Iraq's "cautious" policy leads Washington and Tehran's rapprochement

[yota691]

American efforts to resolve the crisis between the two parties of power in Iraqi Kurdistan

l 5 hours ago

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Hiwa Aziz - Erbil

The US administration entered the current political crisis between the two parties in power in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Diplomat Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for Middle East and North Africa affairs, met with the leaders of the two Kurdish parties.

[6ly410]

Oil and trade talks between Erbil and Washington

    Oil and trade talks between Erbil and Washington » Baghdad Today News Agency

 

 

Baghdad Today - Baghdad

Today, Friday, the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, received a phone call from the US Presidential Coordinator for Infrastructure and Energy Security, Amos Hochstein, where they discussed several files, most notably oil and trade.
"During the phone call, the prime minister referred to his recent visit to Baghdad on January 11, his meeting with the federal prime minister, and his affirmation of the readiness of the Kurdistan Regional Government for a constitutional solution to problems, in particular efforts to prepare the federal oil and gas law in accordance with the constitution," said a statement by the presidency of the regional government, received by Baghdad Today.

Barzani stressed, according to the statement, that "until the adoption of the federal oil and gas law, the Kurdistan Regional Government will continue to coordinate and cooperate with Baghdad to continue to produce and strengthen the energy sector in the region."
For his part, the US presidential coordinator gave a briefing on their visit in the past few days to Baghdad and Erbil.

The statement continued, "The two sides agreed on the importance of overcoming obstacles to the development of the energy sector, while discussing ways to strengthen relations between the Kurdistan region and the United States."

He explained that "the discussions witnessed a mutual emphasis on the importance of promoting trade, investment and energy in the Kurdistan region and Iraq."

[6ly410]

Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani spoke by phone today with US Special Presidential Coordinator, Amos Hochstein.

During the call, Prime Minister Barzani reflected on his visit to Baghdad last week to signal KRG’s readiness to address the 18-year-old disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. Prime Minister reaffirmed his personal support to the new Iraqi Prime Minister, in particular his efforts to pass a federal hydrocarbons law in line with the Iraqi Constitution. Prime Minister Barzani said that until then the KRG welcomes coordination with Baghdad to continue production and development of its energy sector.

In the exchange, Special Presidential Coordinator Hochstein also shared his assessment of his visit to Erbil and Baghdad this week. They both agreed on the need to remove all obstacles to the development of the energy sector.

Prime Minister Barzani and Special Presidential Envoy Hochstein also discussed Kurdistan Region-US relations. They both agreed on the importance of more American trade and investment in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

They agreed to stay in close contact.

20 Jan 2023

[6ly410]

Shafaq News / The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, spoke by phone today with US Special Presidential Coordinator, Amos Hochstein.

 

A statement by Barzani's office said that the call, "reflected on our visit to Baghdad last week to signal KRG’s readiness to address the 18-year-old disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. I reaffirmed my personal support to the new Iraqi Prime Minister, in particular his efforts to pass a federal hydrocarbons law in line with the Iraqi Constitution. I stressed that until then the KRG welcomes coordination with Baghdad to continue production and development of its energy sector."

 

It quoted the Prime Minister saying, "In the exchange, Special Presidential Coordinator Hochstein also shared his assessment of his visit to Erbil and Baghdad this week. We both agreed on the need to remove all obstacles to the development of the energy sector."

 

"We also discussed Kurdistan Region-US relations and emphasized the importance of more American trade and investment in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq", the statement concluded.

[6ly410]

#بەپەلە Masrour Barzani in a phone call with Amos Hostein: Until the federal oil and gas law is passed, the KRG will coordinate with Baghdad to continue producing and developing its energy sector.

[6ly410]

Masrour Barzani: We will continue to coordinate with Baghdad until the oil and gas law is approved

[yota691]

Al-Monitor: The Americans raised the issue of the dollar to the Sudanese more than 10 times

2023.01.22 - 20:36

 

Baghdad - Nas  

The American newspaper "Al-Monitor" quoted an Iraqi source as saying that US officials raised the issue of the dollar several times with Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani, the latest of which was by the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, last Monday.  

  

 

  

  

According to a report by the newspaper, followed by "Nass" (January 22, 2023), the US ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanovsky, was in close contact with the prime minister, and held more than ten meetings since the government came to power, and the exchange rate was always at the top of her list.  

  

She added, "To address the problem, the Central Bank of Iraq has banned four Iraqi banks from using the US dollar, and the Central Bank has also announced that it is auditing the accounts of several banks and other financial institutions in an attempt to stop the illegal use of the dollar in Iraq."  

  

And the American newspaper stressed that "Iran needs the US dollar to control rising prices and achieve stability in the economy, however, the smuggling of US dollars is not limited to Iran."  

  

According to what was reported in the newspaper, "Iraqi militias are smuggling currency to Syria and Turkey."  

[yota691]

The Iraqi Kurdistan crisis.. What hinders saving the 1998 "Washington Agreement"?

l 21 hours ago

Erbil - Sky News Arabia

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Iraq.. Initiatives to resolve the dispute between the ruling parties in the Kurdistan region

The level of fears in the Kurdistan region, in northern Iraq, is high about the renewal of armed confrontations between the two ruling parties in the region in the 1990s, and the trend towards secession, especially with the visit of the White House Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa affairs to the region not showing indications of a solution soon.

An Iraqi political analyst for "Sky News Arabia" monitors the roots of the current rivalry and rivalry between the Kurdistan Democratic Party, led by Massoud Barzani, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, led by Pavel Talabani , and what the coming days may bear.

The American diplomat, Brett McGurk, met the leaders of the two Kurdish parties in the Kurdistan region, last week, to resolve the differences by virtue of his close relationship with the two parties, and in the hope of repeating his country’s success in bringing them closer, as happened in the “Washington Agreement” in 1998 that established an alliance between the two parties after their armed clash in what It is called the "Kurdish Civil War", which erupted as a result of the struggle for power and wealth.

old dispute

The Iraqi political analyst, Dr. Ghazi Faisal Hussein, Director of the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies, enumerates the reasons for the disagreement between the two parties, its roots, and possible indicators of agreement:

• The causes of the crisis appear to be historical and ideological. The Democratic Party adheres to the liberal approach, while the National Union adopts the social democratic approach as a member of the "International Socialist" organization.

• Competition between the two leaderships over leadership and power between Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan (which is controlled by the Democratic Party) and Sulaymaniyah, the city of an open social nature (which is controlled by the Patriotic Union).

• Although after 2003 (the American invasion and the emergence of a new regime) the leaders succeeded in agreeing on the distribution of sovereign positions in the federal government, in addition to the regional government, which resulted in a model to be emulated in Iraq for development and social and economic prosperity, but after that differences arose regarding the position of president The Republic, the distribution of ministerial portfolios, and the distribution of the region's imports.

• These differences arose between the two parties on the one hand, and between the two parties and the central government in Baghdad on the other hand.

Mediation failed

The director of the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies believes that the visit of the American delegation, headed by the White House coordinator for Middle East and North Africa affairs, to the Kurdistan region did not achieve a breakthrough in the crisis between the two parties.

And what he expects about the coming days, he says:

• The crisis is getting more complicated with the continuation of the media and political charges between the two parties.

• Continuing mutual accusations between the two parties regarding the distribution of resources, wealth and positions, and threatening the National Union to go into a direct relationship with the federal government in Baghdad.

• This atmosphere raises Kurdish fears of turning into armed confrontations due to the unwillingness of both sides to make concessions.

• While the regional presidency warned in a statement of these situations, calling on all political parties to close ranks to overcome the crises, the Patriotic Union and its allies called in a statement for the need to amend the election law in Kurdistan, and activate the Electoral Commission, and stressed the need to prepare an appropriate and stable ground for fair and transparent elections.

• Fears are now increasing that the Democratic Party's insistence on holding elections without responding to the demands of the National Union may lead to the latter boycotting the electoral process. Not only that, but it may proceed with its threat to withdraw from the government, which are two dangerous developments that herald an imminent separation.

In order to avoid this separation, the region’s presidency said in its statement: “At a time when the Kurdistan region is facing mysterious circumstances and a set of challenges, today we are in need more than ever before for unity and solidarity between all parties, especially the Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union, which together hold the reins of the future of this region.” Territory".

[6ly410]

A day after the issuance of the Federal decision

Brett McGurk calls Masrour Barzani about the region's relationship with Baghdad

2023.01.26 - 23:31

Brett McGurk calls Masrour Barzani about the region's relationship with Baghdad (nasnews.com)

 

  

People_  

Masrour Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, received a phone call from Brett McGurk, White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, regarding the results of his visit to Baghdad and Erbil, the region's relationship with the federal government, the budget law, as well as the decision issued by the Federal Court on the unconstitutionality of sending sums of money to the region outside the budget.   

  

  

A statement by the KRG issued this evening (26 January 2023) stated that McGurk highlighted his recent visits to Baghdad and Erbil and his discussions on the next steps to resolve issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government regarding the budget and other files.   

During the meeting, the US coordinator stressed "the importance of unity between the Kurdish parties and improving relations between the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan," according to the statement.  

The call also discussed the recent decision of the Federal Supreme Court to prevent the transfer of funds that were supposed to be sent by the federal government to the Kurdistan Region. The head of the regional government expressed concern over the decision, which aims to "sabotage the positive atmosphere, improve relations between Erbil and Baghdad and achieve political goals."   

According to the statement, the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa reiterated his country's support for the reforms of the ninth cabinet, especially the reforms of the Peshmerga Ministry, as well as progress in the energy sector, improving economic infrastructure, and efforts to combat climate change.  

The two sides agreed on the importance of removing all obstacles to the development of the energy sector and increasing investment by US companies in the Kurdistan Region, and agreed to stay in touch, according to the statement.   

  

[6ly410]

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region PM Masrour Barzani on Thursday held a phone call with White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, discussing the decision by the top Iraqi court which targeted the Region's financial entitlements.

"During the call, the MENA Coordinator reflected on his recent visit to Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region, where he met with a number of officials about the next steps to resolve Baghdad-Erbil issues on the budget and other issues," PM Barzani's office said in a statement.

The US official emphasized the importance of unity among the Kurdish parties and improving relations between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), according to the statement.

They also shed light on the latest decision by the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court which prevents Baghdad from sending Erbil's shre of the federal budget for the last two months of 2022.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his disappointment with the Court’s ruling in light of the "positive atmosphere" and improving relations between Erbil and Baghdad, describing the ruling as "politically motivated and an overreach of the Court’s authority."

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani at the end of last year, made the executive decision to send $260 million owed to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

During the phone call, McGurk reaffirmed his "country’s support for Peshmerga reforms, developments in the energy sector, infrastructure improvements. and combating climate change," the statement added. "They both agreed on the need to remove all obstacles to the development of the energy sector, and greater U.S. investment in the Kurdistan region. They concluded the call by agreeing to stay in close contact."

[yota691]

day after the issuance of the federal decision

Brett McGurk contacts Masrour Barzani about the region's relationship with Baghdad

2023.01.26 - 23:31

 

people_  

Masrour Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, received a phone call from Brett McGurk, White House Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa Affairs, regarding the results of his visit to Baghdad and Erbil, the region's relationship with the federal government and the budget law, as well as the decision issued by the Federal Court that it is unconstitutional to send sums of money to the region outside the budget.   

  

  

  

A statement by the regional government issued this evening (January 26, 2023) stated that McGurk highlighted his recent visits to Baghdad and Erbil and his discussions about the next steps to resolve issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government regarding the budget and other files.   

During the victory, the US coordinator stressed "the importance of unity between the Kurdish parties and improving relations between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan," according to the statement.  

The call also discussed the recent decision of the Federal Supreme Court to prevent the transfer of funds that were supposed to be sent by the federal government to the Kurdistan Region. And the head of the regional government expressed his concern about the decision, which aims to "sabotage the positive atmosphere, improve relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and achieve political goals."   

The White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, according to the statement, renewed his country's support for the reforms of the ninth cabinet, especially those of the Peshmerga Ministry, as well as progress in the energy sector, improving economic infrastructure, and efforts to combat climate change.  

The two sides agreed on the importance of removing all obstacles to developing the energy sector and increasing investment by American companies in the Kurdistan Region, and we also agreed to stay in touch, according to what was stated in the statement.   

[yota691]

between the influence of Washington and Tehran

US report: Indicators of Sudani's ability to maintain government neutrality 'not promising'

2023.01.28 - 17:19

 

Baghdad - people  

An American report by the Washington Institute announced that it is still too early to write off the Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani, as being affiliated with Iran, while indicating that he is following a path familiar to Iraqi governments: doing the minimum necessary to prevent deterioration with Washington while meeting the voracious demands of his “supported partners.” from Iran," but "the indications are not promising."  

  

 

  

  

The report, written by David Schenker, a senior fellow at the Institute and followed by “NAS” (January 28, 2023), stated that Al-Sudani hosted talks with Brett McGurk, the US National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa. Shortly thereafter, Al-Sudani reportedly hosted Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, adding that the exact sequence of these meetings highlights the precarious balancing act that the new prime minister is still performing nearly 100 days into his term. . Given that he came to office with the support of the Iran-aligned parliamentary coalition coordinating framework, "it remains unclear whether he commits to an independent Iraq with strong ties to the United States or adopts the same stance that many of his predecessors did: placating Washington with "Quietly putting Baghdad on Tehran's side. The early indications are not promising."  

  

The report indicates that the position of Muhammad Shia al-Sudani regarding the status of American forces has publicly called for the continued presence of American forces to ensure the permanent defeat of ISIS, but his support for the strategic framework agreement between the United States and Iraq - which stipulates that the American presence is "at the request and invitation." From the Iraqi government - he may not please his coalition partners, but he will probably be able to continue deflecting this issue in favor of the Iraqi government.  

  

Regarding Al-Sudani's ability to continue his position, the report stated that "this position may depend on two conditions: if Al-Sudani's government sets a budget that provides sufficient care for the coalition forces, and if Iran and its Iraqi partners remain willing to tolerate the American presence despite their loud rhetoric."  

  

On the legal challenges facing Al-Sudani, the report indicated that the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a delegation to Baghdad on the third anniversary of the killing of Soleimani. Its stated goal was to pressure Al-Sudani over calling the late leader an "official guest" at the time of his death — a ploy that would give Tehran greater leverage to wage "legal war" against Washington. The request is a test for al-Sudani, who seems to understand that joining Tehran on this matter will complicate relations with the United States and dilute its economic and security benefits. So far, the prime minister has condemned the targeted killing of Soleimani as a "flagrant violation of Iraqi territory and Iraqi sovereignty," but has not met the request of the "official guest" from Tehran or formally agreed to establish a joint tribunal with Iran to internationalize the issue. Sudani's coalition partners regard Soleimani as a martyred hero, so they are likely to keep pressure on him either way.  

  

The report concludes that Al-Sudani’s partners in the coordination framework do not face a major problem with Muhajah so far, as “with regard to the militias, the most important issue is nepotism, which Al-Sudani already distributes to them in the currency of high government positions, and soon, budget benefits.” It notes that the budget surplus resulting from The recent hike in oil prices will be used to hire an additional 300,000 civil servants, "a massive distribution of patronage that will undoubtedly benefit the prime minister's coalition partners."  

  

And the American report adds, "Although it is still too early to write off Al-Sudani as an Iranian vassal, he is following a path familiar to Iraqi governments: that is, doing the minimum necessary to prevent deterioration with Washington while meeting the voracious demands of his Iranian-backed partners." He notes that Al-Sudani will face great difficulty in fighting corruption and improving the economy as long as he is subject to the dictates of Iran and its local allies. Yet this is exactly what he appears to be doing at the moment, if only to thwart snap elections that could bring back opponent Muqtada al-Sadr.  

[yota691]

Parliamentary source: Al-Sudani requested French mediation to determine a close visit to Washington

2023.01.28 - 21:28

 

Baghdad - Nas  

A parliamentary source revealed, on Saturday, a request made by Prime Minister Mohamed Shiaa al-Sudani, to mediate with Paris, to schedule a visit to Washington.  

 

  

  

Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is close to the Lebanese “Hezbollah”, quoted the parliamentary source (January 28, 2023) as saying, “It is expected that Al-Sudani will culminate his tours with a trip to Washington, during which it is expected that many disputes will be resolved, after the United States announced its support for his government in the beginning.” Then, it raised many questions about this support by imposing restrictions on dollar transfers from it to Iraq.  

  

And a high-ranking source in the House of Representatives confirmed, to Al-Akhbar, “Sudani’s intention to request French mediation in order to set a date for his upcoming visit to Washington, to discuss the dollar crisis and US restrictions on remittances.”  

[yota691]

After the differences... An expected breakthrough for the Kurdish crisis between the Union and the Democratic Party

 6 hours ago

792

 

The scene is still blurry between the Patriotic Union and the Kurdistan Democratic Party regarding the existing differences in the region on many crucial issues for Kurdistan, including financial and economic issues and the elections for the region, although indications indicate the existence of American intervention in order to resolve the differences and the response of the two parties to them, but the atrophy is still It is clear in the relations between the two sides at a time when the Union confirmed that it opened its doors to all parties in the region for understanding and dialogue, despite its boycott of the meetings of the regional government.

A member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Wafaa Muhammad, said in a press interview seen by Taqaddam that “the last meeting that was held between the leaders of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union was intended to restore the political atmosphere between the two parties and to prepare for continuous negotiations, but the meeting did not witness any tangible results for the purpose, but Al-Yakti and Al-Barti are ready for the upcoming elections, in addition to stopping the media attacks between the two parties. A new meeting is expected to bring together the Democrats and the Union in order to resolve the basic differences between the two parties.

In the same context, the representative of the Democratic Party, Sherif Suleiman, confirmed in a press interview seen by Taqaddam that “the doors of his party are open to the National Union in order to resolve the crisis and end the differences away from escalation and the search for achieving political and personal goals, especially since the issue is the same and there are great commonalities between The two parties, as they will agree on a comprehensive and complete program in the region.

On the other hand, a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Ghiath Al-Sorji, said in a press interview seen by Taqaddam that “The White House coordinator for Middle East and North Africa affairs, Brett McGurk, called on the Kurdish leaders to end the conflict over the elections, and he succeeded in converging the views, as the leaders of the party The Kurdistan Democrats were convinced to hold parliamentary elections within four constituencies for each province, an electoral district, pointing out that the doors of the Patriotic Union are open to all Kurdish parties, especially the Democratic Party, in order to settle differences as a strategic partner.

[JonnyV]

On 1/29/2023 at 8:26 AM, yota691 said:

between the influence of Washington and Tehran

US report: Indicators of Sudani's ability to maintain government neutrality 'not promising'

2023.01.28 - 17:19

 

Baghdad - people  

An American report by the Washington Institute announced that it is still too early to write off the Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani, as being affiliated with Iran, while indicating that he is following a path familiar to Iraqi governments: doing the minimum necessary to prevent deterioration with Washington while meeting the voracious demands of his “supported partners.” from Iran," but "the indications are not promising."  

  

 

  

  

The report, written by David Schenker, a senior fellow at the Institute and followed by “NAS” (January 28, 2023), stated that Al-Sudani hosted talks with Brett McGurk, the US National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa. Shortly thereafter, Al-Sudani reportedly hosted Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, adding that the exact sequence of these meetings highlights the precarious balancing act that the new prime minister is still performing nearly 100 days into his term. . Given that he came to office with the support system" rel="">support of the Iran-aligned parliamentary coalition coordinating framework, "it remains unclear whether he commits to an independent Iraq with strong ties to the United States or adopts the same stance that many of his predecessors did: placating Washington with "Quietly putting Baghdad on Tehran's side. The early indications are not promising."  

  

The report indicates that the position of Muhammad Shia al-Sudani regarding the status of American forces has publicly called for the continued presence of American forces to ensure the permanent defeat of ISIS, but his support system" rel="">support for the strategic framework agreement between the United States and Iraq - which stipulates that the American presence is "at the request and invitation." From the Iraqi government - he may not please his coalition partners, but he will probably be able to continue deflecting this issue in favor of the Iraqi government.  

  

Regarding Al-Sudani's ability to continue his position, the report stated that "this position may depend on two conditions: if Al-Sudani's government sets a budget that provides sufficient care for the coalition forces, and if Iran and its Iraqi partners remain willing to tolerate the American presence despite their loud rhetoric."  

  

On the legal challenges facing Al-Sudani, the report indicated that the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a delegation to Baghdad on the third anniversary of the killing of Soleimani. Its stated goal was to pressure Al-Sudani over calling the late leader an "official guest" at the time of his death — a ploy that would give Tehran greater leverage to wage "legal war" against Washington. The request is a test for al-Sudani, who seems to understand that joining Tehran on this matter will complicate relations with the United States and dilute its economic and security benefits. So far, the prime minister has condemned the targeted killing of Soleimani as a "flagrant violation of Iraqi territory and Iraqi sovereignty," but has not met the request of the "official guest" from Tehran or formally agreed to establish a joint tribunal with Iran to internationalize the issue. Sudani's coalition partners regard Soleimani as a martyred hero, so they are likely to keep pressure on him either way.  

  

The report concludes that Al-Sudani’s partners in the coordination framework do not face a major problem with Muhajah so far, as “with regard to the militias, the most important issue is nepotism, which Al-Sudani already distributes to them in the currency of high government positions, and soon, budget benefits.” It notes that the budget surplus resulting from The recent hike in oil prices will be used to hire an additional 300,000 civil servants, "a massive distribution of patronage that will undoubtedly benefit the prime minister's coalition partners."  

  

And the American report adds, "Although it is still too early to write off Al-Sudani as an Iranian vassal, he is following a path familiar to Iraqi governments: that is, doing the minimum necessary to prevent deterioration with Washington while meeting the voracious demands of his Iranian-backed partners." He notes that Al-Sudani will face great difficulty in fighting corruption and improving the economy as long as he is subject to the dictates of Iran and its local allies. Yet this is exactly what he appears to be doing at the moment, if only to thwart snap elections that could bring back opponent Muqtada al-Sadr.  

 

Typical Maliki propaganda news writing.  Nice try Potato Head. 

[screwball]

On 1/23/2023 at 11:49 PM, yota691 said:

The American newspaper "Al-Monitor" quoted an Iraqi source as saying that US officials raised the issue of the dollar several times with Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani, the latest of which was by the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, last Monday.  

So let me get this right…you instructed them not to sell USD in country and now raise the issue that you created? Is the left hand talking to the right? Who is in control? WTF…Bs to me

[yota691]

America shows its suppor t for the meetings of the two main parties in the Kurdistan Region

 

2023-02-01 05:51

 

 

Shafaq News/ The President of Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, met today, Wednesday, with the US Consul General in the region, Irvin Hicks Jr.

 

A statement issued by the Presidency of the region today stated that the two sides discussed during the meeting the recent political developments in the Kurdistan Region and the meetings and meetings of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. In this regard, the US Consul General expressed his country's welcome and support for dialogue and efforts to resolve differences between the two sides, stressing that America It looks with interest at its relations with the Kurdistan Region.

 

 

According to the statement, the process of reform and reorganization of the Peshmerga forces constituted another focus of the meeting, during which His Excellency President Nechirvan Barzani stressed the continuation of the process and the importance of its success, thanking America for its assistance and support in this context.

 

For his part, the US Consul General reviewed his country's focus and interest in this process and its acceleration.

 

The meeting also discussed the problems of Erbil and Baghdad, preparations for the visit of an American trade delegation to the Kurdistan Region, issues of human rights, freedom of the press and expression, and a group of issues of common concern to both sides.

[yota691]

Iraq's "cautious" policy leads Washington and Tehran's rapprochement

Iraq  2023/02/05

 

 

 Baghdad: Haider Al-Jaber 

 

The Iraqi government's moves created a positive atmosphere in the region towards calming the situation between Tehran and Washington or across the two sides of the Gulf, by playing the role of mediator, as Baghdad hosted several meetings between Saudi and Iranian officials, and the Iraqi capital was a reliable transmitter of messages between the latter and their American counterparts. 

 

The Washington Institute for Studies spoke about cautious steps taken by Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani, who is trying to maintain what was described as a "saw" between the two parties (the American and the Iranian), in light of internal and external diplomatic and economic pressures. 

A member of Parliament, Ali al-Mashkoor, called for opening up to everyone in a "balanced" manner, considering the Iraqi government's neutrality as a "positive matter." 

 

Al-Mashkoor, a deputy from Basra Governorate, told Al-Sabah: "If the Sudanese intention is to open up to all countries, then this is a good thing and will play a big role, which is something that counts for him and his government." He added that "the neutrality of the (Iraqi) government in regional files is a positive matter." Pointing out that there are two influential axes in the Iraqi arena. 

 

He went on to say: "There are two important axes in Iraq, the Iranian and the American," and stressed that "the rapprochement between the two axes is very important to advance Iraqi life, which has begun to move slowly," describing this matter as "positive." 

 

Baghdad witnessed several meetings between multiple (international and regional) parties, which observers described as a positive matter, as Dr. Ahmed Adnan Al-Kinani, a professor of political science at the University of Baghdad, considered that the Iraqi government is taking a balanced approach, warning that the Arab region is still "politically inflamed." ". 

 

Al-Kinani told Al-Sabah: "In light of the contradictions in the policies of the superpowers in several regions, especially in the Middle East, Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani is taking a balanced approach in the near future in order to contain any decline or weakness in Iraq's relations with its regional environment or He referred to his (Sudanese) talks with the US National Security Council coordinator for Middle East and North Africa affairs, Brett McGurk, and the commander of the Quds Force in the (Iranian Revolutionary Guard), General Ismail Qaani, to be part of activating the equation of the swinging balance state that he is trying to During which the Prime Minister will work to achieve it.” 

He stressed that "the Arab region is still aflame with conflict-competitive issues that are closer to disagreement and await resolution and a solution, especially the situation in occupied Palestine and areas of tension in the Middle East that await a solution through a comprehensive political settlement that takes place under international, regional and international auspices alike, as well as taking into account the interests of Iraq, which is trying to To lead a settlement of disputes as an (active mediator) between the countries of the region and Iran, leading to an agreement that guarantees strategic partnership and preserves interests while respecting the sovereignty of states. 

 

He explained that "the power of the Iraqi negotiating mediator began in April 2021, when the capital, Baghdad, hosted direct talks at a low level of diplomatic representation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as the talks continued to hold five consecutive rounds, and the new Iraqi government is trying to complete them, in order to achieve its common goals." "On the other hand, the countries of the region will understand the necessity of securing security and stability and entering into promising economic and investment partnerships, such as those currently taking place between Iran and the countries of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, and the same with the rest of the countries of the region," he said. 

Al-Kinani called for "drawing new features in inter-relationships that try to solve complex problems, respect Iraq's sovereignty, activate energy projects, and secure the movement of funds and investments in Iraq, present and in the future." 

 

On the other hand, the Iraqi journalist and writer, Saman Daoud, does not look positively at this matter, expecting that the Iraqi government will be forced to "take sides" with one of the two sides (the Iranian or the American), with the expectation of the outbreak of popular demonstrations. 

 

Dawood told Al-Sabah: "Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani showed from the beginning some good flexibility in dealing with the two parties to the conflict in Iraq, namely America and Iran, and they showed their support for him from the beginning." He added that "this matter made al-Sudani play a pragmatic role between the two parties." And he has been successful in that so far, and it will have positive results on the security situation,” warning of “the negative repercussions on the economic situation in light of the crisis of the dollar’s rise, which is borne by the two parties to the conflict, the United States of America and Iran,” he said. 

 

Edited by: Muhammad Al-Ansari