Arab coalition blames PUK for delayed local government formation in Kirkuk

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Arab Coalition has held the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) responsible for delaying the formation of the local government in Kirkuk, accusing the PUK of refusing to make concessions and insisting on securing the position of Kirkuk governor for itself.

Ibrahim Mohammed Hafez, a member of the Arab Coalition in the Kirkuk provincial council, stated, “There is an understanding between the Arabs and the Turkmen to agree on forming the local government in Kirkuk, because any delay in the process will upset the people of Kirkuk province.”

Hafez added, "As an Arab Coalition, we prefer that the position of Kirkuk governor rotate among the components, but the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan insists that the position is its right, which has created a political stalemate."

Hassan Majeed, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party bloc in the Kirkuk Provincial Council, told Kurdistan 24 that “the importance of holding the first session of the Kirkuk Provincial Council lies in its being held seven months after the Iraqi provincial council elections,” expressing his “thanks to all parties that contributed to organizing this meeting.”

Regarding the election of the Kirkuk Governor, Majeed pointed out that "according to the election results, the position of governor should be held by the Kurds," indicating that "until now, the Kurdish parties have not held a meeting to agree on a Kurdish figure who has experience, is able to serve the governorate without discrimination, and enjoys the approval of all components."

He explained that "if an agreement is not reached regarding the election of the Kirkuk governor, his two deputies, and the head of the provincial council within the specified period, the federal prime minister will undertake the task of appointing a person to fill the position of governor."

Majeed stressed that "great efforts will be made to reach an agreement regarding the election of the governor, his two deputies, and the head of the provincial council," explaining that "if this issue is not resolved, the federal government may take a decision that will not satisfy the people of Kirkuk and the Kurdish parties."

He emphasized that "if there are good intentions from all concerned parties, this issue can be resolved," stressing "the necessity for the governor to be chosen with the consent of all parties."

“The Kurdistan Democratic Party’s position regarding the election of the Kirkuk governor is very clear,” said Mehdi Kakai, spokesperson for the Kirkuk-Garmian organization office of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

He noted that “KDP supports the election of a competent Kurdish governor accepted by all components of the province, aiming to provide services, eliminate discrimination, and correct wrong policies against the Kurdish component in Kirkuk.”

Kakai explained that "the Kurdistan Democratic Party rejects all accusations and fallacies promoted by some parties and individuals, which claim that the party sought to re-appoint the governor imposed on Kirkuk," stressing that "these allegations are baseless."

Kakai added, "The Kurdistan Democratic Party reassures the steadfast people of Kirkuk that the party will continue its position and firm policy for the future of Kirkuk until the goals of our people are achieved and the dear citizens of the city are served."

Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Shakhawan Abdullah, confirmed on Thursday, July 11, 2024, that "changes will be made to the administration of Kirkuk Governorate."

Abdullah pointed out in a press statement that "many believed that elections would not be held in Kirkuk Governorate, but the elections were held, and this is a positive start for the people of the governorate."

He added, "We came as a delegation from the Iraqi Council of Representatives to Kirkuk to support the steps that the provincial council will take, with the aim of making changes in the near future."

Regarding the election of Kirkuk Governor, Abdullah confirmed that "a Kurdish figure will occupy the position of Kirkuk Governor, given that the Kurds have obtained the majority of seats in the provincial council."

He stressed that "an agreement was reached between all components of Kirkuk to jointly manage the province."