kurdsatnews
Jul 24, 2023
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President of Iraq Dr. Latif Rashid
In an interview with Responsible Statecraft’s Tanya Goudsouzian President Dr. Latif Rashid touched upon many domestic and regional issues facing Iraq, among them were the Saudi-Iran rapprochement, water scarcity in Iraq, relations with the US and Turkey, terrorism, and religious authority.
Read the full interview here.
Latest NewsBassem Mohammed, Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister, disclosed that the imminent meeting aims to address key aspects of the oil export resumption. He emphasized the expectation of reaching a consensus during the discussions, leading to a formal agreement for the recommencement of oil exports. Additionally, Mohammed underscored the companies' expressed interest in maintaining their operations within the Kurdistan Region.
He articulated, "The contracts under consideration must align with the framework established in the agreements signed with the UAE Crescent Company during the fifth phase of licensing." This statement emphasizes the importance of consistency and adherence to established precedents in fostering successful collaboration between the involved parties.
The anticipated meeting signals a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations between the KRG and oil companies, marking a proactive step toward revitalizing oil export activities in the Kurdistan Region. As the discussions unfold, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential for a mutually beneficial agreement that will not only resume oil exports but also pave the way for sustained collaboration in the region.
President Rashid emphasized the urgent need for consolidating values of brotherhood and humanity in the region. The Iraqi Presidency issued a statement, highlighting Rashid's stress on the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and collective action among people, recognizing the positive impact of the Holy See's messages in promoting understanding and calm.
President Rashid took the opportunity to showcase Iraq's strides in political and security stability, outlining the country's commitment to comprehensive development. Focus areas included improving citizens' living standards, repairing infrastructure, and driving economic development.
He reiterated Iraq's dedication to democracy, pluralism, and the protection of human rights. Addressing the relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government, President Rashid assured a commitment to resolving outstanding issues based on the Iraqi Constitution and the Law.
In a significant move, President Rashid affirmed the government's commitment to the vital role of Christian communities in Iraqi society. He pledged to facilitate the resettlement of Christians, Yezidis, and other indigenous communities in their homes, stating that the Presidency is open to addressing their demands, ensuring livelihoods, and preserving diversity. Furthermore, President Rashid condemned human rights violations in Palestine and the Gaza Strip, urging the international community to intensify efforts to prevent such violations, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian assistance.
Pope Francis, in turn, welcomed President Rashid, expressing the Holy See's support for Iraqi efforts in strengthening intercommunity relations and interfaith harmony. The Pope acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Christian community for a prosperous Iraq and underscored the importance of enhancing global peace opportunities.
In recent years, Iraq has stood out in the Middle East as a place where the Christian population has been growing, with the Kurdistan region earning a reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for Christians. The Kurdistan region, in particular, has been recognized as a Christian-friendly area, contributing to the increase in the number of Christians in Iraq. This trend is noteworthy in a region where such growth has been relatively uncommon.
Earlier on Sunday, footage from both Ashkelon and Sderot cities also showed army tanks in the streets as they reportedly moved towards the border with Gaza.
On Saturday, Hamas launched its biggest attack on Israel in decades, firing thousands of rockets and sending fighters who infiltrated Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip. The group said its attack was in response to Israeli violations in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence.
At least 700 Israelis, including 73 Israeli soldiers, have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the attack, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.
Israel retaliated, with the Israeli army initiating Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas with a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 430 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,300 others.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”
Most Read NewsMohammed Salih Iraq, an Al-Sadr inner circle man, tweeted after the election of the President and designation of the prime minister of Iraq, his position which mirrors Al-Sadr's that "the forming of a experienced, militia-dependent government that confronts people's interests and in opposition to the "the tried won't be tried again" and after failing to form a majority government that is neither easter or western that service justice, law and an impartial judiciary that gives all arms back to the state."
The Sadr Movements' remarks come after the prime minister designated Al-Sudani promised to form a cabinet soon, one that al-Sadr has publicly rejected for being tried, as al-Sadr says.
"We denounce suppression of people's voices and bring back to square one… and we demand that to keep Iraq away from turning into a puppet of foreign agendas, weapons removed from [non-state] groups and reject taking peoples into the pockets and banks of the corrupt," Al-Sadr noted.
Al-Sadr also warned against using the government to plunder state resources as it was done in the past. The Sadr movement has promised the people of Iraq to drain the swamp, referring to Baghdad's Green Zone, the political capital of Iraq.
Warning his allies and affiliates, Iraqi objects to participating in the government in a strongly worded passage, "to those who participate in the ministries of the unjust for whatever reasons does not represent us and we are acquitted of them."
Iraqi also calls for avoiding the government formers and compares them to “Gog and Magog,” as they spread evil on earth.
The long-awaited and overdue al-Sadr message is the strongest and reveals his deep mistrust and opposition to the government, although it remains to be seen how the Sar Movements' words unfold on Baghdad's streets.
Iraq broke a year of political impasse after electing a president who immediately designated al-Sudani as prime minister in charge of forming a council of ministers; however, with the de facto leader of Iraqi streets calling it corrupt and failed experience, more is lying ahead of Iraq.
Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Hossam Zaki, said on Wednesday that the issue of Syria's return to its seat in the League "needs intensified consultation," in light of the "lack of consensus" among the members, but he did not rule out resolving this issue "before or after the Arab summit."
The Arab League also announced it would hold its annual summit in Algeria on 1 November, after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"There are several efforts and plans led by several Arab countries to officially initiate the reinstating Syria’s membership Arab League again," the assistant secretary said.
"It is not unlikely that Syria will return to the Arab League again, but not as close as some parties and countries hope, because no date has been set for this purpose," he explained.
Syria was suspended from the 22-member Arab League in November 2011, following the start of the country's civil war. Sparked by the brutal repression of anti-government protests that same year, the war has killed an estimated 500,000 people and displaced millions.
