No One Above the Law, Fighting Corruption Top Priority: PM Barzani

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday reiterated his cabinet’s commitment to fight corruption, saying the laws will be implemented.

He was speaking at a panel held by Middle East Research Institute (MERI) in Erbil.

“I am committed to fight corruption; not only financial corruption, but corruption in all forms,” PM Barzani said while discussing top priorities of the agenda of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

However, he said, successfully combatting corruption requires a collective effort by all the government institutions and the people, for which Barzani said his cabinet has a comprehensive plan.

PM Barzani explained that he believes that there is not a problem with legislation and laws in Kurdistan Region, but the law enforcement needs a greater commitment so address the problems which challenge Kurdistan today.

He also pointed out that the ninth cabinet of the KRG is working to attract more International investments to join local investors and enjoy a facilitated process of regulations.

“A strong economy is key to a strong country… KRG should prioritize people’s need and work to meet them,” Barzani emphasized.

“Law is above all, including any one in any rank or position.”

On the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the Kurdish prime minister said there have been achievements in the negotiations while there still are disputes to be resolved. “Both the sides agree on the fact that the stability of Iraq and the stability of Kurdistan Region are interconnected,” Barzani stated.

For the prolonged issues related to the disputed Kurdish territories, including Kirkuk, the KRG prime minister said the Article 140 form the Iraqi Constitution should be the framework for the negotiations in order to ultimately find a solution the governance of the disputed areas.

He also commented on the current deadly protests in Baghdad and other southern provinces of Iraq, saying that the demands of the protestors are legitimate but PM Adil Abdul Mahdi cannot be held responsible for the current deficiencies in the country.

“We are concerned about the unrest in Iraq. We support the demands of the protesters, but we need to remember PM Adil Abdul Mahdi is not responsible for the problems, but the problems are the aftermath of the previous cabinets.”