Iraq is responsible for Kurdish interests: parliament

CAIRO – 27 September 2017: Iraqi Parliamentary Speaker Salim al-Jabouri stated on Wednesday that the Iraqi government is responsible for protecting Kurdish interests as they are an integral part of the Iraqi community.

The Iraqi government is only looking to pressure the Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani and drag it back from its unconstitutional decision, Jabouri said.

Jabouri added that Iraq will stand through its decisions with the federal government in all its constitutional and legal procedures, pointing out that the Iraqi people will not suffer the effects of this sedition.

Jabouri expressed his hopes that this parliamentary sessionn, which will be attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, will enhance cooperation and solidarity to overcome these difficulties which threatens Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and integrity.

He stated that the executive authority is responsible for the practical measures to maintain the unity of Iraq and defend it, pointing out that the House of Representatives has and will stand with the government’s decisions.

A referendum for Kurdish independence was held in Kurdish areas on September 25. Iraq, the U.S., Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have previously warned against holding the referendum.