|
Opposition likely to boycott new Iraqi
Kurdistan Gov't KRG
24.1.2012
|
|
|
|
January
24, 2012
ERBIL-Hewlêr,
Kurdistan region 'Iraq', — Iraqi Kurdistan’s
opposition is not planning to join the new
government, posing a major challenge for the new
administration which will likely be led by former
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.
The Change Movement (Gorran), the Islamic League (Komal)
and the Islamic Union initially indicated they would
join the government but have decided they will
likely boycott the cabinet. The opposition has
boycotted the current Kurdish government since last
year over claims that the authorities are not
instituting reforms.
The three parties have strained relations with the
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which has
nominated Barzani, its deputy chief, to serve as
prime minister. Barzani had served as premier from
2006 to 2009.
Muhammad Tofiq Rahim, a senior leader of the Change
Movement, the leading opposition group, told Rudaw,
“We made the final decision and that is not to
participate in the next government at all.”
Shaho Saeed, a spokesman for Change Movement, said,
“It’s true that we haven’t been officially asked to
participate in the next government, but Change’s
position at this stage is to remain as opposition.”
However, Saeed added, “We will welcome anyone who
will consider our opinions regarding the future
Kurdistan Regional Government’s programs and
actions.”
Muhammad Ahmed, a leader of the Islamic Union, said
the riots in Duhok province last year -- which KDP
officials blamed the party for inciting -- changed
his party’s position toward the government. The
Islamic Union’s offices were torched along with
hotels,www.ekurd.net
massage parlors and liquor stores during the unrest.
“Before the (Duhok) incidents the KDP asked us to
join the government, but the incidents in (Duhok)
reversed everything.” Ahmed said. “If we aren’t sure
that the next government will make reforms then it
is pointless to participate in such a government.”
Salahaddin Babakir, an Islamic Union spokesman, also
confirmed that his party would continue in the
opposition and observe the government’s actions.
However, the head of the politburo of the Islamic
Union told Rudaw, “Our door for negotiations is
still open. We won’t finalize our decision until the
PUK and KDP officially ask us to participate in the
next government.”
Meanwhile, a senior KDP source told Rudaw on
condition of anonymity that “Nechervan Barzani will
visit the opposition leaders to hold discussions
with them about the next cabinet and their possible
participation.”
Muhammad Hakim, a spokesman for the Islamic League
said, “The Islamic League hasn’t officially
discussed this issue, but its leadership currently
agrees on this issue.” The Islamic League’s stance
echoes that of the other two opposition groups.
“In our next official meeting we will decide not to
participate in the government,” Hakim said.
In the meantime, the KDP and its ally, the Patriotic
Union of Kurdistan (PUK) are awaiting Iraqi
President and PUK chief Jalal Talabani’s return from
Germany where is seeking medical treatment before
current Prime Minister Barham Salih hands over power
to Barzani.
Copyright ©, respective
author or news agency,
rudaw.net
Top |
Kurd Net
does not take credit for and is not responsible for the
content of news information on this page
|
®
