'Baghdad's done nothing good for Kirkuk'
The Federal Government of Iraq continuously interferes in Kirkuk Province and makes decisions independently without consulting the civilians, said the Kirkuk Governor on Tuesday.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Federal Government of Iraq continuously interferes in Kirkuk Province and makes independent decisions without consulting the civilians, said the Kirkuk Governor on Tuesday.
Najmaddin Karim, the Governor of the oil-rich Kirkuk Province, and his accompanied delegates have visited Washington, DC, and are currently meeting with US officials.
In an interview with Kurdistan24, Karim stated that Iraq has obtained many achievements in the fight against the Islamic State (IS). However, he mentioned that political and financial turmoil has increased including explosions in the southern part of the country as well as issues between Erbil and Baghdad.
He added that Kirkuk should be deprived of the federal government as the province has gained nothing but damage from Baghdad.
“We declared a long time ago that putting Kirkuk Province under the administration of Baghdad government will not be in the interest of the ethnic and religious groups in the Province,” Karim said. “Baghdad employs people in Kirkuk independently and makes decisions without consulting the officials of the province.”
“They consult with us only when they face problems, or are unable to do something,” Karim continued. “I believe the people of Kirkuk have largely been disadvantaged and have suffered for being administrated by Baghdad.”
Kirkuk is one of the most diverse provinces in Iraq, consisting of Turkmen, Christians, Sunni Arab and Shia Arab with a Kurdish majority. The province is one of the disputed territories between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
The Governor of Kirkuk Province Najmaddin Karim during an interview with Kurdistan24 in Washington, May 17, 2016. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
“Depriving Kirkuk from Baghdad is the best step for Kirkuk and the Kurdistan Region,” he added.
He also noted that Article 140, which relates to the disputed territories located in the southern Kurdistan Region, has not been implemented. The article was passed in the parliament of Iraq in 2005, but 11 years later nothing has been done to enact the clause.
“Therefore, another solution must be found to rescue Kirkuk from this oppression,” Karim stated.
He also acknowledged that Kirkuk can manage its internal affairs and administration with the participation of all ethnic and religious components in the province.
Commenting on the role of Peshmerga, the Governor stated, “Whether you believe it or not, Kirkuk has been protected and is protected by Peshmerga forces. It is a fact, and everyone witnesses it.”
Additionally, Karim said that the security and police forces in the province protect Kirkuk internally, and police forces are from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Security and police forces receive their slalaries from the Kurdistan Region, not Baghdad, the Governor highlighted.
“We haven’t seen anything good coming from Baghdad that has been done for the interest of Kirkuk civilians. Our trust in Baghdad is fading away every day.”
Karim expressed his support for holding the Kurdistan referendum and said that it is a natural right for the people of the Kurdistan Region to declare independence.
Reporting by Mewan Dolamari
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany and Ava Homa
(Abbas Zangana conducted the interview in Washington)