Iraqi Parliament Deputy Speaker Advocates for Halabja's Provincial Status
Speaking at a press conference, Abdullah stressed the importance of the Halabja issue, stating, "The Halabja issue is one that all Kurdish factions in the Iraqi parliament regard as their own and are keen to address."
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Shakhawan Abdullah, Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, declared on Wednesday that the bill to establish Halabja as a province will only be considered if it is placed as the first item on the parliamentary agenda.
Speaking at a press conference, Abdullah stressed the importance of the Halabja issue, stating, "The Halabja issue is one that all Kurdish factions in the Iraqi parliament regard as their own and are keen to address." He further emphasized the necessity for the bill to be prioritized, saying, "No other bill should be linked to the bill for Halabja's provincial status; no parliamentary meeting will take place if Halabja is not the first item on the agenda."
This bold statement highlights the strong commitment of Kurdish lawmakers to advancing Halabja’s status, a long-awaited step for the region.
The Iraqi parliament had initially scheduled a meeting on Wednesday to vote on the Halabja bill along with other pressing matters. However, the session was postponed due to an insufficient quorum, delaying the decision. Despite this setback, the push for Halabja’s provincial recognition remains a central issue for Kurdish lawmakers.
The bill’s potential approval marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to elevate Halabja, a city with a poignant history, to provincial status, further empowering the Kurdistan region within Iraq.