The move was seen as part of punitive measures taken by the government of Iraq against the Kurdistan Region in response to the vote for independence held on September 25 despite the opposition of Iraq, neighboring countries, and others including the United States.
The first reading of the Iraqi budget for 2018 also took place on Monday despite a boycott by the Kurdish and some Sunni MPs.
The Kurdistan Region has demanded 17 percent of the budget — as has been the case since the foundation of the new Iraq after the US invasion in 2003 — while the Iraqi government insists on a lower share, as low as 12.6 percent, arguing that amount represents a “fair” share compared to the Kurdish population.
Haidar said that all Kurdish MPs boycotted the session when the first reading was tabled even though it was not in the agenda.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is supposed to meet with the finance committee of the Iraqi parliament, and the heads of faction following the first reading, Haider said, adding that the premier is prepared to listen to the demands of the Kurdish MPs.
Iraq to send $210 million to Kurdistan for salaries
Last updated at 3:45 p.m.
