Former Iraqi PM Abadi addresses KRG Election, regional tensions at MEPS24 Forum
The former Iraqi PM also highlighted the dangers of sectarianism and internal rivalries, stating: "A state based on sectarianism is dangerous." He added that "I hope we establish national parties, not sectarian parties."
Nov. 23, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, speaking at the fifth Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS) in Duhok on Saturday, congratulated the Kurdistan Region on its successful parliamentary elections and expressed hope for swift government formation among winning parties.
Haidar al-Abadi: I congratulate the success of the Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections.
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) November 23, 2024
Addressing regional dynamics, Abadi issued a stark warning about the current situation in the Middle East. "The Middle East is facing fundamental changes, and a major conflict has emerged in the region," he stated.
Haidar al-Abadi, Iraqi former Prime Minister: We cannot survive the upcoming changes with the same previous policies and ideas.#MEPS24
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) November 23, 2024
The former Iraqi PM also highlighted the dangers of sectarianism and internal rivalries, stating: "A state based on sectarianism is dangerous." He added that "I hope we establish national parties, not sectarian parties."
Haidar al-Abadi, Iraqi former Prime Minister: A state based on sectarianism is dangerous.#MEPS24
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) November 23, 2024
Haidar al-Abadi, Iraqi former Prime Minister: I hope we establish national parties, not sectarian parties.#MEPS24
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) November 23, 2024
Regarding US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency, Abadi noted, "The new U.S. administration will have significant implications for both the region and Iraq."
During his address, Abadi discussed various crucial topics, including Erbil-Baghdad relations, the regional situation, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah. He emphasized the forum's timely significance, stating, "Holding the fifth MEPS forum at this sensitive time, as the Middle East goes through extremely challenging circumstances, carries special importance."
The former Iraqi premier praised the forum's academic nature, noting, "The majority of MEPS participants are experts and academics who freely express their views on all issues, which is particularly encouraging."
The Middle East Peace and Security Forum serves as a crucial platform for regional dialogue and policy discussion.
Former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who led Iraq from 2014 to 2018, has been a significant voice in regional politics and Iraq-Kurdistan Region relations. His participation in the forum comes at a time of significant regional tensions and political transitions in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.