The Iraqi President draws the form of the relationship with America, Iran and Saudi Arabia and presents his proposals for the problems of Baghdad, Erbil and Kirkuk

[yota691]

Legal: The decision of the Federal Court regarding Kirkuk is a state decision that may be annulled after deciding on the invitation

46 minutes ago

 

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special|..

Legal expert Ali Al-Tamr confirmed that the Federal Court's decision not to hand over the advanced operations headquarters in Kirkuk to the KDP is a state decision, meaning that it is issued on the petition of the case whenever it is necessary.

Al-Tamr explained in a special statement to Al- Jazeera newspaper that the state decision does not address the origin of the right until after the final decision is issued, adding that this mechanism is dependent on the outcome of the final court decision, at which time it is either accepted or canceled according to the decision on the case, given that it is considered It is a binding decision for all parties, and must be implemented even by the prime minister. I finish

[yota691]

Arshad Al-Salihi: Masrour Barzani uses double standards with the Federal Court

Today, 10:15

 

Al-Ghad Press / Baghdad

The head of the Turkmen Parliamentary Bloc, Arshad al-Salhi, accused the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, of applying double standards with the decisions of the Federal Court, while pointing out that the Kirkuk governorate achieved a good social, commercial and investment environment after the imposition of law in 2017, which took place after the referendum on the secession of the Kurdistan region that took place. He described it as a "failure".

 

Al-Salihi said in a televised statement, followed by "Al-Ghad Press", that "Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani has no fault in the Kirkuk crisis, and he is working to implement what was stated in the political agreement paper," noting that "the evacuation of the operations headquarters is rejected by the Turkmens and the restoration of the Democratic Party." political courtesy.

 

In response to Masrour Barzani's tweet, in which he described the Federal Court's recent decision on Kirkuk as a "farce," Al-Salhi replied: "They are using double standards with the Federal Court and its decisions," recalling the Turkmen response to the Federal Court's decision regarding Article 140 of the disputed areas, saying: "We accepted By court ruling, even though the article expired in 2007.

 

Al-Salihi pointed out that "Kirkuk achieved a social, commercial and investment environment after 2017 and the failed secession referendum."

 

[yota691]

Erdogan: We will not allow the security and unity of Kirkuk to be destabilized, and activities to change the city's demography must be avoided

2023-09-05 06:27

Shafaq News/ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commented, on Tuesday, on the developments in the Iraqi governorate of Kirkuk, and said that Ankara will not allow the security and unity of Kirkuk to be destabilized.

 

Erdogan indicated, according to the Anatolia News Agency, that "the homeland of the Turkmens, Kirkuk, has become a region where different cultures live in peace, and we will not allow the security and territorial integrity of this region to be destabilized."

 

He added, "We must refrain from activities that would change the (demographic) structure of the city of Kirkuk in order to maintain peace in the region."

 

Yesterday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said, commenting on "the developments in Iraq and the protests in Kirkuk," that we do not interfere in Iraq's internal affairs. It is normal for the Iraqi authorities to do their best. It is important for us to support internal stability in Iraq and the efforts of the central government."

 

He explained, "Supporting stability and security in the surrounding countries is a priority for Iran. The effects of any threats and crises will not remain within its borders. Wherever we are asked for help, Iran moved to help and achieve stability or resolve differences in countries."

 

Kananani continued, "The Iraqi government has the strength and capacity to provide security, and if assistance is expected and requested, Iran will help."

 

Dozens of demonstrators supporting "Arab and Turkmen" political parties in Kirkuk governorate, a few days ago, blocked the main road linking the governorate with the city of Erbil, in protest against the Kurdistan Democratic Party's intention to return to opening its headquarters in Kirkuk in accordance with the political agreement concluded with the State Administration Coalition, which includes The political forces and parties that formed the current federal government headed by Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani.

 

On Saturday evening, Kirkuk witnessed dozens of Kurdish demonstrators descending on the areas inhabited by the majority of the people of the component, demanding the reopening of the road and an end to the sit-ins in front of that headquarters, but they were met with gunfire, which resulted in casualties and injuries.

 

The Iraqi security authorities imposed a curfew in Kirkuk governorate, due to the tensions that accompanied the protests in the Kurdish areas.

[yota691]

Anti-Baghdad Demonstrations in Iraqi Kurdistan: Political Messages

Arab reports

Baghdad

Zaid Salem

September 05, 2023

 

During the demonstration, the demonstrators raised slogans related to the rejection of Baghdad's policy (Getty)

Thousands demonstrated in the Dohuk governorate in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, today, Tuesday, in protest against what they described as "Baghdad's policy towards the region", after the events that took place in Kirkuk during the past two days, and the Federal Supreme Court's decision to stop handing over a building in Kirkuk governorate to the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party in A. Rabel .

 

The demonstrators came out at nine o'clock this morning, Tuesday, in "Newroz" square in the center of Dohuk, coming from the areas and towns of Sheikhan, Semel, Zakho, Aqrah and Amadiyah.

 

The demonstrators raised slogans related to rejecting Baghdad's policy of not sending Kurdistan's share of the financial budget, the salaries of the region's employees, and "attempts to violate the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan," in addition to the most prominent slogans of solidarity with the Kirkuk file.

 

According to sources from Dohuk, "Most of the demonstrators are from the local organizations of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, but the party orders stipulated that no pictures of Masoud Barzani or his two sons (the party leaders) be uploaded, and civil organizations and well-known personalities participated in the city," indicating to "The New Arab." "The protests are a means of declaring a state of popular rejection of the positions and decisions issued by the government in Baghdad that affect the region and its government." 

 

Kurdish media quoted the governor of Dohuk, Ali Tatar, who participated in the protests, as saying that "the demonstration is above all to show sympathy for the legitimate rights of the people of Kirkuk and their martyrs, wounded and oppressed," calling for "the implementation of the constitution, especially Article 140 of it, and the implementation of the agreement concluded between the president Ministers (in the Kurdistan region and the federal government).

 

The governor added, "The Kurdistan Regional Government has fulfilled all its obligations towards Baghdad, so we demand the implementation of the agreement concluded between the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. We handed over all the revenues to Baghdad, so why do the employees of this region underestimate their rights? As an employee, I add my voice to the voices of all the employees of the region." Kurdistan in order to obtain all our constitutional, financial and national rights.

 

On August 28, a new crisis began in Kirkuk, when dozens of people blocked the entire road linking Kirkuk and Erbil, refusing to hand over the headquarters of the Joint Military Operations Command in Kirkuk Governorate to the Kurdistan Democratic Party, where the Iraqi forces are based in this huge building. Since 2017.

 

Soon, the protests expanded to include parties from the "Popular Mobilization Forces" and others from the Turkmen Front and Arab parties.

 

 

On the other hand, the Kurdish parties pushed the protesters last Saturday, as a measure against the demonstrations of the Arab and Turkmen forces, and clashes erupted between the two parties when unknown elements entered the protest area and fired in the air with light weapons, which led to casualties and injuries. 

 

The administration of Kirkuk is run by an Arab governor, Rakan al-Jubouri, along with a joint security command of various nationalities in the province, under the supervision of the Iraqi army, since Baghdad regained control of Kirkuk at the end of 2017, after a wide military campaign following Erbil's organization of a referendum to secede from Iraq.

 

For its part, the Iraqi Federal Court stopped, yesterday, Sunday, the decision to hand over the Operations Command headquarters in the city of Kirkuk to the Kurdistan Democratic Party, after a lawsuit filed by Wasfi Al-Asi, a member of Parliament representing the Arab component in Kirkuk. The court decided to "stop the Prime Minister's decision (Muhammad Shi'a al-Sudani) related to the evacuation of the Joint Operations Forces headquarters in Kirkuk, and the court's decision is final and binding on all officials."

 

However, the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, criticized the Federal Court's decision, describing it as a "farce", especially since Al-Sudani had made a promise to the KDP to return to Kirkuk, and for the party to take over the headquarters of military operations, which was the party's headquarters before 2017.

For its part, the Iraqi Security Media Cell described the situation in Kirkuk as "stable," saying that "there are no events that disturb life in Kirkuk, and whoever promotes such incorrect news is trying to shuffle the cards."

 

And it indicated, in a statement, that "the people of this province were and still are distinguished by peaceful coexistence among themselves, and we witness that there is full cooperation between citizens and security forces."

 

In turn, political researcher Ali al-Baydar believed that "any Iraqi party has the right to express its positions by resorting to the street and the masses. Therefore, the Democratic Party's choice of this option is natural, and this is usually what happens when political crises intensify," indicating to "The New Arab." "Political agreements usually clash with the possibility of implementing them later on the ground, but it seems that the next stage will witness a new understanding about the implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution regarding the disputed areas."

 

The file of the disputed areas is one of the most complex of the outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil, as the Arab, Kurdish and Turkmen components in those areas do not accept any understandings affecting their rights, which makes it possible to conclude new understandings that put these areas, especially Kirkuk, on the brink of problems and political crises.

 

An article was added to the new constitution known as "Article 140", which provides for holding a popular referendum for the residents of those areas about their desire to stay with the Baghdad administration or join the cities of the region, but since 2005 this article has not been implemented for political and security reasons, most notably the demographic change that occurred in them. Especially Kirkuk.

[ametad]

15 hours ago, yota691 said:

The file of the disputed areas is one of the most complex of the outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil, as the Arab, Kurdish and Turkmen components in those areas do not accept any understandings affecting their rights, which makes it possible to conclude new understandings that put these areas, especially Kirkuk, on the brink of problems and political crises.

Well, this is where Iraq finds itself. This is the test to see if the politicians in parliament are representing their people. If they are representing the true will of the people this will settle as it has been agreed upon for the tripartite budget agreement.

 

15 hours ago, yota691 said:

Kananani continued, "The Iraqi government has the strength and capacity to provide security, and if assistance is expected and requested, Iran will help."

If Iraq needs help, their neighbors Iran will help.

 

As the implementation of Article 140 has repercussions, with the agreement and solidarity of the province within the local area; the oil could begin to flow again through the pipeline to the north. I think it will be a faster solution to build a pipeline through the south. On a positive note, this whole thing in the current moment is developing mostly through channels of dialogue and diplomacy. 

[yota691]

Qais Khazali responds to Erdogan

2023-09-05 13:20

 

Shafaq News/ The Secretary-General of the League of the Righteous Movement, Qais Khazali, responded, on Tuesday, to the statements of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the events in the Iraqi governorate of Kirkuk.

 

Al-Khazali said in a tweet on the "X" platform (formerly Twitter), seen by Shafaq News Agency, "From Karbala, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), we announce: Kirkuk is Iraqi, and the Turkmen are Iraqis, and no country has the right to interfere in our internal affairs. A point at the head of a line."

 

Earlier today, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "The homeland of the Turkmens, Kirkuk, has become a region where different cultures live in peace, and we will not allow the security and territorial integrity of this region to be destabilized," according to the Anadolu news agency.

 

"We must avoid activities that would change the (demographic) structure of the city of Kirkuk in order to maintain peace in the region," he added.

 

Dozens of demonstrators supporting "Arab and Turkmen" political parties in Kirkuk governorate, a few days ago, blocked the main road linking the governorate with the city of Erbil, in protest against the Kurdistan Democratic Party's intention to return to opening its headquarters in Kirkuk in accordance with the political agreement concluded with the State Administration Coalition, which includes The political forces and parties that formed the current federal government headed by Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani.

 

On Saturday evening, Kirkuk witnessed dozens of Kurdish demonstrators descending on the areas inhabited by the majority of the people of the component, demanding the reopening of the road and an end to the sit-ins in front of that headquarters, but they were met with gunfire, which resulted in casualties and injuries.

 

The Iraqi security authorities imposed a curfew in Kirkuk governorate, due to the tensions that accompanied the protests in the Kurdish areas.

[yota691]

Khazali: The Turkmen are Iraqis and no country has the right to interfere in our internal affairs

 

September 5, 2023

Baghdad / Obelisk Al-Hadath: The Secretary-General of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, Qais Khazali, responded, on Tuesday 09/05/2023, to the statement of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the recent events in Kirkuk.

Khazali said in a tweet, followed by the obelisk, that Kirkuk is Iraqi and the Turkmen are Iraqis, and no country has the right to interfere in our internal affairs.

Erdogan had called for avoiding any practices that would change the demographic composition of the city of Kirkuk, in order to maintain peace in the region.

This came in his speech to reporters on board the plane, while returning from an official visit to the Russian city of Sochi on Monday.

The Turkish president said: Kirkuk is the homeland of the Turkmens, and a region where different cultures have lived in peace for hundreds of years, and we will not allow its security and territorial integrity to be destabilized.

He pointed out that any action that harms the structure of the city of Kirkuk means a defect in the unity of Iraq.

He added: We will not allow any harm to the unity and stability of this geographical region.

The Turkish President stressed to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the head of the Intelligence Service, Ibrahim Kalin, the need to closely follow the Kirkuk file.

He explained that relative calm prevails in the city of Kirkuk at the present time in light of the results of the meetings with the Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani, or with his political counterparts in Iraq.

He explained that Turkish officials held meetings with the Barzani family in the northern region of Iraq, and also in light of the statements made by the Turkish Foreign Minister during his meeting with his Iranian counterpart Hussein Amir Abdollahian yesterday in Tehran, an atmosphere of calm began to prevail in the city as of today.

Since August 25, protests continue against preparations to evacuate a security building and hand it over to the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

[ametad]

Thanks Yota for keeping this thread updated.

[horsesoldier]

They're just not happy unless there's hate, discontent, cry's of death to somebody or other that escalated into crisis and instability.

Keep this up and political, economic & national security become so compromised that reforms and any chance of the IQD being globally recognized will be postponed indefinitely...and I think that's been the criminals plan all along.

[yota691]

The US State Department comments on the events in Kirkuk: We are closely following the situation

09-5-2023, 21:15

 

Al-Ghad Press/Baghdad 

The US State Department announced today, Tuesday, that it is closely following the situation in Kirkuk, and condemns the violence in the province .

 

"We offer our condolences to the families of the victims of the Kirkuk demonstrations," said Deputy Spokesman for the US State Department, Vedant Patil, during a press conference today, in response to a question about the events in Kirkuk .

 

He added, "The states call on all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and within the framework of Article 140 of the Constitution ."

 

Regarding the disputes between Erbil and Baghdad over budget and salaries, Vedant Patel said: "We are in constant contact with our partners in Baghdad and Erbil, and we allow our representatives in the two cities to talk about these relations to give more information . "

 

[yota691]

A major Kurdish party contradicts the "Parti" narrative: Kirkuk is not Kurdish

Yesterday, 09:11

 

Al-Ghad Press / Baghdad

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan saw that the recent events in Kirkuk governorate aim to raise the pace of the KDP's gains, while criticizing Turkish interventions in the diverse population of the province.

 

Union member Sherzad Samad said, "The events in Kirkuk aim to escalate the partisan gains of Parti, who seeks to break the will of the Kurds in Kirkuk," noting that "there are attempts to create chaos in the province and escalation is not in everyone's interest."

 

He added, "Kirkuk is not a Kurdish city and includes all the components, and there are international interventions in the matter of Kirkuk, the most prominent of which is the intervention of Turkey, which is trying to divide the peoples of Kirkuk to achieve its interests in the region."

 

[yota691]

Khamis al-Khanjar lines up with Masrour Barzani: an agreement on "normalization" in Kirkuk

Today, 14:25

 

Today
 , Thursday, the Kurdistan Regional Government announced the agreement of its President, Masrour Barzani, with the head of the Sovereignty Alliance, Khamis al-Khanjar, to "normalize conditions" in Kirkuk, noting that they had expressed their concern about the "use of violence" in the province. 

 

A statement issued by the media office of the regional government stated, "The President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, received today, Thursday, the head of the Sovereignty Alliance, Khamis al-Khanjar. In the meeting, they discussed the political situation in Iraq, and the importance of resolving problems between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government on the basis of the constitution and agreements." ". 

 

The statement added: "The recent events in Kirkuk were another focus of the discussions, as the two sides expressed their concern about the use of violence against civilian demonstrators, and they also agreed on the need to normalize conditions in the city."

 

[yota691]

Parliamentary briefing on the Kirkuk crisis.. A road map looms on the horizon, and Baghdad adopts three steps to deal with it

policy |Today, 13:04 |

    

 

Baghdad today - Baghdad 

Today, Thursday (September 7, 2023), the representative of the State of Law Coalition, Baqir Al-Saadi, said that the Kirkuk governorate has passed the crisis of the beginning of September, while announcing the existence of a road map that he described as “national” that will crystallize in the governorate.

Al-Saadi explained in an interview with "Baghdad Today", that "the events that took place at the beginning of September in Kirkuk governorate were worrisome, but they were controlled and the conditions are now normal and there are no serious risks to the security of the city," pointing out that "what happened was due to the presence of weak souls." They tried to shuffle the cards, but the efforts of the security forces and the cooperation of the main parties contributed to containing the situation."

He pointed out, "The multi-national city is facing a forthcoming national road map that all parties, including the Sudanese government, are seeking to crystallize in order to avoid a recurrence of the crisis," stressing that "Baghdad has adopted three main principles in dealing with the Kirkuk file, which is that security is a red line and does not allow to stir up strife." Or encroaching on public property and imposing the prestige of the state, the law, and respect for human rights.

He pointed out that "the Kirkuk file is sensitive, large and exceptional, and any consensus must take into account the rights of all its components without exception," noting that "the Sudanese government dealt with the recent events with the logic of wisdom and objectivity, based on the principle that all the people of the city are" Iraqis.

During the past few days, the Kirkuk governorate witnessed security tension after Arab and Turkmen protesters organized a sit-in near the general headquarters of the security forces in the governorate, following information that Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani had ordered the security forces to hand over this headquarters to the Kurdistan Democratic Party, which had previously occupied it.

As a result, at least four demonstrators were killed and 16 others were injured when clashes erupted during the demonstrations in the multinational city in northern Iraq, where the authorities imposed a curfew. 

On Monday, the fourth of September, local media circulated news of new armed clashes and confrontations between Arabs and Turkmen on the one hand, and the Kurds on the other, in Kirkuk. The Security Media Cell denied these reports.

 

 

[yota691]

Khamis al-Khanjar lines up with Masrour Barzani: an agreement on "normalization" in Kirkuk

Yesterday, 14:25

 

Today
 , Thursday, the Kurdistan Regional Government announced the agreement of its President, Masrour Barzani, with the head of the Sovereignty Alliance, Khamis al-Khanjar, to "normalize conditions" in Kirkuk, noting that they had expressed their concern about the "use of violence" in the province. 

A statement issued by the media office of the regional government stated, "The President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, received today, Thursday, the head of the Sovereignty Alliance, Khamis al-Khanjar. In the meeting, they discussed the political situation in Iraq, and the importance of resolving problems between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government on the basis of the constitution and agreements." ". 

The statement added: "The recent events in Kirkuk were another focus of the discussions, as the two sides expressed their concern about the use of violence against civilian demonstrators, and they also agreed on the need to normalize conditions in the city."

 

[yota691]

The outputs of the Kurdistan Democratic meeting directing requests to Baghdad

• Time: 09/07/2023 20:17:42
•  
• Read: 2,366 times

  

{Politics: Al-Furat News} Today, Thursday (September 7, 2023), the political office of the Kurdistan Democratic Party held a meeting headed by Masoud Barzani. The meeting discussed and discussed several axes and expressed its position on many current files.

 

The statement stated: “The political office of the Kurdistan Democratic Party calls for the formation of an independent committee consisting of representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government to investigate the following issues:

First: Determine The reasons that prevented the implementation of the decision of the Iraqi Prime Minister.

Second: Identifying the supporters of violence and preventing the implementation of the Prime Minister’s decision, including representatives in Parliament and officials in the Kirkuk administration, and bringing them to justice.

 

Third: Identifying the people who issued orders to open fire, which resulted in the shooting . Martyrdom of the citizens who peacefully demanded the opening of the Kirkuk-Erbil road, and bringing them to justice.

Fourth: Identifying the people who opened fire and causing the martyrdom and injury of unarmed citizens, and bringing them to justice.

Fifth: Based on these investigations, a decision should be taken to compensate the families of the martyrs and the injured, as well as the citizens who were financially harmed.”

 

The statement added, “After the Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani issued a decision to hand over the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Kirkuk, according to the constitution and the management coalition agreement.” However, the influential people in Kirkuk incited a group of rioters and bandits to prevent the implementation of this decision and closed the road without the security officials in the city taking action to prevent them.”

 

He continued, “But when a number of the Kurdish people of Kirkuk demanded that the road be opened peacefully, a group of The armed men under the umbrella of the security forces opened fire on them, which led to the death of a number of them and the injury of others, while those who blocked the road were not asked to move away. May the martyrs remain immortal and the wounded recover quickly.”

He pointed out, "With regard to the Kurdistan Region's relationship with the federal government, since nine months after the formation of the government, the provisions related to the region have not been implemented, so their implementation has been prevented."

He pointed out, “With regard to the budget law, a draft budget law was prepared in agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government and determined its percentage, but this draft was changed in the House of Representatives, and the Kurdistan Region was treated unfairly, and now even what was stated in the law is not being implemented, and this is also a great injustice to the employees in The region and the citizens of Kurdistan in general.

The Political Bureau called on the federal government to “take decisions on the basis of balance, consensus, and partnership, and for the role and representation of the political components to be essential in deciding crucial decisions.”

He also called for "the Federal Council Law to be put into effect in accordance with what is stated in the Constitution and the State Administration Coalition Agreement, and for its legislation to be legislated by the House of Representatives."

He stressed "the necessity of accelerating the preparation of the draft oil and gas law in accordance with the joint agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government, and ending the old law."

He stressed "not to politicize the issue of salaries of Kurdistan Region employees and mix it with problems and pay them salaries like the rest of Iraq's employees."

The Political Bureau called for "amending the Federal Supreme Court law in accordance with what was stipulated in the Constitution and implementing it, and accelerating the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement in accordance with the agreement concluded between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government."

He pointed out "the reopening of the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the rest of the political forces in the governorates of Kirkuk, Nineveh, and Diyala, so that all parties can freely practice their political activity."

The statement concluded by saying, “Iraq and the region are going through a sensitive situation, and there are accumulated crises in Iraq, and in fact a crisis is being created to cover up another crisis. It can be said frankly that crises in this country are not resolved but rather managed, so the Kurdistan Region is also going through a situation similar to Iraq and the region.” This situation requires unity and solidarity to protect the entity of the Kurdistan Region and the achievements of our people, and to implement the Constitution, including Article 140.”

 

[yota691]

An expected visit by the Sudanese to Kirkuk tomorrow, and an intensive security and military deployment to secure it

2023-09-08 07:18

Shafaq News/ A senior security source in Kirkuk revealed on Friday that the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani, is scheduled to visit the governorate tomorrow, Saturday, to discuss the repercussions of the recent events in Kirkuk, while security forces, reinforced by military vehicles, have deployed in the streets of the city.

 

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the Sudanese will visit Kirkuk tomorrow to discuss the recent events and their security and political repercussions in the governorate, prepare plans to maintain peaceful and societal coexistence and prepare the atmosphere in preparation for holding local elections.

 

He continued by saying that Al-Sudani will meet with the governorate’s leaders and political forces from all components to bring closer viewpoints regarding the recent crisis and prevent its recurrence in the city, in addition to reviewing plans to secure the city and maintain societal stability.

 

The source also confirmed that there is an extensive deployment of security formations, accompanied by military vehicles, in the neighborhoods and regions of Kirkuk in anticipation of any emergency.

 

The Chief of Staff of the Army, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah, accompanied by the Commander of the Ground Forces, Lieutenant General Qasim Al-Muhammadi, arrived yesterday, Thursday, in Kirkuk Governorate to supervise the security situation there.

 

A few days ago, dozens of demonstrators supporting "Arab and Turkmen" political parties in Kirkuk governorate blocked the main road linking the governorate with the city of Erbil, in protest against the Kurdistan Democratic Party's intention to return to opening its headquarters in Kirkuk in accordance with the political agreement concluded with the State Administration Coalition, which includes forces. And the political parties that formed the current federal government headed by Muhammad Shia al-Sudani.

 

On Saturday evening, Kirkuk witnessed dozens of Kurdish demonstrators descending on the areas inhabited by the majority of the people of the component, demanding the reopening of the road and an end to the sit-ins in front of that headquarters, but they were met with gunfire, which resulted in casualties and injuries.

 

The Iraqi security authorities imposed a curfew in Kirkuk Governorate due to the tensions that accompanied the protests in the Kurdish regions.

 

It is noteworthy that the Kurdistan Democratic Party, headed by the Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, left its headquarters and party institutions in Kirkuk Governorate, following the military operation launched by the federal government on the disputed areas between Erbil and Baghdad after the independence referendum conducted by the Kurdistan Region in September of 2017, which resulted in To the withdrawal of Peshmerga and Asayish forces from those areas.

[yota691]

The government spokesman reassures public opinion: Kirkuk is stable

Today, 13:20

 

 

Al-Ghad Press / Baghdad

Today, Saturday, government spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi reassured public opinion regarding the situation in Kirkuk Governorate, stressing that it is stable and that the government is seeking more stability after a series of negotiations to end the crisis.

 

Al-Awadi said in a statement to the official newspaper, seen by Al-Ghad Press, that "the situation in Kirkuk is stable and we aspire in the coming days to more political and security stability after holding negotiation sessions to end the crisis."

 

According to sources within the coordination framework, Al-Sudani will raise important points during his meeting with governorate leaders and political forces, in order to prepare plans to maintain peaceful and societal coexistence and prepare the atmosphere in preparation for holding local elections.

 

This is preceded by a meeting held by Al-Sudani of the state administration coalition to discuss the issue and reach solutions, according to what the government spokesman said.

 

[yota691]

In the presence of Al-Sudani, the “State Administration” meets regarding Kirkuk

2023-09-09 04:22

 

Shafaq News/ The “State Administration” coalition, which includes the political forces and parties forming the current federal government headed by Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani, is scheduled to hold a meeting this Saturday evening to discuss the repercussions of the recent events witnessed in Kirkuk Governorate.

 

An informed source told Shafaq News Agency that the coalition will hold an important meeting in the evening, in the presence of Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani, in the government palace, in order to resolve the issue of Kirkuk Governorate, calm the situation there, and stop the political and media escalation regarding it by all blocs and parties of the coalition.

 

A few days ago, dozens of demonstrators supporting "Arab and Turkmen" political parties in Kirkuk governorate blocked the main road linking the governorate with the city of Erbil, in protest against the Kurdistan Democratic Party's intention to return to opening its headquarters in Kirkuk in accordance with the political agreement concluded with the State Administration Coalition, which includes forces. And the political parties that formed the current federal government headed by Muhammad Shia al-Sudani.

 

Early last week, Kirkuk witnessed dozens of Kurdish demonstrators descending on areas inhabited by the majority of the population, demanding the reopening of the road and an end to the sit-ins in front of that headquarters, but they were met with gunfire, resulting in casualties and injuries.

 

The Iraqi security authorities imposed a curfew in Kirkuk Governorate due to the tensions that accompanied the protests in the Kurdish regions.

 

It is noteworthy that the Kurdistan Democratic Party, headed by the Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, left its headquarters and party institutions in Kirkuk Governorate, following the military operation launched by the federal government on the disputed areas between Erbil and Baghdad after the independence referendum conducted by the Kurdistan Region in September of 2017, which resulted in To the withdrawal of Peshmerga and Asayish forces from those areas.

[yota691]

Sudanese intensifies efforts to end the Kirkuk crisis

The first  09/09/2023

 

 

  Baghdad: Muhannad Abdel Wahhab

is expected to discuss the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, calming the atmosphere in Kirkuk and the repercussions of the recent events.
The details of this were revealed by sources within the coordination framework, suggesting that Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani will raise important points during his meeting with the governorate’s leaders and political forces, in order to prepare plans to maintain peaceful and societal coexistence and prepare the atmosphere in preparation for holding local elections.
This is preceded by a meeting held by the Sudanese of the State Administration Alliance to discuss the issue and reach solutions, according to what government spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi told Al-Sabah, indicating that “the situation in Kirkuk is stable and we aspire in the coming days to more political and security stability after holding negotiation sessions to end the crisis.” "Kirkuk."
The security forces intensified their deployment in Kirkuk following directives from Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani to impose a curfew and impose the rule of law after disturbances that broke out last week following the announcement of the decision to return the Kurdistan Democratic Party to its headquarters in the city, which was postponed to contain it with a government decision to wait to hand over the headquarters.
On the other hand, the Federal Supreme Court decided to stop the implementation of the order of the Prime Minister/Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces dated 8/25/2023, which included “the evacuation of the building currently occupied by the advanced headquarters of the Joint Operations Command in Kirkuk Governorate and the effects that resulted from it.”
The court's decision indicated that the freeze will remain in effect until "the aforementioned lawsuit is resolved, pursuant to which a ruling is required to cancel it, in order to maintain security in Kirkuk Governorate and give priority to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and the public interest."
The decision to return the Kurdistan Democratic Party to its headquarters in the city was in accordance with the political agreement concluded with the state administration coalition, which includes the political forces and parties that formed the current federal government headed by Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani.
Edited by: Abdul Rahman Ibrahim

 

[yota691]

Barzani stresses that the components of Kirkuk are committed to dialogue and the law

2023-09-14 09:40

 

 

Shafaq News/ On Thursday, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani urged the nationalist components in Kirkuk to adhere to dialogue, understanding and legal methods to solve problems, stressing the preservation of societal peace in the province.

 

A statement issued by Barzani's headquarters, received by Shafaq News Agency, said that the Kurdish leader met with representatives of the Kirkuk components, and those present exchanged opinions about the recent events in the governorate, the general situation, and the challenges and threats facing peaceful coexistence and stability.

 

Barzani shed light on the current situation in Kirkuk, stressing that this city should maintain its identity as a city of peaceful coexistence and fraternity.

 

He stressed that everyone should participate in the management of this city, indicating that all components of Kirkuk are partners in this city, now and in the future.

 

President Barzani called on those present to commit to dialogue, understanding, and legal and constitutional methods to solve all the problems facing the province.

 

A few days ago, dozens of demonstrators supporting Arab and Turkmen political parties in Kirkuk Governorate blocked the main road linking the governorate to the city of Erbil in protest against the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s intention to return to opening its headquarters in Kirkuk in accordance with the political agreement concluded with the state administration coalition, which includes the forces And the political parties that formed the current federal government headed by Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani.

 

Early last week, Kirkuk witnessed dozens of Kurdish demonstrators descending on areas inhabited by the majority of the population, demanding the reopening of the road and an end to the sit-ins in front of that headquarters, but they were met with gunfire, resulting in casualties and injuries.

 

The Iraqi security authorities imposed a curfew in Kirkuk Governorate against the backdrop of the tensions that accompanied the protests in the Kurdish regions.

[yota691]

Al-Awadi: Postponing the issue of Kirkuk until after the elections

• Time: 09/19/2023 21:56:33
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• Read: 2,275 times

  

{Politics: Al-Furat News} The government spokesman, Bassem Al-Awadi, revealed a governmental-political agreement to postpone resolving the recent disputes regarding the situation of Kirkuk Governorate until after the provincial council elections scheduled to be held on December 18.

 

Al-Awadi said {to Al-Furat News}: “Regarding Kirkuk, we say that the issue is deeper than the advanced headquarters in Kirkuk. First, the Iraqi government moved and took security control of the situation, and on the political level, the events were surprising because there were agreements before the formation of the government and Parliament voted on the government’s approach, so it was Some events are outside the total number of people voted on.”

He pointed out that "the political communication carried out by Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani with various political leaders added to reaching an agreement that everyone should adhere to calm with the approaching local elections and that this issue in general be postponed until after the elections and during this period there will be solutions in the governorate to reach an agreement." To calm the soul.
At the beginning of this September, Kirkuk Governorate witnessed security tension that resulted in the killing of 3 Kurdish protesters and the injury of 10 others, according to Kirkuk police.

Kirkuk experienced tense days at the beginning of the month after the Arabs and Turkmen refused to allow the Kurdistan Democratic Party to return to its headquarters in Kirkuk, resume its political activity, and prepare for the provincial elections, five years after it left the city.

It is noteworthy that on September 10, Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani hosted a meeting of the State Administration Coalition to discuss the situation in Kirkuk, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Rashid, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Muhammad Rikan al-Halbousi.

The meeting was devoted to discussing the current situation in Kirkuk Governorate, and ways to enhance security and stability throughout the governorate. The coalition condemned the events that took place in Kirkuk and the security disturbances that threatened civil peace and disturbed the security there. It stressed that what happened is “an unacceptable act under any circumstances.” "Pretext, from whatever side." 

The attendees agreed to hold accountable anyone proven to be involved in the events, regardless of their title or affiliation, to stop the media escalation, to discuss differences in viewpoints within the state administration coalition, and to commit to holding provincial council elections on the scheduled date, next December, and holding them in Kirkuk Governorate as well.

[yota691]

Iraq’s persistent fault line: The dangers of escalating tensions in Kirkuk

Recent escalations in Iraq’s contested Kirkuk province reveal the structural tensions inherent in the coalition government, posing a risk of Turkish and Iranian intervention and wider instability in the region

Hamzeh Hadad

 

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• 2 October 2023
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Supporters of KDP held a protest to demand re-opening of Kirkuk-Erbil highway in Kirkuk, Iraq on September 2, 2023

Image bypicture alliance / AA | Ali Makram Ghareeb

 ©

For the past century, Kirkuk has been the site of ethnic tension. Particularly since the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, control of the disputed oil-rich province – which is populated by Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen – has been one of the country’s most contentious and destabilising issues. The semi-autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, led by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), asserts that Kirkuk should be part of its jurisdiction and claimed de facto control from 2014 to 2017. Meanwhile, the Iraqi constitution stipulates that Kirkuk’s status will be determined by a referendum after a census is held – but this is yet to happen. Instead, after the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) failed independence referendum in September 2017, the central government placed Kirkuk under its direct control.

 

But hostilities have recently escalated following a shock decision last month by Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to allow the KDP to resume control of their political offices and military base in Kirkuk city. Sudani’s decision sparked protests from Arab and Turkmen residents, which, in turn, led to counter-protests by Kurdish residents. Four people were killed in the unrest, prompting the Federal Supreme Court to pause its implementation. These events underscore the risks of Kirkuk’s unresolved status, which could be exacerbated by upcoming provincial elections in December and spread tensions to neighbouring Turkey and Iran – who have Kurdish populations – further heightening regional instability.

 

The events in Kirkuk echo the ethnic divisions that can immobilise Iraq – a country governed by a complex network of alliances that Sudani must navigate to keep his coalition government afloat. Although Kirkuk has been the Achilles heel of every Iraqi leader since 2003, the federal government had, until recently, managed to avoid any large escalations in tensions since taking back control from the KRG in 2017. Sudani’s relatively effective handling of the country’s challenges, coupled with the dramatic weakening of the KDP since their ill-fated 2017 referendum, made his decision to permit the KDP to return to Kirkuk, and thus rock the boat, unexpected.

 

Sudani’s weak positioning appears to have been driven by the necessity of balancing his fragmented coalition government. Contrary to the prevailing myth that the prime minister is only beholden to the Shia parties (and by extension Iran), he faces pressure from all parties that helped form the coalition government, including Kurdish parties. Sudani has since explained that he was simply implementing one of this coalition’s agreements, but its Arab parties, sensing the KDP’s weakness, are now unwilling to support the move.

 

This recent Kirkuk debacle was a clear mistake for a seasoned politician like Sudani. The deaths of four citizens in clashes between Kurdish protesters and security forces were avoidable. It was a costly error that predictably provoked his Arab coalition allies who have long sought to cement federal government control over Kirkuk. Observers assumed that Sudani’s tenure would be challenged by the disgruntled Muqtada al-Sadr, or by new protests related to demand for public sector employment, or electricity outages in the summer. But they did not expect him to be challenged by the reignition of ethnic divisions in Kirkuk which Sudani appears to have unwittingly brought upon himself.

While Kirkuk remains contested, risks of destabilisation will continue to hang over Iraq and the Sudani government. Although the prime minister has done well to hold his government together and steer Iraq through ongoing challenges, the reality is that profound questions – such as the fate of Kirkuk and the relationship between Baghdad and the KRG – remain unaddressed.

 

For Baghdad, there is a belief that if Kirkuk were to join Iraqi Kurdistan, it would be somehow leaving Iraq. For the KRG, incorporating Kirkuk would re-start their desired process of independence. Both beliefs are misplaced because whether Kirkuk remains a standalone governorate, becomes a region on its own, or joins the pre-existing region of Iraqi Kurdistan, it is part of a consolidated federal Iraqi state. Iraq’s political actors should not treat Kirkuk as a zero-sum game. Instead, they need to recognise that its status should be chosen by its citizens via a referendum, as set out in the Iraqi constitution.

Kirkuk’s unresolved status is a looming disruptor of Baghdad and KRG relations. Even if it is not the crisis of the hour, it is always a hotbed of tension and one ripe for political exploitation.

But for now, Kirkuk’s unresolved status is a looming disruptor of Baghdad and KRG relations. Even if it is not the crisis of the hour, it is always a hotbed of tension and one ripe for political exploitation. Firstly, while the announcement that Kirkuk will take part in the provincial elections in December – its first since 2005 – is a small step towards a representative pathway forward, there is a danger that political parties will continue to use the recent events to mobilise their voter base and further fuel polarisation and ethnic tensions. This would only heighten the security threat from Islamic State group (ISIS) sleeper cells who frequently exploit such situations. Secondly, these recent events have exposed a weakness in Sudani’s ability to harmonise the divisions in his coalition, increasing the fragility of the Sudani government.

 

Lastly, as tensions between Baghdad and the KRG intensify, it leaves Iraqi Kurdistan vulnerable to meddling by Turkey and Iran, who worry that the Kirkuk’s sentiment for independence would spread to their own Kurdish population. For example, they have already intervened militarily in northern Iraq against their own Kurdish opposition present there.

 

Thus, any further escalation in tensions in Kirkuk may have destabilising effects across the region and beyond. European foreign ministries and their missions in Iraq must leverage their democracy-promoting projects to emphasise to Iraqi politicians that their parties are partners of a coalition government and of a federal state that requires commitment to democratic federalism. Without social harmony amongst Iraq’s diverse ethnic populations, the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and the NATO Mission Iraq, along with other European missions, will never achieve their goal.

 

Though Kirkuk is one province, it represents a regional fault line that can create instability throughout the Middle East. Until now, Sudani has continued to improve relations with neighbours since assuming power, despite having to navigate the internal divisions of his coalition government. However, this juggling act is made more difficult – and more precarious – when addressing legacy issues like Kirkuk. While a domestic and sensitive issue, European missions should help create the conditions for a solution by reiterating their support for Iraqi federalism and democracy. This can ease fears over Kirkuk’s status within the Iraqi state, calm relations with neighbouring Turkey and Iran, and prevent harming the security operations of the Global Coalition and the NATO Mission Iraq. This will then allow all three possible scenarios for Kirkuk’s future to be on equal footing before a status is chosen by the citizens of Kirkuk, via a referendum held by local government – as per the Iraqi constitution.

 

The European Council on Foreign Relations does not take collective positions. ECFR publications only represent the views of their individual authors.

[yota691]

The Iraqi President draws the form of the relationship with America, Iran and Saudi Arabia and presents his proposals for the problems of Baghdad, Erbil and Kirkuk

2023-10-03 16:04

 

Shafaq News/ Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid proposed, on Tuesday, the formation of a local government in Kirkuk with “consensus” among its components, while indicating that approving the oil and gas law would solve the problems of Baghdad and Erbil.

 

Rashid said in an interview with the Iraqi Al-Hadath channel, and his media office distributed excerpts from it, which were received by Shafaq News Agency, that "consensus among the components of Kirkuk is necessary to form a local government that represents the people of Kirkuk, and the support of the federal government and the Kurdistan Region for this matter is necessary."

 

The President of the Republic stressed "ensuring fair, just and free elections in the upcoming governorate council polls, and objections to the election results are a normal phenomenon."

 

He pointed out that "the relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan region is good, and that the existing problems are the result of the lack of a detailed law on oil and gas," indicating that "its approval is sufficient to solve all problems."

 

The President of the Republic continued, "We are against any party's use of Iraqi lands and the Kurdistan Region, against any neighboring country in the region. This is our policy and we are clear about it."

 

He stressed that "Iraq's relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is good and our goal is to deepen it in all aspects, and we support the Saudi role in the region."

 

He also pointed out that "Iraq's relationship is good and strong with the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is an important relationship for us. We have long borders with them that extend about 1,400 km. Our relationship with the United States is also strong and we thank them for helping Iraq to overthrow a bad dictatorial regime that threatened the region and the world as a whole."

[Officiallytook]

We are almost F'n at the end folks!

[horsesoldier]

6 minutes ago, Officiallytook said:

We are almost F'n at the end folks!

I hope your right cuz the Doors song " The End " keeps rolling around in my head, as I'm  referencing my patience & sanity at the moment 😆