Barzani continues his discussions and announces the opening of a new page with Al-Halbousi:
Baghdad is our strategic depth, and paying employees’ salaries is a constitutional right
Baghdad – Nada Shawkat
The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, stressed the need to pay the salaries of the region’s employees and workers in the public sector, just like their counterparts in the rest of Iraq, while he expressed his optimism about the possibility of resolving the disputes and outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad. Barzani said after his meeting with the head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Faiq Zaidan, yesterday, “There is a problem between the two main parties in the region, which prevented the meeting with the President of the Republic,” stressing that “We, the Kurds, must find a framework to solve the problems, and this is what we are working on in the political council formed by the presidency of the region.” He added, “We saw a broad response from the political parties to solve the problems. As a result, we live in Iraq, and all our problems should be solved in Baghdad.” Stressing that (Baghdad is our capital, and it is our strategic depth, and the differences between us that we could not settle previously must now be resolved here). Barzani also stressed after his meeting with the Secretary-General of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement, Qais Khazali, that “citizens in the region have the right to receive monthly dues like other Iraqis,” stressing that “this matter is among the priorities of the visit he is making to Baghdad.” He added, “We agreed with the head of the Taqaddam Party, Muhammad al-Halbousi, to open a new page, and our meeting with him was fruitful, and we extended an invitation to him to visit Kurdistan.” He continued, “The meeting was not limited to him only, but included the Political Council of Sunni forces in Iraq.” For his part, Al-Khazali described Barzani’s visit as important. Considering that it (expresses the good intention of the Kurdistan Democratic Party to participate in the next Iraqi government). He added, “Barzani plays a positive role in the political process, and always succeeds in finding points of rapprochement between Erbil and Baghdad.” In a related context, Barzani met with the person in charge of forming the government, Ali Al-Zaidi, to discuss the formation of the new cabinet. Yesterday’s statement said: “The meeting discussed the steps to form the government.” Barzani also agreed, during their meeting, with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Haibat Al-Halbousi, on the importance of understanding between the political forces and coordination between Erbil and Baghdad to overcome obstacles to serve the public interest. The statement explained that (the meeting discussed the political and legal situation and the role of the legislative institution in supporting stability). Emphasizing (the need for the next stage to be based on true partnership and the adoption of laws that preserve the constitutional rights of all components). The statement added, “The two sides stressed unifying visions to solve the outstanding problems in accordance with the constitution and protect the rights of citizens.” He continued, “The situation in the region and its repercussions formed another focus of the meeting, where it was emphasized to protect security, stability, and the supreme interests of Iraq, and to distance it from tensions.” At the same time, during his meeting with a number of Christian representatives, Barzani called for giving the component a ministerial portfolio in the next government, to promote a culture of coexistence and acceptance of others. Barzani confirmed yesterday that “Christians are an integral component of Iraq and the region, and they have a historical and civilizational role.” Stressing the necessity of their participation in the upcoming government cabinet. He pointed out that “the two sides agreed to continue efforts to consolidate partnership and equality and ensure that all components obtain their constitutional rights.” Barzani renewed the region’s full support for protecting the rights of Christians and ensuring a decent life for them. Meanwhile, Barzani met with the head of the Azm Alliance, Muthanna Al-Samarrai, and discussed with him developments in the political process. During the meeting yesterday, the two sides stressed (the importance of adhering to the constitutional timings for forming the government and enhancing coordination between Baghdad and Erbil, in addition to protecting stability and the country’s highest interests). Barzani also received the British Ambassador to Iraq, Irfan Siddiq, where they discussed the political process and steps to form the new government. The statement indicated that (the two sides stressed the importance of coordination and cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi parties for the success of the political process). Siddiq renewed his country’s support for Iraq and the region.
