Committees’ recent meetings – 9 January 2019
A summary of Kurdistan Parliament committees' recent meetings and activities:
Relations and Kurdish Diaspora Committee
8 January - The committee held their regular meeting, led by the chair Dr. Rebwar Babkayi (KDP). They discussed the current situation in Iraq and the tensions between Iran and the US that resulted in missile attacks on Kurdistan. The committee decided to have a meeting with the KRG Department of Foreign Relations for clarification. The MPs emphasized that more cooperation is needed between the committee and the KRG Department of Foreign Relations.
Parliament Affairs and Complaints Committee
8 January - The committee, led by the chair, Dr Esmail Sgery (KIU), held their regular meeting and discussed the report by a special committee established by Parliament’s Presidency to investigate the expenditure on reconstruction of some properties owned by Parliament.
The MPs also discussed the public’s written complaints and requests, and answered all of them.
Peshmerga Committee
8 January - The committee held their regular meeting, led by the chair Mr. Reving Heruri (KDP). The MPs stressed that the rights and allowances of Peshmerga soldiers should be protected in the Reform Bill.
The committee discussed the reports, complaints and official letters received the committee, they answered some of them, and directed the rest to Parliament’s Presidency.
Health, Environment and Consumer Rights Committee
8 January - The committee, led by the chair Dr. Sabah Zebari (KDP), held their regular meeting.
MP Ms. Shno Ashqi (PUK) briefed the committee members about their visit to Duhok and the problems in the health sector in the town of Akre.
The committee decided to hold a workshop together with Parliament’s Research Centre on the Healthcare Workers Bill.
They discussed the reports, complaints and official letters send to the committee; some were answered and the rest was directed to the relevant authorities.
Culture, Civil Society, Sports and Youth Committee
8 January - MPs from the committee met with civil society activists representing the Netherlands’ Spark Organization. The delegation informed the MPs about the reason for their visit, which is to launch a campaign called ‘Why not?’ to raise awareness in society of reducing and preventing violence.
The MPs gave their full support to the campaign and wished them success.
The committee pledged to stay in frequent contact and coordinate with any organisation that serves youth in the Kurdistan Region.
Committee on Municipalities, Transport, Communication, Travel and Tourism
8 January - The committee held their regular meeting, led by the chair Mr. Luqman Wardi (PUK). The MPs decided to visit the KRG Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism and the Ministry of Transport to discuss several issues.
The committee discussed the reports, complaints and official letters sent them, some of them were answered and the rest was directed to the relevant authorities for follow-up.
Agriculture and Irrigation Committee
8 January - The committee, led by the chair Mr. Abdulsatar Majeed (KIG), held their weekly meeting. The meeting discussed the problems of the fruit market in Kurdistan and the committee agreed that they should listen closely to farmers’ challenges and hear from the owners of the fruit markets.
The meeting discussed the notes and complaints sent by the public and farmers, and how their issues were resolved. The committee also discussed the border crossings, from where banned or prohibited food produce has entered Kurdistan in the past. The committee decided to form several sub-committees to visit the border gates and to look into agriculture management and the fruit markets.