Deputy Speaker Hemin Hawrami speaks at Economic and Security Forum in Baghdad
Kurdistan Parliament Deputy Speaker Hemin Hawrami on 27 September said that Iraq and Kurdistan Region can together act as a bridge between different state and non-state actors in the Middle East, and help to promote regional convergence. He also said that Baghdad and Kurdistan Region have reached a good understanding in their talks on pending issues. He made the speech at the Al Rafidain Center for Dialogue’s Economic and Security Forum in Baghdad.
Deputy Speaker Hawrami highlighted the major transformations in the Middle East and the inter-related conflicts that Kurdistan Region, Iraq and others face. He said, “One of the most important variables is the continuity of the fight against terrorism and unfortunately we are underestimating the reemergence of ISIS which is affecting all the conflicts in the area.”
Mr. Hawrami noted that between 2017 and 2019 to date, ISIS attacks in Iraq have increased. He said, “This tells us that ISIS is reemerging. That is why we need the continuity of the coalition – the Peshmerga, the Iraqi Army, the international coalition partners - we all fought together to defeat ISIS territorially. We have to rebuild and strengthen this coalition in order to prevent ISIS from getting back to its former position.”
Kurdistan Parliament's Deputy Speaker emphasized that Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq should not be dragged into conflicts with regional states and non-state actors, and should stay neutral: “Another important issue for us is how to avoid being part of any plot against others and being dragged by their actions into their conflicts.”
He said, “We need open honest dialogue among the state and non-actors who share common values of fighting extremism, radicalism and terrorism, to understand each other’s needs and concerns.”
On the latest discussions between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad to resolve outstanding issues, Mr. Hawrami said, “It’s very important to find solutions for the pending issues that we have with Baghdad…now we have a very good understanding between Baghdad and Erbil in order to find a solution within the Iraqi Constitution.” He added,” There is cross-party support for the KRG Prime Minister and the KRG’s policies on negotiations with Baghdad.”
Deputy Speaker Hawrami said that Kurdistan Region supports Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi’s efforts to be a bridge between regional actors to deescalate tensions and build confidence. Baghdad and Erbil need each other to successfully fulfill the role of bridge-builders in the wider region, he said.
Mr. Hawrami said that Iraq’s positions and actions must be shared and discussed, and should reflect all the ethnic and religious components of the country, not just the specific interests of one component.
