Protests over service failures - salary cuts turn violent
Casualties have been reported in protests over lack of basic services and delayed and reduced salaries.
Protests began earlier on Monday in cities across Sulaimani and Halabja provinces. They turned violent when demonstrators clashed with riot police and security forces in several cities.
In the town of Piramagrun, northwest of Sulaimani, party buildings of the five largest Kurdish parties were set ablaze. Videos shared on social media show a large plume of smoke over the city.
In Chamchamal, west of Sulaimani, protests began downtown and then protesters moved to attack a power plant just outside the town. Last week, some demonstrators in Chamchamal blocked the main road between Sulaimani and Kirkuk, demanding better services such as electricity and improved salaries.
All Kurdish parties have said they respect the legitimate rights of the protesting teachers and other groups, but urged people to express their dissatisfaction in a peaceful way, away from violence.
Teachers, who led larges protests over salary cuts in the fall of 2016, asked for their peaceful demonstrations not to be hijacked for other purposes.
“We have asked the parties to not use the protests staged by teachers and other groups for their political aims,” Adil Hasan, a member of the protesting teachers in Sulaimani told Rudaw.
Riot police used tear gas and water cannons to end the protest in Sulaimani city center, mainly on Salim and Bardargi Sara streets. Some protesters threw stones, a Rudaw correspondent reported from the scene.
“I did not throw even one stone. I did nothing,” a man who said his leg was wounded by riot police told Rudaw.
Awat Mohammd, Sulaimani mayor, said the protesters did not obtain a permit to stage the demonstration, as the law stipulates. “But we have taken all security measures. We will not allow anyone to destabilize the security of Sulaimani and its people.”
Ambulances were deployed to Sulaimani’s Salim Street in the city center as a precaution. Figures as to the number of wounded have not been immediately made available.
Yasin Abdullah, a protest organizer in Raniya north of Sulaimani, said they do not believe they need a permit from a government that has lost legitimacy.
“We are not prepared to seek a permit, because there is nothing called government anymore. We are preparing ourselves to announce staging strikes across Raparin (Raniya) to close the government institutions,” Abdullah said.
Protests against lack of services, wage delays ongoing in Kurdistan
Updated 3:25 p.m.
Political offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Change Movement (Gorran) and Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) were set ablaze by angry protesters in the town of Piramagrun, a suburb of Sulaimani, Shalaw Ahmed, media officer of Dukan Municipality told Rudaw.
Ata Sheikh Hassan, spokesperson of the KDP Leadership Council in Sulaimani said at the time being no one has been charged for the arson.
“We are calling for an investigation into the incident,” he urged.
1:55 p.m.
Thousands of people poured into the streets of several cities in the Kurdistan Region on Monday protesting lack of services and the continued delay of civil servants' wages from the government.
Demonstrations have started in Sulaimani, Halabja, Raniya, Saed Sadiq, Taqtaq, Kalar, Chamchamal, Qaladze, Ruwanduz and other areas.
Demonstrations in Sulaimani turned violent after protesters engaged in clashes with security forces.
A Rudaw reporter said there were minor injuries among security forces and protesters.
The Kurdish government has been suffering from an economic crisis since early 2014 due to budget cuts from Baghdad, huge influxes of IDPs and refugees and declines in oil prices. The financial woes were recently aggravated with the loss of Kirkuk to Baghdad after Iraqi forces took over following the withdrawal of Peshmerga forces in October.
The KRG, therefore, planned to reduce the salaries last week of high-wage earners by as much as 33 percent after a dramatic drop in revenue with the loss of Kirkuk’s oil fields to the Iraqi government.
The new pay cuts will affect those who were skipped during a previous round of salary reductions as part of largely unpopular austerity measures in 2016.
Since the October takeover, the KRG, which is heavily reliant on oil production, has seen its monthly revenues decrease from $565.5 million to $337.4 million, a 40 percent drop.
As part of a reform package to revive the economy and offset the colossal budget deficits, the KRG introduced unprecedented austerity measures that mean the suspension of all larger government-backed investment projects and reduction of wages for state employees.
The KRG has said it will pay back the outstanding amount of the reduced salaries in the future when oil prices rise or the economy stabilizes, something that some teachers and other workers have rejected.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/181220173
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Gorran meet with al-Abadi - all lying scumbags together
Author: Anthea » Mon Dec 18, 2017 5:39 pm
Last edited by Anthea on Fri Jan 05, 2018 8:35 am, edited 11 times in total.
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Re: Day 2: I think Gorran are behind the Sulaimani protests
Author: Anthea » Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:10 pm
Second day of demonstrations
Protesters set party and government offices on fire on
Hundreds of people protesting against lack of services, demanding a fight against corruption and full payments of state salaries, have continued for a second day in a row in a number of Kurdish cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, with the offices of several Kurdish parties and at least one government office set ablaze in Koya.
The protesters, coming from various backgrounds of the society also include state employees who have had their salaries reduced or delayed took to the streets in Sulaimani, Halabja, Kfri, Raniya, and Koya.
A large number of people have gathered in the Bardarki Sara Square in Sulaimani. A Rudaw reporter at the scene reported that the security forces shot live ammunition into the air to disperse the protest.
In Koya, northwest of Sulaimani, protesters set fire to the mayor’s building on Tuesday, sending a plume of smoke into the air. They also set the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Gorran on fire, while they lowered the flags of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the Islamic Group (Komal) and the Kurdistan Islamic Union.
Koya Mayor, Sarkawt Rasul, claimed that they did not use force to prevent protesters from attacking the affected buildings.
A number of people have been wounded at least in Koya and Raniya. No figures have been made available yet.
Koya, about 56 km southeast of Erbil, is officially within the administration of Erbil province, but the city falls within the so-called Green Zone under the control of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) whose strongholds are Sulaimani and Halabja provinces.
No protest has been reported in Erbil or Duhok provinces, called otherwise the Yellow Zone, under the control of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).
Both the PUK and the KDP have large control over the security forces and the Peshmerga in their zones.
Map of the Kurdistan Region: Confirmed protests marked with red colour.
On Monday, a wave of violent protest targeted various cities in the two provinces, including Piramagrun, northwest of Sulaimani where angry protesters set ablaze offices of Kurdistan’s five largest parties, members of the coalition government, and at least three government buildings. They also set at least five cars on fire.
No one was arrested in relation to the violence though some of those who committed the arson attacks are known to the authorities, Piramagrun Mayor Siwan Sarhad told Rudaw.
Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir called for calm on Monday evening, praising the riot police and security forces for exercising self-restraint. He said the demands raised by the people are “legitimate,” but urged the people to express their anger in a civil way, refraining from violence.
A number of people were wounded, the majority of whom were members of the security forces.
The Kurdistan Regional Government while acknowledging that the law gives the people the right to protest condemned the Monday violence that targeted the party and government buildings. It said such acts of violence causes “instability.”
Sulaimani Provincial Council is set to meet today to discuss a number of issues including the protests in the province.
The Kurdistan Region has been suffering from an ongoing financial crisis since early 2014 due to budget cuts by the Iraqi government, a drop in oil prices and the war against ISIS. The KRG’s revenues have hit a new low when it lost control of the oil fields in Kirkuk in mid-October, slashing its revenues by almost half.
The KRG last week revealed plans to make further cuts to state salaries after the loss in Kirkuk and the continued budget cuts from Baghdad.
Protesters demonstrate against governance failures, including salary cuts, over a year of delayed salary payments, and lack of basic services like electricity. Their anger is also fueled by allegations of widespread corruption within the government and ruling parties.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/191220171
Protesters set party and government offices on fire on
Hundreds of people protesting against lack of services, demanding a fight against corruption and full payments of state salaries, have continued for a second day in a row in a number of Kurdish cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, with the offices of several Kurdish parties and at least one government office set ablaze in Koya.
The protesters, coming from various backgrounds of the society also include state employees who have had their salaries reduced or delayed took to the streets in Sulaimani, Halabja, Kfri, Raniya, and Koya.
A large number of people have gathered in the Bardarki Sara Square in Sulaimani. A Rudaw reporter at the scene reported that the security forces shot live ammunition into the air to disperse the protest.
In Koya, northwest of Sulaimani, protesters set fire to the mayor’s building on Tuesday, sending a plume of smoke into the air. They also set the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Gorran on fire, while they lowered the flags of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the Islamic Group (Komal) and the Kurdistan Islamic Union.
Koya Mayor, Sarkawt Rasul, claimed that they did not use force to prevent protesters from attacking the affected buildings.
A number of people have been wounded at least in Koya and Raniya. No figures have been made available yet.
Koya, about 56 km southeast of Erbil, is officially within the administration of Erbil province, but the city falls within the so-called Green Zone under the control of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) whose strongholds are Sulaimani and Halabja provinces.
No protest has been reported in Erbil or Duhok provinces, called otherwise the Yellow Zone, under the control of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).
Both the PUK and the KDP have large control over the security forces and the Peshmerga in their zones.
Map of the Kurdistan Region: Confirmed protests marked with red colour.
On Monday, a wave of violent protest targeted various cities in the two provinces, including Piramagrun, northwest of Sulaimani where angry protesters set ablaze offices of Kurdistan’s five largest parties, members of the coalition government, and at least three government buildings. They also set at least five cars on fire.
No one was arrested in relation to the violence though some of those who committed the arson attacks are known to the authorities, Piramagrun Mayor Siwan Sarhad told Rudaw.
Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir called for calm on Monday evening, praising the riot police and security forces for exercising self-restraint. He said the demands raised by the people are “legitimate,” but urged the people to express their anger in a civil way, refraining from violence.
A number of people were wounded, the majority of whom were members of the security forces.
The Kurdistan Regional Government while acknowledging that the law gives the people the right to protest condemned the Monday violence that targeted the party and government buildings. It said such acts of violence causes “instability.”
Sulaimani Provincial Council is set to meet today to discuss a number of issues including the protests in the province.
The Kurdistan Region has been suffering from an ongoing financial crisis since early 2014 due to budget cuts by the Iraqi government, a drop in oil prices and the war against ISIS. The KRG’s revenues have hit a new low when it lost control of the oil fields in Kirkuk in mid-October, slashing its revenues by almost half.
The KRG last week revealed plans to make further cuts to state salaries after the loss in Kirkuk and the continued budget cuts from Baghdad.
Protesters demonstrate against governance failures, including salary cuts, over a year of delayed salary payments, and lack of basic services like electricity. Their anger is also fueled by allegations of widespread corruption within the government and ruling parties.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/191220171
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Re: Day 2: I think Gorran are behind the Sulaimani protests
Author: Anthea » Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:43 pm
Someone is organizing these protests:
Suspects
Reasons for financial difficulties
Who is to blame for financial difficulties
Who should the people be protesting against
Why protest against Kurdish government who are NOT to blame?
Who might benefit from causing problems
Suspects
- The Gorran because they always make trouble
The PUK leadership who allowed Iraq to steal Kurdish land
Reasons for financial difficulties
- Lack of income from oil (stolen by Iraq)
Reduction in budget from Iraq
Lack of international trade due to airport closures
Money spent fighting ISIS
Money spent supporting refugees
Who is to blame for financial difficulties
- IRAQ
PUK traitors who allowed Iraq to steal parts of Kurdistan
Who should the people be protesting against
- IRAQ
PUK traitors who allowed Iraq to steal parts of Kurdistan
Why protest against Kurdish government who are NOT to blame?
- Someone is organizing these protests
Who might benefit from causing problems
- IRAQ
PUK traitors
Gorran troublemakers
Turkey and Iran who do not want a strong Kurdistan on their borders
Last edited by Anthea on Wed Dec 20, 2017 9:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Day 2: I think Gorran are behind the Sulaimani protests
Author: Anthea » Tue Dec 19, 2017 6:45 pm
Updates:
12:41 p.m.
Hundreds of people protesting against lack of services, demanding a fight against corruption and full payments of state salaries, have continued for a second day in a row in a number of Kurdish cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, with the offices of several Kurdish parties and at least one government office set ablaze in Koya.
The protesters, coming from various backgrounds of the society also include state employees who have had their salaries reduced or delayed took to the streets in Sulaimani, Halabja, Kfri, Raniya, and Koya.
A large number of people have gathered in the Bardarki Sara Square in Sulaimani. A Rudaw reporter at the scene reported that the security forces shot live ammunition into the air to disperse the protest.
In Koya, northwest of Sulaimani, protesters set fire to the mayor’s building on Tuesday, sending a plume of smoke into the air. They also set the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Gorran on fire, while they lowered the flags of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the Islamic Group (Komal) and the Kurdistan Islamic Union.
Koya Mayor, Sarkawt Rasul, claimed that they did not use force to prevent protesters from attacking the affected buildings.
A number of people have been wounded at least in Koya and Raniya. No figures have been made available yet.
4:55 p.m.
Kurdistan Parliament urges angry protesters to avoid violence
The Kurdistan Region Parliament declared its support for the protesters' demands, but urged demonstrators to "present their just demands in a calm and civil way."
Government and public service offices are there to serve the people. Setting them on fire, "in the end, it is the people who are damaged the most," the parliament added in a statement published Tuesday evening.
Violent demonstrations "derail the genuine objective of the people and the fulfillment of their just calls." Such violence as has erupted in some places Monday and Tuesday only serves the foes of Kurdistan, the parliament asserted.
"The Kurdistan parliament is in continued contact and consultation with the KRG and political parties in order for serious and genuine steps be made for the resolution of the problems and implementation of your right calls and desires," it concluded.
5:39 p.m.
Parliament speaker condemns the arrest of an MP at Sulaimani protests
Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Yousif Mohammed has condemned the arrest of a member of parliament among the protesters in Sulaimani.
“Today among the protesters in Sulaimani, security forces arrested Rabun Maaruf. This act by Asayesh violates the law as parliamentarians have immunity,” Mohammed said.
He called for “an immediate release of the MP and all the other people who were detained today.”
Maaruf is the spokesperson of the New Generation List – a new political party that had registered to run in the November 1 elections before they were cancelled. The party is critical of the current KRG leadership.
The party’s leader, Shaswar Abdulwahid, has urged people to come out and join the demonstrations, saying they will accept nothing less than elections and “accountability for government officials.”
An arrest warrant has reportedly been issued for Abdulwahid on the charge of encouraging people to protest. NRT, the media outlet formerly owned by Abdulwahid, reported that Sulaimani’s public prosecutor requested the court to take action.
Abdulwahid, who was in Baghdad holding meetings with Iraqi officials, will return to Sulaimani Tuesday evening. Security forces will reportedly arrest him on his arrival at the airport.
Parliament speaker Mohammed asked security forces and riot police to avoid shooting or aggression towards the demonstrators.
He called on the demonstrators to also avoid violence and stop storming party offices as well as state properties.
5:51 p.m.
Five protesters have been killed and 80 others wounded in the city of Raniya on Tuesday, Taha Mohammed, spokesperson for Raniya Public Health, told Rudaw Media Network.
7:33pm
NRT shut down on charge of inciting violence
The Kurdish and Arabic channels of NRT were shut down by a decree from the KRG on charges of inciting violence as angry anti-government protests are ongoing in the Kurdistan Region.
The Ministry of Youth and Culture, which made the decision, explained the channel will be closed for a week.
The decision to shut down the channels came following a phone call between Dr. Haval Abubakir, Sulaimani governor and the ministry.
The decree came after it was reported five people were killed and 80 others wounded in the city of Raniya.
7:53 pm
Gorran urges calm as protests turn more violent
"We are calling on the citizens and protesters to express their dissatisfaction and raise them to the authorities in a civil way and far away from violence," Gorran urged in a statement.
"Turning to demonstrations on the streets of Kurdistan cities and towns is the result of failed governance, monopoly, corruption and injustice throughout the many years of rule by the leading parties of the Kurdistan Region," said Gorran.
"In addition to supporting all the right demands of the people, we with deep sorrow extend our condolences to the families of today's martyrs... and we hope for quick recovery for the wounded," it added.
Gorran also called for restraint from the Peshmerga and security forces, urging them to protect people and property and not "point the barrels of their guns at their sisters and brothers in order to avoid any further deepening of the problems and derailing the objectives of the protesters."
The party concluded that "it is the government's duty to respond to the calls and demands of the protesters and take serious steps to resolve the Kurdistan Region's crisis."
Gorran has been very critical of the KRG’s record, especially on the issues of paying public salaries and accountability, and is currently considering withdrawing from the coalition government.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/191220171
12:41 p.m.
Hundreds of people protesting against lack of services, demanding a fight against corruption and full payments of state salaries, have continued for a second day in a row in a number of Kurdish cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, with the offices of several Kurdish parties and at least one government office set ablaze in Koya.
The protesters, coming from various backgrounds of the society also include state employees who have had their salaries reduced or delayed took to the streets in Sulaimani, Halabja, Kfri, Raniya, and Koya.
A large number of people have gathered in the Bardarki Sara Square in Sulaimani. A Rudaw reporter at the scene reported that the security forces shot live ammunition into the air to disperse the protest.
In Koya, northwest of Sulaimani, protesters set fire to the mayor’s building on Tuesday, sending a plume of smoke into the air. They also set the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Gorran on fire, while they lowered the flags of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the Islamic Group (Komal) and the Kurdistan Islamic Union.
Koya Mayor, Sarkawt Rasul, claimed that they did not use force to prevent protesters from attacking the affected buildings.
A number of people have been wounded at least in Koya and Raniya. No figures have been made available yet.
4:55 p.m.
Kurdistan Parliament urges angry protesters to avoid violence
The Kurdistan Region Parliament declared its support for the protesters' demands, but urged demonstrators to "present their just demands in a calm and civil way."
Government and public service offices are there to serve the people. Setting them on fire, "in the end, it is the people who are damaged the most," the parliament added in a statement published Tuesday evening.
Violent demonstrations "derail the genuine objective of the people and the fulfillment of their just calls." Such violence as has erupted in some places Monday and Tuesday only serves the foes of Kurdistan, the parliament asserted.
"The Kurdistan parliament is in continued contact and consultation with the KRG and political parties in order for serious and genuine steps be made for the resolution of the problems and implementation of your right calls and desires," it concluded.
5:39 p.m.
Parliament speaker condemns the arrest of an MP at Sulaimani protests
Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Yousif Mohammed has condemned the arrest of a member of parliament among the protesters in Sulaimani.
“Today among the protesters in Sulaimani, security forces arrested Rabun Maaruf. This act by Asayesh violates the law as parliamentarians have immunity,” Mohammed said.
He called for “an immediate release of the MP and all the other people who were detained today.”
Maaruf is the spokesperson of the New Generation List – a new political party that had registered to run in the November 1 elections before they were cancelled. The party is critical of the current KRG leadership.
The party’s leader, Shaswar Abdulwahid, has urged people to come out and join the demonstrations, saying they will accept nothing less than elections and “accountability for government officials.”
An arrest warrant has reportedly been issued for Abdulwahid on the charge of encouraging people to protest. NRT, the media outlet formerly owned by Abdulwahid, reported that Sulaimani’s public prosecutor requested the court to take action.
Abdulwahid, who was in Baghdad holding meetings with Iraqi officials, will return to Sulaimani Tuesday evening. Security forces will reportedly arrest him on his arrival at the airport.
Parliament speaker Mohammed asked security forces and riot police to avoid shooting or aggression towards the demonstrators.
He called on the demonstrators to also avoid violence and stop storming party offices as well as state properties.
5:51 p.m.
Five protesters have been killed and 80 others wounded in the city of Raniya on Tuesday, Taha Mohammed, spokesperson for Raniya Public Health, told Rudaw Media Network.
7:33pm
NRT shut down on charge of inciting violence
The Kurdish and Arabic channels of NRT were shut down by a decree from the KRG on charges of inciting violence as angry anti-government protests are ongoing in the Kurdistan Region.
The Ministry of Youth and Culture, which made the decision, explained the channel will be closed for a week.
The decision to shut down the channels came following a phone call between Dr. Haval Abubakir, Sulaimani governor and the ministry.
The decree came after it was reported five people were killed and 80 others wounded in the city of Raniya.
7:53 pm
Gorran urges calm as protests turn more violent
"We are calling on the citizens and protesters to express their dissatisfaction and raise them to the authorities in a civil way and far away from violence," Gorran urged in a statement.
"Turning to demonstrations on the streets of Kurdistan cities and towns is the result of failed governance, monopoly, corruption and injustice throughout the many years of rule by the leading parties of the Kurdistan Region," said Gorran.
"In addition to supporting all the right demands of the people, we with deep sorrow extend our condolences to the families of today's martyrs... and we hope for quick recovery for the wounded," it added.
Gorran also called for restraint from the Peshmerga and security forces, urging them to protect people and property and not "point the barrels of their guns at their sisters and brothers in order to avoid any further deepening of the problems and derailing the objectives of the protesters."
The party concluded that "it is the government's duty to respond to the calls and demands of the protesters and take serious steps to resolve the Kurdistan Region's crisis."
Gorran has been very critical of the KRG’s record, especially on the issues of paying public salaries and accountability, and is currently considering withdrawing from the coalition government.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/191220171
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Re: Day 2: I think Gorran are behind the Sulaimani protests
Author: Anthea » Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:04 pm
Gorran also called for restraint from the Peshmerga
This strengthens my theory that the Gorran are behind the protests
The Gorran prove this as they are trying to show themselves as the good guys
Some Kurds actually believe that nobody is behind the protests
Some seem to believe that the people themselves
- Without anyone organizing the protests
Without anyone even suggesting any action
Without anyone prompting them
Without any communication between people
They all woke up yesterday at exactly the same time
With exactly the same thoughts in mind
To meet with others in exactly the same places
RUBBISH
Some people have now decided that the PKK are behind the protests
EVEN MORE RUBBISH
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Re: Kurds fight Kurds ignore Iraqi theft of land and oil rev
Author: Anthea » Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:29 pm
BBC World Service
The BBC World Service has just mentioned the protests but has said they are due to Iraq not recognizing the refendum
Trust the BBC to get it wrong
The BBC World Service has just mentioned the protests but has said they are due to Iraq not recognizing the refendum
Trust the BBC to get it wrong
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Re: Kurds fight Kurds ignore Iraqi theft of land and oil rev
Author: Anthea » Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:37 pm
10:20 pm
Komal leader: ‘There are no grounds for killing people’
Condemning the bloodshed in anti-government protests on Tuesday, Ali Bapir, leader of the Kurdistan Islamic Group (Komal), said demonstrators must remain peaceful and security forces can have no cause to use lethal force.
"We are very sad that once again demonstrations in the Kurdistan Region, unlike the majority of protests in the world, have resulted in a lot of martyrs and injured,” he said in a televised statement Tuesday evening.
“There are no grounds for killing people,” he stressed.
Bapir said people in the Kurdistan Region could learn from massive demonstrations in Baghdad by followers of Muqtada al-Sadr. "They do not even break a tree," Bapir said.
He said that people were justified in being upset because of “financial woes and the intense financial situations of the people.”
Like other Kurdish leaders and parties, Bapir urged "calm."
He called on angry protesters to avoid having their demands "derailed" by others, thereby undermining their legitimate demands.
"Any side turning to violence only causes damage for all sides. Therefore, storming shelters and offices and public institutions, public or private properties will of course have no effect or result, but destruction and damaging this country's infrastructure.”
"Asking for rights must be in a correct way," he told the protesters.
He said that the government and ruling parties must respond to the protesters’ demands and “no longer be passive in resolving issues and accumulated crises."
"Komal has always been on the side of people and the nation...” Bapir said. “At this time it is more determined in its unwavering attitude, even though we have paid a high price for such attitude in the past. We are ready to pay an even higher price.”
He said that if an interim government had been established, as his party had called for along with Gorran, “the situation would not reach what it is now."
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/191220171
Komal leader: ‘There are no grounds for killing people’
Condemning the bloodshed in anti-government protests on Tuesday, Ali Bapir, leader of the Kurdistan Islamic Group (Komal), said demonstrators must remain peaceful and security forces can have no cause to use lethal force.
"We are very sad that once again demonstrations in the Kurdistan Region, unlike the majority of protests in the world, have resulted in a lot of martyrs and injured,” he said in a televised statement Tuesday evening.
“There are no grounds for killing people,” he stressed.
Bapir said people in the Kurdistan Region could learn from massive demonstrations in Baghdad by followers of Muqtada al-Sadr. "They do not even break a tree," Bapir said.
He said that people were justified in being upset because of “financial woes and the intense financial situations of the people.”
Like other Kurdish leaders and parties, Bapir urged "calm."
He called on angry protesters to avoid having their demands "derailed" by others, thereby undermining their legitimate demands.
"Any side turning to violence only causes damage for all sides. Therefore, storming shelters and offices and public institutions, public or private properties will of course have no effect or result, but destruction and damaging this country's infrastructure.”
"Asking for rights must be in a correct way," he told the protesters.
He said that the government and ruling parties must respond to the protesters’ demands and “no longer be passive in resolving issues and accumulated crises."
"Komal has always been on the side of people and the nation...” Bapir said. “At this time it is more determined in its unwavering attitude, even though we have paid a high price for such attitude in the past. We are ready to pay an even higher price.”
He said that if an interim government had been established, as his party had called for along with Gorran, “the situation would not reach what it is now."
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/191220171
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Re: Kurds fight Kurds ignore Iraqi theft of land and oil rev
Author: Anthea » Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:37 pm
Thinking: Perhaps Komal are working with the Gorran as instigators of the protests 
One thing is certain - these protests have been planned
An organization is behind these protests
We just have to ask ourselves
WHO BENEFITS ???
One thing is certain - these protests have been planned
An organization is behind these protests
We just have to ask ourselves
WHO BENEFITS ???
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Re: Kurds fight Kurds ignore Iraqi theft of land and oil rev
Author: Anthea » Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:55 pm
Post-referendum woes spark angry protests in Iraqi Kurdistan
Protesters in Iraqi Kurdistan on Monday torched offices of the main political parties and security services as anger at the authorities boiled over in the wake of a failed independence push.
Furious demonstrators set fire to buildings in the Piramagrun area of Sulaimaniyah province as they demanded the resignation of the autonomous region's leadership, an opposition party official said.
Abdel Razak Sharif, a leader of the Goran party, told AFP there were no casualties.
Elsewhere, several thousand angry people across the region took to the streets, including in the major city of Sulaimaniyah and some parts of Arbil province.
Haval Abu Bakr, the Goran governor of Sulaimaniyah province, told reporters he backed civil movements but "we oppose any confrontation".
He urged the security forces not to get involved in the clashes and asked that the protesters "demonstrate peacefully".
Tensions have soared in Iraqi Kurdistan over the calamitous fallout from an independence referendum in September that was opposed by the central government in Baghdad.
In the wake of the overwhelming "yes" vote -- pushed through by veteran regional leader Massud Barzani despite international condemnation -- federal forces retook swathes of disputed territory from the Kurds.
The loss of the oil-rich areas dealt a body blow to Kurdish coffers, pushing the region into dire financial straits and dashing long-held dreams of becoming a viable state.
Firms have closed and there has been an uptick in unemployment since the vote as the economic beating by Baghdad has taken its toll.
Protesters -- including many civil servants -- shouted "Down with the thieves", "Death to Barzani" and "Down with the government that lost the disputed regions".
Police in Sulaimaniyah -- a stronghold for a faction opposed to Barzani -- fired tear gas to keep demonstrators away from the offices of political parties.
Regional president Barzani announced he was stepping down in late October after the independence vote backfired spectacularly.
Legislative and presidential elections in the region due on November 1 were postponed because of the turmoil.
Prime minister Nechirvan Barzani, the ex-president's nephew, has pledged to hold the polls over the next three months.
The dispute over the referendum saw deep rifts within Iraqi Kurdistan burst into the open.
The main party opposed to the Barzanis rejected the independence vote and its forces struck a deal with Iraqi troops to let them retake key chunks of territory without a fight.
PUK TRAITORS
In a sign that the region's isolation after the vote is easing, Iran on Monday reopened all its border crossings with Iraqi Kurdistan.
Iran, which along with Turkey opposed the referendum over fears it could spur their own Kurdish communities, closed the border crossings after the vote.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/ar ... istan.html
Protesters in Iraqi Kurdistan on Monday torched offices of the main political parties and security services as anger at the authorities boiled over in the wake of a failed independence push.
Furious demonstrators set fire to buildings in the Piramagrun area of Sulaimaniyah province as they demanded the resignation of the autonomous region's leadership, an opposition party official said.
Abdel Razak Sharif, a leader of the Goran party, told AFP there were no casualties.
Elsewhere, several thousand angry people across the region took to the streets, including in the major city of Sulaimaniyah and some parts of Arbil province.
Haval Abu Bakr, the Goran governor of Sulaimaniyah province, told reporters he backed civil movements but "we oppose any confrontation".
He urged the security forces not to get involved in the clashes and asked that the protesters "demonstrate peacefully".
Tensions have soared in Iraqi Kurdistan over the calamitous fallout from an independence referendum in September that was opposed by the central government in Baghdad.
In the wake of the overwhelming "yes" vote -- pushed through by veteran regional leader Massud Barzani despite international condemnation -- federal forces retook swathes of disputed territory from the Kurds.
The loss of the oil-rich areas dealt a body blow to Kurdish coffers, pushing the region into dire financial straits and dashing long-held dreams of becoming a viable state.
Firms have closed and there has been an uptick in unemployment since the vote as the economic beating by Baghdad has taken its toll.
Protesters -- including many civil servants -- shouted "Down with the thieves", "Death to Barzani" and "Down with the government that lost the disputed regions".
Police in Sulaimaniyah -- a stronghold for a faction opposed to Barzani -- fired tear gas to keep demonstrators away from the offices of political parties.
Regional president Barzani announced he was stepping down in late October after the independence vote backfired spectacularly.
Legislative and presidential elections in the region due on November 1 were postponed because of the turmoil.
Prime minister Nechirvan Barzani, the ex-president's nephew, has pledged to hold the polls over the next three months.
The dispute over the referendum saw deep rifts within Iraqi Kurdistan burst into the open.
The main party opposed to the Barzanis rejected the independence vote and its forces struck a deal with Iraqi troops to let them retake key chunks of territory without a fight.
PUK TRAITORS
In a sign that the region's isolation after the vote is easing, Iran on Monday reopened all its border crossings with Iraqi Kurdistan.
Iran, which along with Turkey opposed the referendum over fears it could spur their own Kurdish communities, closed the border crossings after the vote.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/ar ... istan.html
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Re: Kurds fight Kurds ignore Iraqi theft of land and oil rev
Author: Anthea » Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:41 pm
10:56 pm
PUK rejects ‘uncivil’ behavior in protests, calls for KRG to fix salary systems
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) said it stands by the principles of the right to protest, but rejected the “uncivil” behavior in the protests Monday and Tuesday.
“We as the PUK reiterate our commitment to the principles of freedom, democracy, right to protest and just demands of people, and we regard ourselves as leaders in enforcing these principles,” the party’s leadership council asserted in a published statement Tuesday night.
“We don’t accept and strongly reject this kind of undemocratic, uncivil and chaotic behavior,” the statement qualified.
It accused “some rioter groups” of storming public places under the guise of the anti-government demonstrations.
For their own part, the PUK said they hold themselves responsible “to protect the homes and lives of people, public properties and service agencies of the cities and towns, namely power and water services in this difficult winter time."
Without naming any specific media outlet, the PUK criticized reporting that it said contributed to the deadly violence seen over the past two days.
“The incitement of directed media outlets to cause chaos under the name of freedom of the press is never acceptable,” the party stated, saying it called on courts and relevant institutions to fulfill their professional “and national responsibility” by taking “legal, rightful and necessary procedures against rioters and the group supporting them.”
Addressing the root causes of the protests, the PUK asked the government to “ramp up its utmost efforts to improve the livelihood and salary systems of the government employees in general and teachers in particular."
11:52 pm
Sulaimani governor denies he requested closure of NRT
Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir has denied he requested the closure of NRT. According to a statement from the Ministry of Youth and Culture, the decision to close the Kurdish and Arabic channels of the Sulaimani-based NRT was made after a phone call between Abubakir and the ministry.
In a statement on social media, Abubakir said the Ministry’s assertion was a “complete lie and fabrication.”
He demanded a formal explanation from the minister.
12:17 am, December 20
PM Barzani acknowledges protesters’ frustrations, urges unity and patience
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said he understands the frustrations of protesters who have taken to the streets over the past two days.
“These are challenging times for our region. Your frustrations are understandable, and I hear them,” he said, adding that he supports the “peaceful expression of views” as a legitimate democratic right.
“But violence is never acceptable. I call on all of you to conduct your protests peacefully.”
He reminded the public that the Kurdish security forces are facing challenges in a “violent and fragile region” where just on Tuesday they engaged ISIS militants.
“Of even more concern is that we are tracking movements by Iraqi forces in Makhmour,” he added.
He concluded by urging unity.
“We are stronger when we are united. I appreciate your resilience and patience in this difficult period. We have got through much worse in the past, and I still believe that, together, we will build a better future.”
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/191220171
PUK rejects ‘uncivil’ behavior in protests, calls for KRG to fix salary systems
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) said it stands by the principles of the right to protest, but rejected the “uncivil” behavior in the protests Monday and Tuesday.
“We as the PUK reiterate our commitment to the principles of freedom, democracy, right to protest and just demands of people, and we regard ourselves as leaders in enforcing these principles,” the party’s leadership council asserted in a published statement Tuesday night.
“We don’t accept and strongly reject this kind of undemocratic, uncivil and chaotic behavior,” the statement qualified.
It accused “some rioter groups” of storming public places under the guise of the anti-government demonstrations.
For their own part, the PUK said they hold themselves responsible “to protect the homes and lives of people, public properties and service agencies of the cities and towns, namely power and water services in this difficult winter time."
Without naming any specific media outlet, the PUK criticized reporting that it said contributed to the deadly violence seen over the past two days.
“The incitement of directed media outlets to cause chaos under the name of freedom of the press is never acceptable,” the party stated, saying it called on courts and relevant institutions to fulfill their professional “and national responsibility” by taking “legal, rightful and necessary procedures against rioters and the group supporting them.”
Addressing the root causes of the protests, the PUK asked the government to “ramp up its utmost efforts to improve the livelihood and salary systems of the government employees in general and teachers in particular."
11:52 pm
Sulaimani governor denies he requested closure of NRT
Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir has denied he requested the closure of NRT. According to a statement from the Ministry of Youth and Culture, the decision to close the Kurdish and Arabic channels of the Sulaimani-based NRT was made after a phone call between Abubakir and the ministry.
In a statement on social media, Abubakir said the Ministry’s assertion was a “complete lie and fabrication.”
He demanded a formal explanation from the minister.
12:17 am, December 20
PM Barzani acknowledges protesters’ frustrations, urges unity and patience
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said he understands the frustrations of protesters who have taken to the streets over the past two days.
“These are challenging times for our region. Your frustrations are understandable, and I hear them,” he said, adding that he supports the “peaceful expression of views” as a legitimate democratic right.
“But violence is never acceptable. I call on all of you to conduct your protests peacefully.”
He reminded the public that the Kurdish security forces are facing challenges in a “violent and fragile region” where just on Tuesday they engaged ISIS militants.
“Of even more concern is that we are tracking movements by Iraqi forces in Makhmour,” he added.
He concluded by urging unity.
“We are stronger when we are united. I appreciate your resilience and patience in this difficult period. We have got through much worse in the past, and I still believe that, together, we will build a better future.”
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/191220171
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Re: Kurds fight Kurds ignore Iraqi theft of land and oil rev
Author: Anthea » Wed Dec 20, 2017 9:20 am
9:43 a.m.
KDP hears rightful demands, condemns 'armed protest'
The ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party has condemned what it called an "armed protest" that it said mainly targeted their offices in several cities including in Raniya where five people were killed and 80 others injured on the second day of anti-government protests.
While the KDP stated that it believes that the people have the right to protest and voice their concerns to make their voices heard, they reject violent protests and attacks on office of political parties or that of the government.
The KDP statement comes following two days of anti-government violent protests since Monday who protest against services failure such as electricity, wide-spread corruption, and months of delayed salary of state employees.
It called on the people of Kurdistan to act "responsibly" against what it called an "uncivilized campaign that threatens Kurdistan and its democratic rule."
The party singled out some of the protesters for pushing the crowd towards violence.
"The acts and remarks of such people have stripped the civil nature of the protests, instead turned it into an armed protest. It is also clear that the rioters have the KDP offices on the top of their objectives to target," the KDP's Tuesday night statement read.
It called on the security forces to carry out their duty by protecting the lives of people who are in party or government buildings.
The KDP and the government listen to those people who have a "legitimate voice," who demand an improvement to people's lives with civility, the KDP added.
The KDP is the Kurdistan Region’s largest Kurdish party in terms of the number of seats in the Kurdish parliament that controls, among others, the position of the prime ministry, and the Security Council.
Protests since Monday have hit several Kurdish cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, including in Koya, Sulaimani and Raniya. The protesters have set ablaze the offices of Kurdistan's five largest parties and some government buildings.
The KRG's Ministry of Culture on Tuesday closed down NRT media outlets, one of the largest Kurdish media network based in Sulaimani on allegations of inciting violence. It said the decision came after discussions with Sulaimani governor Haval Abubakir. The governor denied he ordered the NRT closure.
NRT stated Tuesday night that about 100 armed men of the Sulaimani security forces (Asayesh) ordered the network to close its main headquarters "without a warrant.” It said their staff was humiliated, network head Awat Ali was briefly arrested, and Shashwar Abdulwahid, whom the network described as the "former owner" of the news organization, was "kidnapped."
Abdulwahid headed the campaign against the Kurdish vote on independence held in September, and is have since formed the New Generation party. The businessman-turned-politician called on the people to protest against the government.
NRT said the security forces did not have any legal ground to close the network, and was "a dangerous threat against the freedom of journalism both in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq."
The network called on public to pressure the authorities to reopen the network, while it accused the government of not believing in the rule of law, press freedom, and the peaceful transfer of power. It also said that they also hold the KRG "accountable," for the network closure, and the killing of protesters.
The Kurdisn Network that also has services in other languages such as English and Arabic was attacked by unknown armed men in 2011 who set its headquarters on fire in 2011, just days after people started to stage anti-government protests.
The channel published a photo on its Facebook page after midnight that compared the Tuesdy night closure with the 2011 attack.
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday night told Rudaw that he understands the frustrations of protesters who have taken to the streets over the past two days.
"These are challenging times for our region. Your frustrations are understandable, and I hear them," he said, adding that he supports the "peaceful expression of views" as a legitimate democratic right.
"But violence is never acceptable. I call on all of you to conduct your protests peacefully."
The Kurdistan Region has been suffering from an ongoing financial crisis since early 2014 due to budget cuts by the Iraqi government, a drop in oil prices and the war against ISIS. The KRG's revenues have hit a new low when it lost control of the oil fields in Kirkuk in mid-October, slashing its revenues by almost half.
The KRG last week revealed plans to make further cuts to state salaries after the loss in Kirkuk and the continued budget cuts from Baghdad.
11:30 a.m.
A night time curfew that was announced on Tuesday night after a bloody day in the city of Raniya north of Sulaimani may stay in place on Wednesday if necessary, the head of the Raparin administration whose capital is Raniya told Rudaw on Tuesday.
Hamid Abdullah said that they have also put the security forces on alert to maintain peace and security in Raniya.
The local government announced a public holiday for Wednesday and Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the weekend for the public sector in the Kurdistan Region.
The local government in Chamchamal and Kifri in Sulaimani province also announced night time curfew on Tuesday. Chamchamal announced Wednesday a public holiday.
Five people were killed, and 80 more injured when protests in Raniya became violent on Tuesday.
Four offices of political parties were set on fire: two offices of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan as well the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Kurdistan Islamic Union, Abdullah said. These parties are part of the five-member coalition government, the KRG.
Iraqi President Fuad Masum, a Kurd from the PUK with its strongholds in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, called for calm and urged the protestors to express their rightful demands in a civil manner.
The protesters are demonstrating against lack of basic services such as electricity, widespread corruption, and the full payment of state salaries. The KRG has said the continued budget cuts Baghdad since early 2014, and the loss of the oil fields in Kirkuk to the Iraqi forces in October, have forced the government to make salary cuts or have failed to pay the 1.2 million people on its payroll on time.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/20122017
KDP hears rightful demands, condemns 'armed protest'
The ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party has condemned what it called an "armed protest" that it said mainly targeted their offices in several cities including in Raniya where five people were killed and 80 others injured on the second day of anti-government protests.
While the KDP stated that it believes that the people have the right to protest and voice their concerns to make their voices heard, they reject violent protests and attacks on office of political parties or that of the government.
The KDP statement comes following two days of anti-government violent protests since Monday who protest against services failure such as electricity, wide-spread corruption, and months of delayed salary of state employees.
It called on the people of Kurdistan to act "responsibly" against what it called an "uncivilized campaign that threatens Kurdistan and its democratic rule."
The party singled out some of the protesters for pushing the crowd towards violence.
"The acts and remarks of such people have stripped the civil nature of the protests, instead turned it into an armed protest. It is also clear that the rioters have the KDP offices on the top of their objectives to target," the KDP's Tuesday night statement read.
It called on the security forces to carry out their duty by protecting the lives of people who are in party or government buildings.
The KDP and the government listen to those people who have a "legitimate voice," who demand an improvement to people's lives with civility, the KDP added.
The KDP is the Kurdistan Region’s largest Kurdish party in terms of the number of seats in the Kurdish parliament that controls, among others, the position of the prime ministry, and the Security Council.
Protests since Monday have hit several Kurdish cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, including in Koya, Sulaimani and Raniya. The protesters have set ablaze the offices of Kurdistan's five largest parties and some government buildings.
The KRG's Ministry of Culture on Tuesday closed down NRT media outlets, one of the largest Kurdish media network based in Sulaimani on allegations of inciting violence. It said the decision came after discussions with Sulaimani governor Haval Abubakir. The governor denied he ordered the NRT closure.
NRT stated Tuesday night that about 100 armed men of the Sulaimani security forces (Asayesh) ordered the network to close its main headquarters "without a warrant.” It said their staff was humiliated, network head Awat Ali was briefly arrested, and Shashwar Abdulwahid, whom the network described as the "former owner" of the news organization, was "kidnapped."
Abdulwahid headed the campaign against the Kurdish vote on independence held in September, and is have since formed the New Generation party. The businessman-turned-politician called on the people to protest against the government.
NRT said the security forces did not have any legal ground to close the network, and was "a dangerous threat against the freedom of journalism both in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq."
The network called on public to pressure the authorities to reopen the network, while it accused the government of not believing in the rule of law, press freedom, and the peaceful transfer of power. It also said that they also hold the KRG "accountable," for the network closure, and the killing of protesters.
The Kurdisn Network that also has services in other languages such as English and Arabic was attacked by unknown armed men in 2011 who set its headquarters on fire in 2011, just days after people started to stage anti-government protests.
The channel published a photo on its Facebook page after midnight that compared the Tuesdy night closure with the 2011 attack.
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday night told Rudaw that he understands the frustrations of protesters who have taken to the streets over the past two days.
"These are challenging times for our region. Your frustrations are understandable, and I hear them," he said, adding that he supports the "peaceful expression of views" as a legitimate democratic right.
"But violence is never acceptable. I call on all of you to conduct your protests peacefully."
The Kurdistan Region has been suffering from an ongoing financial crisis since early 2014 due to budget cuts by the Iraqi government, a drop in oil prices and the war against ISIS. The KRG's revenues have hit a new low when it lost control of the oil fields in Kirkuk in mid-October, slashing its revenues by almost half.
The KRG last week revealed plans to make further cuts to state salaries after the loss in Kirkuk and the continued budget cuts from Baghdad.
11:30 a.m.
A night time curfew that was announced on Tuesday night after a bloody day in the city of Raniya north of Sulaimani may stay in place on Wednesday if necessary, the head of the Raparin administration whose capital is Raniya told Rudaw on Tuesday.
Hamid Abdullah said that they have also put the security forces on alert to maintain peace and security in Raniya.
The local government announced a public holiday for Wednesday and Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the weekend for the public sector in the Kurdistan Region.
The local government in Chamchamal and Kifri in Sulaimani province also announced night time curfew on Tuesday. Chamchamal announced Wednesday a public holiday.
Five people were killed, and 80 more injured when protests in Raniya became violent on Tuesday.
Four offices of political parties were set on fire: two offices of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan as well the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Kurdistan Islamic Union, Abdullah said. These parties are part of the five-member coalition government, the KRG.
Iraqi President Fuad Masum, a Kurd from the PUK with its strongholds in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, called for calm and urged the protestors to express their rightful demands in a civil manner.
The protesters are demonstrating against lack of basic services such as electricity, widespread corruption, and the full payment of state salaries. The KRG has said the continued budget cuts Baghdad since early 2014, and the loss of the oil fields in Kirkuk to the Iraqi forces in October, have forced the government to make salary cuts or have failed to pay the 1.2 million people on its payroll on time.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/20122017
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Re: Kurds fight Kurds not Iraqi that has stolen income from
Author: Anthea » Wed Dec 20, 2017 10:18 pm
Anti-government protests continue for third day in some Kurdish cities
2:13 p.m.
Flags lowered to half-mast in Halabja to mourn death of protesters
The local government of Halabja has decided to lower all flags at half-staff to respect the five protesters who were killed in the deadly anti-government protest in Raniya on Tuesday, Governor Ali Othman said at a press conference.
The announcement came after a meeting between the local government, all Kurdish parties and civil society organizations, including religious leaders in Halabja on Wednesday.
Halabja, known for the infamous chemical attack on March 16, 1988, is named the peace capital of the Kurdistan Region by the Kurdish parliament.
“We held a meeting so that at the Peace Capital we can express our sympathy and condolences to the unfortunate incident that happened yesterday resulting in the martyrdom of protesters,” Othman said.
Some people participated in anti-government protests on Monday and Tuesday in Halabja. The protests were largely peaceful, but several civil activists who organized the protests said that the security forces (Asayish) carried out raids to arrest them.
The governor said that the meeting today decided to put an end to arrests, or raids against the protest organizers.
He said the meeting was at the request of non-governmental organizations and the religious leaders in Halabja.
At the meeting it was decided to halt all activities of political parties, and declared Thursday to be a public holiday to “mourn" the death the protesters.
3:05 p.m.
UNAMI decries violent demonstrations in the Kurdistan Region
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq issued a statement on Wednesday saying it is "deeply concerned" about the violence and reported casualties during demonstrations in the Kurdistan Region the last two days.
"The people have the right to partake in peaceful demonstrations, and the authorities in KRI have the responsibility of protecting their citizens, including peaceful protestors," stated UNAMI.
It also urged for Kurdistan Region security forces "to exercise maximum restraint" and for the demonstrators to "avoid any act of violence."
UNAMI also calls upon authorities "to respect and protect the media" stating the closure of NRT TV was "because of the content of its reporting on the demonstrations."
"The Mission urges the media to abide by the law, while emphasizing the critical role of free and im
3:20 p.m.
Anti-government protesters set Gorran office on fire in Raniya
Some protesters have set the Gorran (Change Movement) party office in the city of Raniya on Wednesday afternoon after the anti-government demonstrations have again taken to streets following deadly clashes on Tuesday, a Rudaw reporter at the scene reported.
The protesters are now on their way to the office of the Islamic Group (Komal).
Five people were killed and 80 more injured on Tuesday in the city located in Sulaimani province.
The local authorities have said that a night curfew may stay, if necessary, with the security forces on alert to keep peace and security.
The security forces did not clash with the protests today, according to the Rudaw reporter.
5:00 p.m.
Kurdistan security council warns against domestic, regional interference in KRG protests
The Kurdistan Region Security Council stated on Wednesday that there are “democratic and regional” actors who want to manipulate the demands of the anti-government protesters, adding that the violent events that affected the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja could not be described as “[peaceful] protests.”
It stated that the events in the last two days are “outside of the bounds of protest,” while urging the people of the Kurdistan Region to “not allow their demands be mixed with suspicious political agenda originating from domestic and regional [sources].”
The KRSC said that such protestors should have directed their dissatisfaction against the Iraqi government that carried out a military incursion against the KRG-controlled places in the disputed or Kurdistani areas since October 16, accompanied by ongoing budget cuts since early-2014, and the punitive measures such as the flight ban on the international flights to and from the Kurdistan Region.
The “military threat” posed by Baghdad against the Kurdistan Region is “ongoing, according to the security officials, while the government of Baghdad gambles to “destabilize the internal situation of the [Kurdistan] Region.”
It called on the people to take into consideration the “sensitive” situation within the Kurdish Region.
The security agency that is tasked with collecting both domestic and foreign intelligence stated Monday and Wednesday that they are “alarmed” by a military buildup by the Iraqi forces in Makhmur, about 60 km southwest of Erbil.
It concluded by instructing the Kurdish security forces to counter any “harmful act” and to protect lives and properties.
The relations between Erbil and Baghdad have reached their lowest levels since the 2003 establishment of the new Iraq following the Iraqi opposed-Kurdish vote on independence on September 25.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Tuesday blamed the Kurdish vote and corruption for the deadly protests that targeted the offices of the main Kurdish parties.
5:15 p.m.
Office of Kurdish Islamic party set ablaze in Qaladze
Protesters in Qaladze, part of the Raparin Administration whose capital is Raniya, set ablaze the office of the Kurdistan Islamic Union on Wednesday evening.
Five people were killed and another 80 were injured in Raniya on Tuesday, according to local health officials.
6:03 p.m.
Sulaimani governor did not play any role in decision to suspend NRT, KRG statement
The decision to suspend the work of NRT, one of Kurdistan’s largest news organizations, for a week was taken exclusively by the Minister of Culture, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
The clarification came after the ministry had stated on Tuesday that the minister and Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir spoke before the NRT suspension.
Abubakir denied on Tuesday that he had recommended the closure of NRT with its headquarters in Sulaimani.
The ministry reiterated its position that they decided to suspend NRT Kurdish and Arabic to “stop chaos” and to force the media to commit to the “ethics of journalism.”
NRT condemned the government decision describing it as “dangerous threat” against press freedom, saying that their staff was humiliated and that one of their managers briefly was detained.
The government took the decision to suspend the channel following deadly protests on Tuesday.
6:36 p.m.
Kurdish health officials lower protest death count from 5 to 2
The KRG Ministry of Health and local officials have lowered the death casualty for Tuesday violent protests in the city of Raniya to two, down from five.
Taha Mohammed, spokesperson for the health department in Raniya, had told Rudaw on Tuesday that five people were killed and 80 more injured after the anti-government protests in Raniya, the capital city of Raparin Administration, northwest of Sulaimani.
He told Rudaw on Wednesday evening that they had “mistakenly calculated” the death casualties as their hospitals were overcrowded by dozens of injured protesters.
On Tuesday evening, the public hospital in the city recorded five deaths “three of whom died of normal conditions” unrelated to the protests. He added that only two died from the clashes on Tuesday.
Dr. Khals Qadir, the spokesperson for Kurdistan’s Ministry of Health, also told Rudaw on Wednesday that they have recorded only two cases of death from Tuesday’s protests.
Mohammed, from the Raniya health department, added that the number of injured has risen to 87 following fresh protests in Raniya on Wednesday.
7:32 p.m.
US ‘concerned’ by KRG’s raid on NRT in Sulaimani
The US embassy in Baghdad said on Wednesday that it is “concerned” by KRG’s raid on the Sulaimani-based NRT media outlet.
“We are concerned by recent actions to curb the operations of some media outlets through force or intimidation, specifically yesterday’s raid by Kurdistan Regional Government security forces of the NRT offices in Sulaimaniyah,” a statement from the US embassy read.
The KRG’s Ministry of Culture stated on Tuesday that they suspended NRT, a Kurdish news organization, for a week on charges of inciting violence following deadly protests in Sulaimani province. The channel called the KRG decision a “dangerous threat” to press freedom in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
The embassy added that the United States is also “troubled” by some Iraqi provincial and federal officials’ decision to close the Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV station. The channel is close to Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite politician whose base is mostly Sunni Arabs. Iraq claims that the TV channel has license issues.
“It is the duty of the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to protect the freedom of the press and to allow media to exercise their profession responsibly. The United States believes that more voices, not fewer, are needed for democracy to flourish in Iraq and elsewhere in the region,” the US statement added.
10:11 p.m.
Gorran calls for nationwide strike to pressure KRG, senior official
Kurdistan’s largest opposition party has called for the people of the Kurdistan Region to go on “nationwide strike” to put pressure on the Kurdish government, a senior Gorran official said on Wednesday following the party’s decision to withdraw from the KRG cabinet, and the resignation of its speaker in parliament.
The call for strike comes after three consecutive days of sometimes deadly protests in some cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, otherwise called the Green Zone, the stronghold of Gorran and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
“We call on all the people of Kurdistan to go on nationwide strike, boycott and take similar measures so that we put a large amount of pressure on this government,” Jamal Haji Mohammed, the head of Gorran’s National Assembly told his party media, KNN.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/20122017
2:13 p.m.
Flags lowered to half-mast in Halabja to mourn death of protesters
The local government of Halabja has decided to lower all flags at half-staff to respect the five protesters who were killed in the deadly anti-government protest in Raniya on Tuesday, Governor Ali Othman said at a press conference.
The announcement came after a meeting between the local government, all Kurdish parties and civil society organizations, including religious leaders in Halabja on Wednesday.
Halabja, known for the infamous chemical attack on March 16, 1988, is named the peace capital of the Kurdistan Region by the Kurdish parliament.
“We held a meeting so that at the Peace Capital we can express our sympathy and condolences to the unfortunate incident that happened yesterday resulting in the martyrdom of protesters,” Othman said.
Some people participated in anti-government protests on Monday and Tuesday in Halabja. The protests were largely peaceful, but several civil activists who organized the protests said that the security forces (Asayish) carried out raids to arrest them.
The governor said that the meeting today decided to put an end to arrests, or raids against the protest organizers.
He said the meeting was at the request of non-governmental organizations and the religious leaders in Halabja.
At the meeting it was decided to halt all activities of political parties, and declared Thursday to be a public holiday to “mourn" the death the protesters.
3:05 p.m.
UNAMI decries violent demonstrations in the Kurdistan Region
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq issued a statement on Wednesday saying it is "deeply concerned" about the violence and reported casualties during demonstrations in the Kurdistan Region the last two days.
"The people have the right to partake in peaceful demonstrations, and the authorities in KRI have the responsibility of protecting their citizens, including peaceful protestors," stated UNAMI.
It also urged for Kurdistan Region security forces "to exercise maximum restraint" and for the demonstrators to "avoid any act of violence."
UNAMI also calls upon authorities "to respect and protect the media" stating the closure of NRT TV was "because of the content of its reporting on the demonstrations."
"The Mission urges the media to abide by the law, while emphasizing the critical role of free and im
3:20 p.m.
Anti-government protesters set Gorran office on fire in Raniya
Some protesters have set the Gorran (Change Movement) party office in the city of Raniya on Wednesday afternoon after the anti-government demonstrations have again taken to streets following deadly clashes on Tuesday, a Rudaw reporter at the scene reported.
The protesters are now on their way to the office of the Islamic Group (Komal).
Five people were killed and 80 more injured on Tuesday in the city located in Sulaimani province.
The local authorities have said that a night curfew may stay, if necessary, with the security forces on alert to keep peace and security.
The security forces did not clash with the protests today, according to the Rudaw reporter.
5:00 p.m.
Kurdistan security council warns against domestic, regional interference in KRG protests
The Kurdistan Region Security Council stated on Wednesday that there are “democratic and regional” actors who want to manipulate the demands of the anti-government protesters, adding that the violent events that affected the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja could not be described as “[peaceful] protests.”
It stated that the events in the last two days are “outside of the bounds of protest,” while urging the people of the Kurdistan Region to “not allow their demands be mixed with suspicious political agenda originating from domestic and regional [sources].”
The KRSC said that such protestors should have directed their dissatisfaction against the Iraqi government that carried out a military incursion against the KRG-controlled places in the disputed or Kurdistani areas since October 16, accompanied by ongoing budget cuts since early-2014, and the punitive measures such as the flight ban on the international flights to and from the Kurdistan Region.
The “military threat” posed by Baghdad against the Kurdistan Region is “ongoing, according to the security officials, while the government of Baghdad gambles to “destabilize the internal situation of the [Kurdistan] Region.”
It called on the people to take into consideration the “sensitive” situation within the Kurdish Region.
The security agency that is tasked with collecting both domestic and foreign intelligence stated Monday and Wednesday that they are “alarmed” by a military buildup by the Iraqi forces in Makhmur, about 60 km southwest of Erbil.
It concluded by instructing the Kurdish security forces to counter any “harmful act” and to protect lives and properties.
The relations between Erbil and Baghdad have reached their lowest levels since the 2003 establishment of the new Iraq following the Iraqi opposed-Kurdish vote on independence on September 25.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Tuesday blamed the Kurdish vote and corruption for the deadly protests that targeted the offices of the main Kurdish parties.
5:15 p.m.
Office of Kurdish Islamic party set ablaze in Qaladze
Protesters in Qaladze, part of the Raparin Administration whose capital is Raniya, set ablaze the office of the Kurdistan Islamic Union on Wednesday evening.
Five people were killed and another 80 were injured in Raniya on Tuesday, according to local health officials.
6:03 p.m.
Sulaimani governor did not play any role in decision to suspend NRT, KRG statement
The decision to suspend the work of NRT, one of Kurdistan’s largest news organizations, for a week was taken exclusively by the Minister of Culture, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
The clarification came after the ministry had stated on Tuesday that the minister and Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir spoke before the NRT suspension.
Abubakir denied on Tuesday that he had recommended the closure of NRT with its headquarters in Sulaimani.
The ministry reiterated its position that they decided to suspend NRT Kurdish and Arabic to “stop chaos” and to force the media to commit to the “ethics of journalism.”
NRT condemned the government decision describing it as “dangerous threat” against press freedom, saying that their staff was humiliated and that one of their managers briefly was detained.
The government took the decision to suspend the channel following deadly protests on Tuesday.
6:36 p.m.
Kurdish health officials lower protest death count from 5 to 2
The KRG Ministry of Health and local officials have lowered the death casualty for Tuesday violent protests in the city of Raniya to two, down from five.
Taha Mohammed, spokesperson for the health department in Raniya, had told Rudaw on Tuesday that five people were killed and 80 more injured after the anti-government protests in Raniya, the capital city of Raparin Administration, northwest of Sulaimani.
He told Rudaw on Wednesday evening that they had “mistakenly calculated” the death casualties as their hospitals were overcrowded by dozens of injured protesters.
On Tuesday evening, the public hospital in the city recorded five deaths “three of whom died of normal conditions” unrelated to the protests. He added that only two died from the clashes on Tuesday.
Dr. Khals Qadir, the spokesperson for Kurdistan’s Ministry of Health, also told Rudaw on Wednesday that they have recorded only two cases of death from Tuesday’s protests.
Mohammed, from the Raniya health department, added that the number of injured has risen to 87 following fresh protests in Raniya on Wednesday.
7:32 p.m.
US ‘concerned’ by KRG’s raid on NRT in Sulaimani
The US embassy in Baghdad said on Wednesday that it is “concerned” by KRG’s raid on the Sulaimani-based NRT media outlet.
“We are concerned by recent actions to curb the operations of some media outlets through force or intimidation, specifically yesterday’s raid by Kurdistan Regional Government security forces of the NRT offices in Sulaimaniyah,” a statement from the US embassy read.
The KRG’s Ministry of Culture stated on Tuesday that they suspended NRT, a Kurdish news organization, for a week on charges of inciting violence following deadly protests in Sulaimani province. The channel called the KRG decision a “dangerous threat” to press freedom in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
The embassy added that the United States is also “troubled” by some Iraqi provincial and federal officials’ decision to close the Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV station. The channel is close to Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi, a secular Shiite politician whose base is mostly Sunni Arabs. Iraq claims that the TV channel has license issues.
“It is the duty of the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to protect the freedom of the press and to allow media to exercise their profession responsibly. The United States believes that more voices, not fewer, are needed for democracy to flourish in Iraq and elsewhere in the region,” the US statement added.
10:11 p.m.
Gorran calls for nationwide strike to pressure KRG, senior official
Kurdistan’s largest opposition party has called for the people of the Kurdistan Region to go on “nationwide strike” to put pressure on the Kurdish government, a senior Gorran official said on Wednesday following the party’s decision to withdraw from the KRG cabinet, and the resignation of its speaker in parliament.
The call for strike comes after three consecutive days of sometimes deadly protests in some cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja, otherwise called the Green Zone, the stronghold of Gorran and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
“We call on all the people of Kurdistan to go on nationwide strike, boycott and take similar measures so that we put a large amount of pressure on this government,” Jamal Haji Mohammed, the head of Gorran’s National Assembly told his party media, KNN.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/20122017
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Re: Updates: Are Gorran behind the Kurdish protests
Author: Anthea » Thu Dec 21, 2017 7:09 pm
I have NOT been keeping up with the new today because I find it difficult to believe that Kurds are so STUPID as to allow themselves to be pushed into a fight with each other - when the Iraqi government is so clearly to blame for most of the financial difficulties - and those who allowed Iraq to STEAL Kurdish land
HAVE KURDS GONE COMPLETELY MAD
Do they seriously not see that they are being manipulated
I repeat an earlier post
Someone is organizing these protests:
Suspects
Reasons for financial difficulties
Who is to blame for financial difficulties
Who should the people be protesting against
Why protest against Kurdish government who are NOT to blame?
Who might benefit from causing problems
I repeat the last section for the BRAINLESS IDIOTS who are destroying Kurdistan:
Who might benefit from causing problems
HAVE KURDS GONE COMPLETELY MAD
Do they seriously not see that they are being manipulated
I repeat an earlier post
Someone is organizing these protests:
Suspects
- The Gorran because they always make trouble
The PUK leadership who allowed Iraq to steal Kurdish land
Reasons for financial difficulties
- Lack of income from oil (stolen by Iraq)
Reduction in budget from Iraq
Lack of international trade due to airport closures
Money spent fighting ISIS
Money spent supporting refugees
Who is to blame for financial difficulties
- IRAQ
PUK traitors who allowed Iraq to steal parts of Kurdistan
Who should the people be protesting against
- IRAQ
PUK traitors who allowed Iraq to steal parts of Kurdistan
Why protest against Kurdish government who are NOT to blame?
- Someone is organizing these protests
Who might benefit from causing problems
- IRAQ
PUK traitors
Gorran troublemakers
Turkey and Iran who do not want a strong Kurdistan on their borders
I repeat the last section for the BRAINLESS IDIOTS who are destroying Kurdistan:
Who might benefit from causing problems
- IRAQ
PUK traitors
Gorran troublemakers
Turkey and Iran who do not want a strong Kurdistan on their borders
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Anthea - Shaswar
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Re: Updates: Are Gorran behind the Kurdish protests
Author: Anthea » Thu Dec 21, 2017 7:19 pm
PM Barzani vows to end to chaos caused by protests
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said that KRG “know” that there is a hand behind days of violent events whose aim is to cause “chaos” in the Kurdistan Region, promising the government will use the power of law to prevent the situation from worsening.
While he respects the joint decision by Gorran and Komal to withdraw from his government, he believes the two parties did so for a “political game", PM Barzani said at his first press conference since returning to Erbil following a meeting in Germany.
On the issue of talks with the Iraqi government, the PM said that Erbil is now “fully prepared to form joint administration” of the border crossings and the Kurdish airports, as he urged Baghdad to end the flight ban at the turn of the new year.
The people of Kurdistan have the right to protest to make their demands heard, Barzani maintained, saying they “understand” the demands raised by the anti-government protests that affected many cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja.
Two people were killed and at least 300 have been injured since protesting began on Monday.
“We express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during these events. We also hope for a quick recovery to the injured,” Barzani said.
Thousands of people took to the streets in most of the cities of the two provinces demanding an end to wide-spread corruption, better basic services, and the full payment of often delayed or reduced public sector-salaries.
The PM said the people have the “just right to protest,” in the Kurdistan Region, a democratic value respected by the KRG. He warned, however, the “course of protests” has been manipulated by some to cause violence.
“We know there is a hand behind the events,” Barzani said.
The PM did not accuse by name of inciting violence, but added that the violent attacks against the public and private offices occurred just as the Iraqi forces started to build up military forces in Makhmur, near Erbil.
“We know there is incitement. We know there are people who support it so there will be more riots in the Kurdistan Region. Certainly the security forces of the Kurdistan Region and the people of Kurdistan generally are against this,” the PM said.
“Protesting is the just right of everyone,” he repeated, “But the course [of the protests] has changed from making demands to burning offices and making problems. As the KRG, we have the legal duty to limit this chaos; the KRG is serious about containing the chaos and to put an end to it.”
He urged the people and the Kurdish parties to determine their future through elections.
The PM asked the Kurdish parliament on Monday to set a date for the general elections within three months.
He said the people should realize that the KRG’s revenues “have been slashed by half” since the loss of the oil-fields in Kirkuk in mid-October.
The KRG also maintains that is also unable to pay the state salaries in full or on time because of the continued Iraqi budget cuts since early-2014.
However, Barzani has said that they are still able to pay the salaries.
Unity is the key to pass hardship
Barzani said the Kurdistan Region is facing a “serious threat” caused by various sources including the Iraqi military buildup near Makhmur. He said he cannot stress it enough that Erbil needs unity to survive the current “difficult situation.”
“If we ourselves are not in unity, and are not in cooperation with one another to survive, then nobody will win in this situation. No political party. The people of Kurdistan should realize that the plot that is facing the Kurdistan Region is far bigger than felt,” he pleaded.
PM respects, slams Gorran-Komal decision to withdraw from KRG
Kurdistan’s second-largest party, Gorran, and the smaller Islamic Group (Komal) jointly announced to withdraw from the KRG on Wednesday. They said they had lost “hope” that the KRG would fight corruption, or is ready to take steps to improve the lives of the people. The two parties have called for an interim government to be formed.
PM Barzani said that he learned about the joint statement from the media. Kurdistan, he said, needs unity as compared to acts like withdrawing from the coalition government.
“We cannot force unity on anyone,” he noted.
Gorran ministers were suspended from the government in October 2015 after tensions ran high between it and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) following deadly protests in Sulaimani province, a fact noted by Barzani who is also the KDP’s deputy head.
“With regards to Komal, I personally do not understand it why...It is very unfortunate. I believe that they should have called for a meeting of the Kurdistan Regional Government to explain their reasons for their withdrawal. They should have had some level of conversation with us before they made their decision,” Barzani said of the Islamic party that controlled the posts of two ministries, Agriculture and Environment.
“We respect their decision. But given the fact that we are asking for elections three months from now, we do not indeed see there exists any justification” for them to withdraw from the KRG, Barzani added.
He questioned why both Gorran and Komal waited for four years, only to announce three months before the elections were scheduled, that other parties of the coalition government are not serious about reform.
These parties made this decision to play a “political game,” he added.
The KRG asked the Kurdistan Region’s parliament on Monday to set a date for the general elections within three months. The parliamentary and presidential elections were set for November 1, but then postponed because of the tensions between the Iraqi and Kurdish forces.
Elections are the right method for the people to make their voices heard, and for the political parties to sort out their differences, Barzani said.
The current term of the KRG was extended for eight months in late-October.
Barzani said they reject the idea to dissolve the current cabinet and enter into talks to form an intern one since the KRG itself is now “interim” three months prior to elections.
The two parties have asked for free and fair elections where the focus to clean the voter list must be a priority, without which the results of the elections will be determined.
Barzani said the KRG is fully prepared to help the election commission to remove the names of the dead from the voter list, and that his KDP has the same position.
He, however, charged that those who talk about the voter list are looking for “excuses” to postpone the vote.
KRG ‘fully prepared’ to form joint administration at border crossings
The Iraqi government imposed a flight ban on international flights to and from the Kurdistan Region just days after the Baghdad-opposed Kurdish vote on independence that saw nearly 93 percent of the people choosing to leave Iraq.
Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi on Tuesday said that they remain strict with their main demand for the KRG to hand over the international entry points in the Kurdistan Region including the airports to the federal authorities, and for the KRG to withdraw to areas under its control before the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
PM Barzani, who returned from his Berlin visit where he met with Chancellor Angela Merkel to push for Erbil-Baghdad talks, repeated that his government is ready to enter dialogue with the Government of Iraq on the basis of the Iraqi constitution.
Erbil is now ready to allow for joint administration at border crossings, he said.
“The Kurdistan Region is fully prepared from this day to form that joint administration at the airports, the border crossings, and solve that problem, according to the Iraqi constitution,” Barzani said.
He urged the government of Iraq to end the punitive measures against the Kurdistan Region with the beginning of the new year, saying that Erbil has already respected all rulings of the Iraqi Federal Court with regard to the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum.
With regard to the Baghdad’s repeated remarks that it is ready to pay the KRG’s public employees, Barzani said they are prepared to hand over their updated list of the people who are on the KRG’s payroll so that the federal government can audit it.
He expressed doubt over Baghdad meaning what it says.
PM Abadi on Tuesday said an audit is underway of the KRG’s working force, adding that they may start to make payments to certain groups such as teachers as they are audited.
Asked by a journalist from an Arabic TV station as to why the PM, unlike the majority of Kurdish leaders does not speak Arabic, Barzani said it is because he does not know it well.
“I cannot speak it fluently. I know it is a weak point, a fact that I am very unhappy about. I understand and read the language very well,” he said in response.
“As for speaking, God willing it will be resolved too,” he said in Kurdish, made a short pause, and then switched to Arabic followed by laughter to say he will improve his Arabic skills “for the interest of Iraq, and the unity of Iraq.”
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/211220171
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said that KRG “know” that there is a hand behind days of violent events whose aim is to cause “chaos” in the Kurdistan Region, promising the government will use the power of law to prevent the situation from worsening.
While he respects the joint decision by Gorran and Komal to withdraw from his government, he believes the two parties did so for a “political game", PM Barzani said at his first press conference since returning to Erbil following a meeting in Germany.
On the issue of talks with the Iraqi government, the PM said that Erbil is now “fully prepared to form joint administration” of the border crossings and the Kurdish airports, as he urged Baghdad to end the flight ban at the turn of the new year.
The people of Kurdistan have the right to protest to make their demands heard, Barzani maintained, saying they “understand” the demands raised by the anti-government protests that affected many cities in the provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja.
Two people were killed and at least 300 have been injured since protesting began on Monday.
“We express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during these events. We also hope for a quick recovery to the injured,” Barzani said.
Thousands of people took to the streets in most of the cities of the two provinces demanding an end to wide-spread corruption, better basic services, and the full payment of often delayed or reduced public sector-salaries.
The PM said the people have the “just right to protest,” in the Kurdistan Region, a democratic value respected by the KRG. He warned, however, the “course of protests” has been manipulated by some to cause violence.
“We know there is a hand behind the events,” Barzani said.
The PM did not accuse by name of inciting violence, but added that the violent attacks against the public and private offices occurred just as the Iraqi forces started to build up military forces in Makhmur, near Erbil.
“We know there is incitement. We know there are people who support it so there will be more riots in the Kurdistan Region. Certainly the security forces of the Kurdistan Region and the people of Kurdistan generally are against this,” the PM said.
“Protesting is the just right of everyone,” he repeated, “But the course [of the protests] has changed from making demands to burning offices and making problems. As the KRG, we have the legal duty to limit this chaos; the KRG is serious about containing the chaos and to put an end to it.”
He urged the people and the Kurdish parties to determine their future through elections.
The PM asked the Kurdish parliament on Monday to set a date for the general elections within three months.
He said the people should realize that the KRG’s revenues “have been slashed by half” since the loss of the oil-fields in Kirkuk in mid-October.
The KRG also maintains that is also unable to pay the state salaries in full or on time because of the continued Iraqi budget cuts since early-2014.
However, Barzani has said that they are still able to pay the salaries.
Unity is the key to pass hardship
Barzani said the Kurdistan Region is facing a “serious threat” caused by various sources including the Iraqi military buildup near Makhmur. He said he cannot stress it enough that Erbil needs unity to survive the current “difficult situation.”
“If we ourselves are not in unity, and are not in cooperation with one another to survive, then nobody will win in this situation. No political party. The people of Kurdistan should realize that the plot that is facing the Kurdistan Region is far bigger than felt,” he pleaded.
PM respects, slams Gorran-Komal decision to withdraw from KRG
Kurdistan’s second-largest party, Gorran, and the smaller Islamic Group (Komal) jointly announced to withdraw from the KRG on Wednesday. They said they had lost “hope” that the KRG would fight corruption, or is ready to take steps to improve the lives of the people. The two parties have called for an interim government to be formed.
PM Barzani said that he learned about the joint statement from the media. Kurdistan, he said, needs unity as compared to acts like withdrawing from the coalition government.
“We cannot force unity on anyone,” he noted.
Gorran ministers were suspended from the government in October 2015 after tensions ran high between it and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) following deadly protests in Sulaimani province, a fact noted by Barzani who is also the KDP’s deputy head.
“With regards to Komal, I personally do not understand it why...It is very unfortunate. I believe that they should have called for a meeting of the Kurdistan Regional Government to explain their reasons for their withdrawal. They should have had some level of conversation with us before they made their decision,” Barzani said of the Islamic party that controlled the posts of two ministries, Agriculture and Environment.
“We respect their decision. But given the fact that we are asking for elections three months from now, we do not indeed see there exists any justification” for them to withdraw from the KRG, Barzani added.
He questioned why both Gorran and Komal waited for four years, only to announce three months before the elections were scheduled, that other parties of the coalition government are not serious about reform.
These parties made this decision to play a “political game,” he added.
The KRG asked the Kurdistan Region’s parliament on Monday to set a date for the general elections within three months. The parliamentary and presidential elections were set for November 1, but then postponed because of the tensions between the Iraqi and Kurdish forces.
Elections are the right method for the people to make their voices heard, and for the political parties to sort out their differences, Barzani said.
The current term of the KRG was extended for eight months in late-October.
Barzani said they reject the idea to dissolve the current cabinet and enter into talks to form an intern one since the KRG itself is now “interim” three months prior to elections.
The two parties have asked for free and fair elections where the focus to clean the voter list must be a priority, without which the results of the elections will be determined.
Barzani said the KRG is fully prepared to help the election commission to remove the names of the dead from the voter list, and that his KDP has the same position.
He, however, charged that those who talk about the voter list are looking for “excuses” to postpone the vote.
KRG ‘fully prepared’ to form joint administration at border crossings
The Iraqi government imposed a flight ban on international flights to and from the Kurdistan Region just days after the Baghdad-opposed Kurdish vote on independence that saw nearly 93 percent of the people choosing to leave Iraq.
Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi on Tuesday said that they remain strict with their main demand for the KRG to hand over the international entry points in the Kurdistan Region including the airports to the federal authorities, and for the KRG to withdraw to areas under its control before the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
PM Barzani, who returned from his Berlin visit where he met with Chancellor Angela Merkel to push for Erbil-Baghdad talks, repeated that his government is ready to enter dialogue with the Government of Iraq on the basis of the Iraqi constitution.
Erbil is now ready to allow for joint administration at border crossings, he said.
“The Kurdistan Region is fully prepared from this day to form that joint administration at the airports, the border crossings, and solve that problem, according to the Iraqi constitution,” Barzani said.
He urged the government of Iraq to end the punitive measures against the Kurdistan Region with the beginning of the new year, saying that Erbil has already respected all rulings of the Iraqi Federal Court with regard to the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum.
With regard to the Baghdad’s repeated remarks that it is ready to pay the KRG’s public employees, Barzani said they are prepared to hand over their updated list of the people who are on the KRG’s payroll so that the federal government can audit it.
He expressed doubt over Baghdad meaning what it says.
PM Abadi on Tuesday said an audit is underway of the KRG’s working force, adding that they may start to make payments to certain groups such as teachers as they are audited.
Asked by a journalist from an Arabic TV station as to why the PM, unlike the majority of Kurdish leaders does not speak Arabic, Barzani said it is because he does not know it well.
“I cannot speak it fluently. I know it is a weak point, a fact that I am very unhappy about. I understand and read the language very well,” he said in response.
“As for speaking, God willing it will be resolved too,” he said in Kurdish, made a short pause, and then switched to Arabic followed by laughter to say he will improve his Arabic skills “for the interest of Iraq, and the unity of Iraq.”
http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/211220171
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Anthea - Shaswar
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Re: Someone is behind the Kurdish protests - Iraq or Gorran
Author: Piling » Thu Dec 21, 2017 7:29 pm
Asked by a journalist from an Arabic TV station as to why the PM, unlike the majority of Kurdish leaders does not speak Arabic, Barzani said it is because he does not know it well.
“I cannot speak it fluently. I know it is a weak point, a fact that I am very unhappy about. I understand and read the language very well,” he said in response.
“As for speaking, God willing it will be resolved too,” he said in Kurdish, made a short pause, and then switched to Arabic followed by laughter to say he will improve his Arabic skills “for the interest of Iraq, and the unity of Iraq.”
So what ? How many Iraqi Arabs speak Kurdish ?…
This new government is a shame. Massoud Barzani is probably sick to see it.
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