A statement from Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Spokesperson

Regarding the changes and the latest developments related to the formation of the local government in Kirkuk, after the announcement of the results, we noted that the results do not reflect the true will of the people of Kirkuk. However, in the interest of the people of Kirkuk and considering the situation in the city and the entire political process, we decided to not pursue the issue. Since then, many efforts have been made to reach an appropriate solution over the formation of the local government in Kirkuk because the situation in Kirkuk is exceptional that requires exceptional solution that serves the prosperity, stability and welfare of the people of the governorate.

During making these efforts, several meetings were held with the Arab and Turkmen parties. During the last meeting with President Barzani on August 4, 2024, with all Arab and Turkmen representatives, it was emphasized that the solutions should be based on the rights of all communities in Kirkuk and within the framework of national consensus. All the participants agreed that previous experiences shouldn’t be repeated. The opinion of President Barzani was to appoint an impartial Kurdish governor who would be accepted by all the winning parties. In the course of exchanging views, it was agreed that the three main components of Kirkuk should govern in rotation. Each side demanded that the first term of governorship should be offered to their component, and the president insisted that the governor should be a Kurd for the first term. President Barzani also asked them that if they did not agree with the condition that the governor should be a neutral Kurd for the first term, they could make an agreement with the PUK, but they all refused to make an agreement with the PUK on the appointment of the governor. Several other meetings were held after that, although these meetings all had the quorum for the election of the governor, but Prime Minister Al Suddani's efforts and mediation were taken into account as the case was being handled by him. He had made serious attempts to bring the sides together and reach an amicable solution for Kirkuk.

What was done on August 10 at the Rashid Hotel in Baghdad to appoint the governor and local government of Kirkuk without informing all the parties and in the absence of Turkmen, some Arab and KDP representatives, is illegal and has problems and is not on the right path. We believe that what has been done cannot offer a proper solution to overcome the problems of Kirkuk. Solving and eliminating the problems of the city and healing the pain and suffering of the people of Kirkuk cannot be done through bargaining, emotions and political games. The solution should not be monopolistic and should be inclusive of all the parties. Everyone should participate in the governance of Kirkuk in good faith and in the aim of serving the people.

Mahmoud Mohammed

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)