Iraqi unity is key to defeating IS

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) - The head of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Salim al-Jabouri said that it is time to replace revenge with reconciliation among Iraq's different ethnic and religious components in order to defeat terrorism in 2016. During the second consultative meeting held in Erbil on Sunday, al-Jabouri expressed that Iraq is now on the verge of several additional victories since Iraqi forces are now in better spirits in addition to their improved military training.

Speaking about the importance of the council meetings, al-Jabouri said these gatherings weaken Iraq's enemies because they indicate the unity amongst Iraqi various components, conveying that they share the same vision for the country's future.Al-Jabouri also thanked the President of Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, and the Kurdish people in general for welcoming displaced Iraqis with open arms. Al-Jabouri addressed those attending the meeting saying, “You proved that you can liberate your [occupied] lands through the unity of Peshmerga, Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) and the Tribal forces in coordination with the Iraqi Army.”

The head of Iraq's Council of Representatives emphasized establishing relationships with all countries, adding that Iraq will not accept outside interference in its internal affairs. However, he stated that Iraq welcomes any country ready to help in efforts against Islamic State (IS).

He also added that the operation to liberate Mosul is close, reiterating that Iraqis should consider the interests of Iraq over the interests of political parties. “As Iraqi authorities... we have to...prove that we are concerned about the people,” al-Jabouri implied.

He said that six hundred displaced families have recently returned to Diyala Provinces and noted there are plans to rebuild the surrounding areas, namely the towns of Jalawla, Saadiya and other parts of Diyala and Salahaddin Provinces to accommodate internally displaced peoples (IDPs) as soon as possible. 

The head of Nineveh Province Council, Bashar Kiki, also present at the council meeting criticized the federal government for the continuous crises saying, “Only three billion Dinars [almost $ 2,712,000,000] is allocated to Nineveh Province [which] is a small portion,” Kiki pointed out.

He added that the council has tried to provide an income fund and asked the Iraqis Council of Justice to investigate and find out why the budget share of Nineveh has been ignored.