Kurdish leaders congratulate Zaidi on his PM appointment

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Leaders and officials from the Kurdistan Region congratulated Ali al-Zaidi for his appointment as the new Iraqi prime minister.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated Ali al-Zaidi for his appointment as the new Iraqi prime minister, wishing him and his cabinet "every success in performing their duties and responsibilities in a manner that serves all Iraqis of all backgrounds" while fulfilling their aspirations of "further security, stability, progress, and prosperity."

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on his appointment as Iraq’s premier, expressing hope that it would mark “the beginning of a new phase of stability and peace in Iraq, the resolution of all issues, the implementation of the Constitution, and improved relations between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government.”

Meanwhile, Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), said his party is “eager to support in ensuring the government’s national and service projects, as well as in unifying all efforts to overcome challenges and resolve outstanding issues.”

In the 329-seat Iraqi legislature, 266 lawmakers were present to deliver the vote of confidence. Except for three Kurdish opposition parties totaling 10 seats and a Shiite party with eight seats, all other Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish blocs attended the session.

Kurdish opposition parties - the National Stance Movement (Halwest), the Islamic Union of Kurdistan (KIU), and the Kurdistan Justice Group (Komal) - didn’t attend, saying talks are ongoing over a joint ministerial post and a memorandum submitted to Zaidi concerning demands related to the Kurdistan Region. 

During a press conference before the confidence vote session, Muthana Amin from the KIU said that “Zaidi’s government agenda has not addressed the root problems with the Kurdistan Region.”