Sulaimani Governor: Violence undermines rightful demands

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The governor of Sulaimani on Monday expressed support for the demands of the “peaceful” protesters, stating that the use of violence disrupts order in the Kurdistan Region and will not be allowed.

The newly appointed governor of Sulaimani, Haval Ababukir, following a meeting with the political parties stated that all sides have to take their differences to the ballot stations and avoid violent protests.

Ababakir, affiliated with Gorran [Change] Movement, expressed his full support for the demands of the people in Sulaimani governorate, adding that security in the Kurdistan Region should not be undermined.

“Political parties should not stand against each other because disunity will cause more harm,” Abubakir added, stating that it is not the Ba'ath era to resort to revolt to change the political system.

He explained that through elections the political system can be updated and current issues can be resolved.

Thousands of people on Monday took to the streets of Sulaimani and Halabja provinces to protest the delay of their salaries and the lack of public services in the Kurdistan Region.

A group of demonstrators set fire to some government buildings and offices of political parties in the Piramagroon and Chamchamal near Sulaimani.

The Governor of Sulaimani called upon the media outlets to not promote violence because Kurdistan is neither Syria nor Yemen, adding that “Violence will only delay implementation of people’s rightful demands.”

He revealed that several people were wounded during the protests, among whom the security forces.

All the wounded were hospitalized and discharged shortly except for one security personnel who had severe injuries.

Editing by Sam A.