PUK politburo warns of risk of being locked out of KDP government
SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) politburo expressed that if the party does not have a real partnership in the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Iraq federal government then it cannot shoulder its share of burden.
“The PUK is trying to be a real partner here and in Baghdad as well. The PUK cannot shoulder the responsibilities of the future if it doesn’t take part in decision-making and implementing the decisions,” said PUK spokesperson Saadi Pira said at a press conference.
“In the meeting, we discussed the problems of the federal government in Baghdad and shed light on the formation of the KRG cabinet,” added Pira.
The meeting comes on the heels of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) announcing that it will nominate incumbent KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani to the presidency and Masrour Barzani to the prime ministry. Masrour Barzani is currently head of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC).
“The PUK wants to be a real partner in power. In regard to the KRG, we might not go back to the old 50-by-50 power-sharing equation. However, in areas of economy, security and politics, the PUK should be a partner," added Pira.
“A KDP delegation will visit Sulaimani in the next few days to meet with the PUK politburo in order to discuss the formation of the KRG cabinet. And this requires political agreements and this takes time,” Pira detailed.
It is believed Talabani, the incumbent deputy prime minister, wants a high post in the presidency or prime ministry. He has not been sworn in as an MP.
In Baghdad, new Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has failed to get parliament to approve his remaining eight cabinet appointments.
The PUK has been among the parties to walkout of multiple sessions of parliament in order to prevent a quorum. Sunni Arab parties are concerned of a Shiite-dominated government, in particular at the posts of interior and defense ministry, as the latter has historically gone to a Sunni politician.
Iraqi parliament is in session on Saturday.
“The PUK is trying to be a real partner here and in Baghdad as well. The PUK cannot shoulder the responsibilities of the future if it doesn’t take part in decision-making and implementing the decisions,” said PUK spokesperson Saadi Pira said at a press conference.
It followed a PUK politburo meeting on Saturday in Sulaimani.
“In the meeting, we discussed the problems of the federal government in Baghdad and shed light on the formation of the KRG cabinet,” added Pira.
The meeting comes on the heels of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) announcing that it will nominate incumbent KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani to the presidency and Masrour Barzani to the prime ministry. Masrour Barzani is currently head of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC).
“The PUK wants to be a real partner in power. In regard to the KRG, we might not go back to the old 50-by-50 power-sharing equation. However, in areas of economy, security and politics, the PUK should be a partner," added Pira.
The KDP won the most seats, 45, in this year's parliamentary election. The PUK won 21 led by list head Qubad Talabani who won more single votes than any other candidate. The KDP and PUK have historically been partners in the government. The KDP is just 11 seats shy of an absolute majority.
“A KDP delegation will visit Sulaimani in the next few days to meet with the PUK politburo in order to discuss the formation of the KRG cabinet. And this requires political agreements and this takes time,” Pira detailed.
It is believed Talabani, the incumbent deputy prime minister, wants a high post in the presidency or prime ministry. He has not been sworn in as an MP.
In Baghdad, new Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has failed to get parliament to approve his remaining eight cabinet appointments.
The PUK has been among the parties to walkout of multiple sessions of parliament in order to prevent a quorum. Sunni Arab parties are concerned of a Shiite-dominated government, in particular at the posts of interior and defense ministry, as the latter has historically gone to a Sunni politician.
Iraqi parliament is in session on Saturday.