Iraqi FM: People of Kurdistan have right to utilize constitutional rights

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Foreign Minister of Iraq on Wednesday stated it was the right of the people of Kurdistan to utilize their constitutional rights following an official visit to the Region.

Ibrahim Jaafari, the Iraqi Foreign Minister, arrived in the Kurdistan Region and was welcomed by the Region’s Presidency Chief of Staff Fuad Hussein at the Erbil International Airport.

“I emphasize on any step that unites Iraq and Kurdistan,” Jaafari told reporters at the airport.

In a meeting with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Jaafari reiterated that Kurdistan was an important part of Iraq.

The Iraqi FM also urged the continuation of coordination between both sides which led to the defeat of terrorists, according to a KRG statement.

Following the meeting, Jaafari visited the city of Duhok, northern Kurdistan Region, to participate in a joint panel with Hussein at the American University of Kurdistan-Duhok (AUK).

During the panel, Jaafari commented on the Kurdistan Region’s efforts to hold a referendum.

He stated it was the right of all nations to hold a referendum especially as it was also mentioned in the Iraqi constitution.

Moreover, Jaafari clarified the delay in the enactment of Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution regarding the destiny of Kirkuk and other disputed areas between Erbil and Baghdad.

The Iraqi FM explained the issue had been politicized and the article should have been implemented by 2007.

Jaafari, who was the Prime Minister during that time, said he was not responsible for the failure to apply the article, saying the issue was something “out of his hands.”

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany