Iraq should end sectarian influence to prevent return of terrorism: Nechirvan Barzani

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Iraqi government should treat Kurdistan based on the Constitution, and also address factors that led to the emergence of sectarian organizations, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said on Monday.

During a meeting in Erbil with German Ambassador in Iraq Cyrill Nunn, the KRG Prime Minister discussed the current developments between Erbil and Baghdad.

“It is necessary for Baghdad to deal with the Kurdistan Region under the Constitution,” the Prime Minister said, according to a press release on the KRG’s website.

Prime Minister Barzani also noted the Iraqi government should address the reasons for the emergence of sectarian organizations “to prevent the return of terrorism” in the country.

Many in Iraq blame former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government for the rise of extremism because of its policies they describe as “sectarian and exclusion.”

More recently, under Haider al-Abadi’s administration, Iranian influence has increased in Iraq, especially with the integration of the Shia Hashd al-Shaabi militias within the Iraqi army.

The relationship between the KRG and the Iraqi government has considerably deteriorated following Kurdistan’s Sep. 25 independence referendum.

The historic vote received sweeping support for secession from Iraq, but Baghdad refused to recognize the results and instead responded by imposing collective punitive measures against Kurdistan, including the use of military force in disputed areas.

The KRG has shown its flexibility, offering to freeze the results of the referendum, but Baghdad demands a full annulment instead.

Baghdad eased its escalation of tensions after international forces, including Germany, called on both the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region to avoid military confrontation.

The Shia-dominated Iraqi government wants to extend its control over border crossings, airports, and oil in Kurdistan, a demand Erbil said it is willing to negotiate based on the Constitution.

Nunn expressed his “strong support” for the KRG, adding Germany “stresses the need for serious dialogue within the framework of the Constitution between Erbil and Baghdad.”