'm getting out of this, is that both sides agree to keep in communication. They just bought themselves more time to delay everything.

 

Really?   They are not going to tell you what was said.

[jake21]

1 hour ago, JonnyV said:

 

Really?   They are not going to tell you what was said.

Really? Thanks for filling me in 

[southbeach]

God (Jesus) is good!  Here we go.  Our God will use Iraq to help the world 

[6ly410]

Iraq today

Al-Halbousi: The opportunity is ripe to address the problems between Erbil and Baghdad, including the issue of oil and gas

Posted 41 seconds ago

 

Al-Halbousi: Opportunity to address problems between Erbil and Baghdad, including oil and gas - Iraq News (iraqakhbar-com.translate.goog)

 

News source / Noon Agency

Today, Saturday, Parliament Speaker Muhammad al-Halbousi considered the opportunity to resolve all differences and outstanding issues between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, including the issue of oil and gas.

A statement issued by the regional government, and received by Noon News Agency, stated that its President Masrour Barzani met, during his visit to Baghdad, the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Muhammad al-Halbousi.

The statement added that during the meeting, which was attended by the head of the Khamis al-Khanjar alliance, they discussed the latest developments in Iraq and the region, in addition to the relations between the Kurdistan region and the federal government.

The meeting witnessed stressing the necessity and importance of addressing the outstanding problems between the Kurdistan region and the federal government in a fundamental way and on the basis of the constitution, according to the statement.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives indicated that there is a favorable opportunity to solve all problems, including those related to the issue of oil and gas, through the legislation of the Federal Oil and Gas Law, which is in the interest of the various components and the general Iraqi citizens.

The Prime Minister reiterated the permanent readiness of the Kurdistan Regional Government to reach a radical solution to the problems through negotiations, in a manner that preserves the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region.

[6ly410]

Supreme Judiciary supports resolving outstanding differences between Erbil and Baghdad through two things (Photos)

Posted two minutes ago.

 

Supreme Judiciary supports resolving outstanding differences between Erbil and Baghdad through two things (Photos) - Iraq News (iraqakhbar-com.translate.goog)

 

Source of the news /Nunn Agency

News Source /

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Masrour Barzani on Saturday discussed with the federal judicial problems between the governments of Baghdad and Erbil.

According to a statement of the regional government received by the News Agency Nun, the President of the Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zidan, received in his office in Baghdad the head of the regional government, and discussed at the meeting the importance of solving problems between the Kurdistan region and the federal government on the basis of the constitution.

Barzani stressed the need to treat the Kurdistan Region as a federal and constitutional entity.

The president of the Supreme Judicial Council reiterated his support for solving problems between the region and the federal government, through dialogue and in accordance with the constitution, in the interest of all Iraqi citizens.

Today, Saturday, the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, arrived in the capital, Baghdad, to discuss economic files.

Barzani received Federal Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar and Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein.

And the correspondent of Noon News Agency said that Barzani then held a meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi.

Barzani's visit, according to a statement issued by the media of the regional government, aims to focus on the constitutional solution to the outstanding problems between the Kurdistan region and the federal government, foremost of which is the oil and gas file.

[6ly410]

 

[6ly410]

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD)- Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met today, Prime Minister of the Iraqi Federal Government Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in Baghdad.

During the meeting, they discussed all national affairs and issues that concern the lives of Iraqi citizens and the provision of services and ways to continue joint work between Baghdad and Erbil in a way that achieves food security for all Iraqis and ensures a decent life for them.

The two sides expressed their strong condemnation of the Turkish aggressions on Iraqi territory, especially the recent attack that claimed the lives of many innocent citizens. They also stressed the importance of a unified vision to deal with the attack, and investigate its circumstances, in a way that fortifies Iraq's sovereignty and prevents violating it in the future.

Security coordination between the federal security forces and the forces of the Kurdistan region of Iraq was also discussed, as well as the importance of continuing to confront the threat of ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and ensuring that they do not threaten the security of Iraqis again.

The two sides also discussed ways to tackle the effects of the economic challenges suffered by the world and the region and the importance of creating the appropriate atmosphere for economic development. Accordingly, they emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination between the federal government and the regional government to attract investments and maximize revenues.

In this context, it was agreed to increase dialogue between the Federal Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to address the outstanding issues and continue working to reach common solutions, and achieve a state of integration in the management of the oil resources, in a manner that serves s the interest of the Iraqi people.

The Prime Ministers stressed the importance of working as one team and focusing on common interests in a way that achieves security, stability, and prosperity for all Iraqi people.

[6ly410]

It was agreed to deepen dialogues between the Federal Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the region to address outstanding issues, to continue work towards common solutions and to achieve a state of integration in the management of the oil file, in the best interests of the Iraqi people

 

At the end of the meeting, The Prime Minister stressed the importance of working in the spirit of one team and focusing on participants in a way that brings security, stability and prosperity to the Iraqi people of all walks of life.

[6ly410]

 

 

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region visited Baghdad on Saturday and discussed cooperation against Iraqi sovereignty violations with his Iraqi counterpart following a deadly Turkish shelling of the Kurdistan Region.

PM Barzani met with his Iraqi counterpart Mustafa al-Kadhimi and other Iraqi officials in the capital to highlight security coordination between the regional and federal governments as well as outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad, but focused heavily on a recent Turkish attack in Duhok's Zakho district that claimed the lives of nine Iraqi tourists and injured dozens more.

Both prime ministers expressed "their strong condemnation of the Turkish aggressions on Iraqi territory" and "stressed the importance of a unified vision to deal with the attack, and investigate its circumstances in a way that fortifies Iraq's sovereignty and prevents violating it in the future," read a joint statement from their offices. 

A deadly bombardment struck a tourist resort in Zakho on Wednesday afternoon, claiming the lives of nine Iraqis including a one-year-old child and injuring 23 others. The attack was widely blamed on Turkey by both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. 

Barzani described his Baghdad visit as "productive" in a Twitter post.
 

Productive full-day visit to Baghdad.

Iraqi Prime Minister @MAKadhimi and I are aligned to work together as one team for the common good of our peoples, including in areas of the economy, security, and energy.

Read our joint statement -mb.

— Masrour Barzani (@masrour_barzani) July 23, 2022

In the meeting, Barzani and Kadhimi also agreed to "increase dialogue between the Federal Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Region" in efforts to resolve outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

Iraq's top court in February found the Kurdistan Region's oil and gas law to be "unconstitutional," therefore striking down the legal basis for the Region's oil and gas sector, a decision repeatedly slammed by Kurdish leaders, including Barzani, who criticized the "unconstitutional court." 

Iraq's oil ministry on July 7 told AP that his ministry intends to give international oil companies (IOCs) who have signed deals with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) a cautionary note.

"We will give them a soft message: 'You are working in the smuggling of oil.' If they are a respectful company they will listen to us," Ihsan Abdul Jabbar firmly stated, marking the strongest remarks yet by a senior government official since the issuing of the federal court decision.  

 

Barzani also met with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi and Chairman of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council Faeq Zidan in his Baghdad visit. 

The need to ensure the lasting defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS) and the ongoing threats the jihadist group poses were also discussed in the meeting between the prime ministers, who discussed coordination between federal and regional security forces.

On Tuesday, Iraq launched a fresh phase of an anti-ISIS operation, dubbed Solid Will, in coordination with Peshmerga forces targeting the terror group in the vicinity of Mount Qarachogh near Makhmour town, an area infamous for ISIS activity in a security vacuum between Erbil and Baghdad stretching across several provinces including Kirkuk, Salahaddin, and Diyala. 

 

[6ly410]

BAGHDAD: The federal government in Baghdad and the  autonomous Kurdish region pledged Saturday to “increase dialogue” to ease a simmering oil dispute that has been playing out in the courts in recent months.

The announcement came during a rare visit to the Iraqi capital by the Kurdish region’s prime minister. Masrour Barzani, who had not visited Baghdad since 2019, met Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi for wide-ranging talks.

An oil dispute that has been poisoning relations between the two sides, and threatening to harm Iraq’s lifeline oil industry according to analysts, was among the topics.

 

“It was agreed to increase dialogue between the federal ministry of oil and the ministry of natural resources in the Kurdistan region of Iraq to address the outstanding issues and continue working to reach common solutions,” a statement from Kadhemi’s office said.

“The two sides… emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination between the federal government and the regional government to attract investments, and maximise revenues,” it added.

The long-simmering dispute came to a head in February — at a time of political deadlock in Baghdad — when the federal supreme court ordered Kurdistan to hand over oil extracted from its territories to the federal authorities.

Then earlier this month, a commercial court in the Iraqi capital annulled contracts between the Kurds and foreign firms, after the oil ministry in Baghdad filed a judicial complaint.

Iraq, the second largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, sits on enormous reserves, and revenues from the sector feed 90 percent of the federal government budget.

It exports an average of 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude, while production in Kurdistan amounts to just over 450,000 bpd.

In a bid to defuse tensions, Kurdistan proposed setting up two companies specialised in oil exploration and marketing that would coordinate with Baghdad, a spokesperson for the regional government said earlier this month.

Baghdad has fought to regain control of output from fields in Kurdistan since the autonomous region began marketing oil independently more than a decade ago.

[6ly410]

The federal government in Baghdad and the autonomous Kurdish region pledged Saturday to "increase dialogue" to ease a simmering oil dispute that has been playing out in the courts in recent months.

The announcement came during a rare visit to the Iraqi capital by the Kurdish region's prime minister. Masrour Barzani, who had not visited Baghdad since 2019, met Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi for wide-ranging talks.

An oil dispute that has been poisoning relations between the two sides, and threatening to harm Iraq's lifeline oil industry according to analysts, was among the topics.

"It was agreed to increase dialogue between the federal ministry of oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan region of Iraq to address the outstanding issues and continue working to reach common solutions," a statement from Kadhemi's office said.

"The two sides... emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination between the federal government and the regional government to attract investments, and maximise revenues," it added.

[JonnyV]

3 hours ago, jake21 said:

Really? Thanks for filling me in 

 

Your welcome

[yota691]

Masrour Barzani meets with the President of the Supreme Judicial Council in Baghdad

2022.07.23 - 18:42

 

Baghdad - people   

The President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Faiq Zeidan, and the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, discussed, on Saturday, several files.  

 

  

  

A statement by Barzani's office, of which "Nass" received a copy, (July 23, 2022), stated that "He met the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, today, Saturday, July 23, 2022, the head of the Supreme Judicial Council in Iraq, Judge Faiq Zaidan, and during the meeting, discussions were held. On the importance of solving problems between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government on the basis of the constitution.  

  

He added, "The Prime Minister stressed the need to deal with the Kurdistan Region as a federal and constitutional entity."  

  

And he continued, "The President of the Supreme Judicial Council expressed his support for resolving the problems between the region and the federal government, through dialogue and in accordance with the constitution, in the interest of all Iraqi citizens."  

[yota691]

Al-Halbousi receives Barzani and discusses with him a number of files

2022.07.23 - 18:55

 

Baghdad - people  

The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, met, during his visit to Baghdad, on Saturday, with the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Muhammad al-Halbousi.  

  

  

  

Barzani's media office said in a statement, "Nass" received a copy of it (July 23, 2022), that "in the meeting, which was attended by the head of the Sovereignty Alliance, Khamis al-Khanjar, they discussed the latest developments and developments in Iraq and the region, in addition to relations between the Kurdistan region and the federal government." ".  

  

He added, "The meeting witnessed an emphasis on the necessity and importance of addressing the outstanding problems between the Kurdistan region and the federal government in a fundamental way and on the basis of the constitution."  

  

The Speaker of the House of Representatives indicated, according to the statement, that "there is a favorable opportunity to solve all problems, including those related to the issue of oil and gas, through the legislation of the Federal Oil and Gas Law, which is in the interest of the various components and the general Iraqi citizens."  

  

Barzani stressed, "the permanent readiness of the Kurdistan Regional Government to reach a radical solution to the problems through negotiations, in a manner that preserves the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region," according to the statement.  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

[yota691]

On top of that, the recent Turkish bombing

A unified vision and high coordination.. Al-Kazemi receives Barzani to discuss cooperation on various issues

2022.07.23 - 20:30

 

Baghdad - people  

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi received, on Saturday, the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, and his accompanying delegation at the government palace in the capital, Baghdad.  

  

 

  

The media office of the Prime Minister said in a statement that “Nass” received a copy of it (July 23, 2022), that “during the meeting, they discussed all national files, issues that concern the lives of citizens, providing services to them, and ways to continue joint work between Baghdad and Erbil in the manner that is required to It achieves food security for all Iraqis, continues to fulfill their entitlements, and secures a decent life for them.”  

  

The two sides expressed, according to the statement, "their strong condemnation of the Turkish attacks on Iraqi territory, especially the recent attack that claimed the lives of many innocent citizens, and the importance of agreeing on a unified vision to deal with the attack, and to investigate its circumstances, in a way that enhances Iraq's sovereignty and works not to prejudice it." future".  

  

He added, "The security coordination between the federal security forces and the forces of the region was also discussed, and the importance of this in continuing to confront the threat of ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and to ensure that they do not threaten the security of Iraqis again."  

  

He explained, "The meeting also discussed ways to address the effects of the economic challenges that the world and the region are going through, and the importance of creating the appropriate atmosphere for economic development, as it was emphasized in this context the need to strengthen cooperation mechanisms and joint coordination between the federal government and the regional government to improve the work environment and attract investments and maximizing revenue.  

  

He continued, "Within this framework, it was agreed to deepen dialogues between the Federal Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the region to address outstanding issues, continue work to reach common solutions, and achieve a state of integration in the management of the oil file, in a manner that achieves the supreme interest of the Iraqi people."  

  

He continued, "At the end of the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of working in the spirit of one team, and focusing on the participants in a way that achieves security, stability and prosperity for the Iraqi people of all stripes."  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi receives the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq
6,339 views Jul 23, 2022

[yota691]

Barzani and Zidane stress the need to deal with the region as a federal entity and a constitution

• Time: 07/23/2022 18:42:44
•  
• Reading: 845 times

 

  

{Local: Al Furat News} The Head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Faiq Zaidan, and the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, stressed, on Saturday, the need to deal with the Kurdistan Region as a federal entity and a constitution.

The Kurdistan Regional Government stated in a statement received by {Euphrates News} that "the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, met the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Faiq Zaidan, and during the meeting, they discussed the importance of solving problems between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government on the basis of the constitution." 

The President of the Supreme Judicial Council expressed his support for resolving the problems between the region and the federal government, through dialogue and in accordance with the constitution, in the interest of all Iraqi citizens.

[yota691]

The oil and gas law is on the negotiating table between Al-Halbousi and Barzani

• Time: 07/23/2022 19:37:48
•  
• Reading: 988 times

 

 

 

  

{Political: Al Furat News} Parliament Speaker Muhammad Al-Halbousi discussed Saturday with the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani and his accompanying delegation in Baghdad, the file of the oil and gas law legislation.

And his media office stated in a statement received by {Euphrates News} that "during the meeting, the political situation and the challenges facing the country were discussed, and the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region presented a summary of the discussions that took place between the federal and regional government delegations, as well as discussing the oil law legislation file. and gas." 

Al-Halbousi indicated that "the House of Representatives is supportive of resolving the outstanding problems between the center and the region, including those related to the issue of oil and gas, through the legislation of a law that is in the interest of the country and citizens in accordance with the principle of justice among all Iraqis."

For his part, Masrour Barzani reiterated the permanent readiness of the Kurdistan Regional Government to reach a radical solution to the problems, through discussions and dialogues between the federal government and the region in a radical way, and on the basis of the constitution.