Iraqi PM’s full statement during the weekly cabinet meeting on the latest developments in Israel:
The uprising or action that occurred is a natural outcome due to the significant injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian people over the past period, including ongoing violations and transgressions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, settlement policies, and crimes committed against the Palestinian people.
Unfortunately, these crimes and violations have been met with silence and neglect from the international community. As a result, the Palestinian people have lost faith in the international system, including the charters governing the United Nations and the Security Council, and international treaties that should limit this Zionist recklessness toward Palestinian rights.
As a government, we have also made our political stance clear through statements and positions, which reflect the views of our people.
Our efforts continue in communicating at the level of our contacts with leaders, and also the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' engagement with Arab and Islamic countries. There is ongoing discussion that may lead to the convening of an Arab League summit or a summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
What concerns us now is halting this escalation for fear of slipping into a dangerous level of security repercussions that could create disastrous conditions in the region.
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Teachers facing pressure to end boycott
The Sulaymaniyah branch of the Kurdistan Teachers' Syndicate released a statement in support of striking teachers, urging school principals not to pressure them into resuming work.
The statement follows news that multiple teachers from Bardarash town in Sulaymaniyah were dismissed due to their participation in the boycott.
\The core demands of the teachers include payment of unpaid salaries for August and September, which KRG has not yet been able to fulfill, and the provision of permanent contracts for thousands of teachers currently on temporary agreements with the ministry.
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KRG Deputy PM Qubad Talabani met with Christiane Hohmann, Germany's recently appointed ambassador to Iraq. It comes hot on the heels of her meetings with the KDP's Masrour and Nechirvan Barzani, PM and President, respectively.
PUK Media states that Talabani congratulated Hohmann on her new assignment and expressed hope for the enhancement of relations between the Kurdistan Region and Germany during her tenure.
One of the primary points of discussion, as per PUK Media, was the Kurdistan Region's ongoing challenges with Baghdad, particularly surrounding the implementation of the budget law. Talabani was quoted saying, "We are currently endeavoring to identify a suitable resolution to effectively address the challenges and the citizens of the region should not be left without a budget and their salaries."
Talabani's appreciation of Germany's consistent support for the Kurdistan Region was also highlighted in the report. The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged German aid in various initiatives led by his office, which encompassed areas like revenue diversification, economic reform, and tourism development.
Furthermore, PUKMedia reported that the meeting delved into the reforms within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. Talabani shed light on reunification efforts within the Peshmerga forces and acknowledged Germany's contributions to the Kurdistan Regional Government during different stages of this endeavor over recent years.
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Recap of reactions from Iraq on the developments in Israel:
- It is unsurprising that the pro-Iran PMF expressed “complete support” for Hamas's attack on Israel, stating they have been “following with pride and honor the valiant Palestinian resistance’s victory.”
- We highlighted Sadr’s call for a large rally throughout Iraq in support of Palestine next Friday.
- Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and militia leader Hadi al-Ameri voiced their support for Hamas's operation, during which hundreds of civilians were killed.
- Qais Al-Khazali, the leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq, commended Hamas's actions in a tweet, indicating a willingness to be actively involved rather than merely observers.
- PMF-linked Sabereen News on Telegram displayed images of Iraqis celebrating in support of Hamas's operation in the central province of Karbala.
- Iraqi PM Sudani discussed the latest developments with King Abdullah of Jordan. The two leaders emphasized "the significance of maintaining Arab and Islamic unity, taking immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, and collaborating to halt the ongoing violations committed by the occupation authorities against the Palestinian people, which have been the primary cause of the heightened tensions in the Palestinian territories. They emphasized the importance of upholding international resolutions that have been disregarded by the Zionist entity and continuing regional and international endeavors to restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and establish their independent state with Al-Quds as its capital."
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Sulaymaniyah official released on bail
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Iran and Iraq discuss border security
Iraqi and Iranian foreign ministers discussed border security issues Sunday, focusing on the recent security agreement concerning the fate of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups. According to a press release from Iraq's foreign ministry, specifics were limited. However, Iranian reports suggest Tehran is dissatisfied with the progress.
Earlier reports indicated Tehran expects Baghdad to take more action regarding opposition groups, including relocating them to camps.
On Saturday, Fars News Agency reported that Maj. Gen. Mohammad Baqeri, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated that while the "separatist groups" have moved away from the Iran-Iraq border, their actions remain inadequate. "This is a significant move, but it remains insufficient," Baqeri said.
In the past, Iran has expressed its desire for opposition fighters to be expelled and their leaders extradited to Tehran.
Referring to the movements of “terrorists” across the borders of Sistan and Baluchistan Province and the Kurdistan Region, Baqeri asked, “What does it mean when Iranian separatist groups are based in Iraqi Kurdistan and commit various acts of terror in our country? Why must we keep a significant force at the border? Iraqi officials agree this issue needs a definitive solution. In last month's March agreement, the secretaries of the Supreme National Security Councils of Iran and Iraq resolved that these groups would be completely disarmed within six months. While the Iraqi government has made efforts in recent weeks, moving these groups from their bases near our border, the primary agreement wasn't solely about relocating these separatist groups. It focused on their complete disarmament, which remains our priority.”
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Two things on that last line:
- The Wall Street Journal reports that the Iranians not only provided logistical and planning support for this incursion over many months but also gave the green light for it to commence in a Beirut meeting last week. If the report is true (Iran has denied it) then it's hardly a 'spontaneous action.'
- On the 'justified response' line: Again, Scores of civilians in Israel were rounded up and taken across into Gaza as hostages. Many more were killed where they stood.
Regarding the phone call, a statement on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, from the office of Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Fouad Hussein, read:
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Sadr calls for Baghdad demos in solidarity with Palestine
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Two down, one to go
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Baghdad auditing committee in Erbil
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President Barzani meets with new German ambassador
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani recently met with the newly appointed German Ambassador to Iraq, Christiane Hohmann, accompanied by a delegation of German diplomats and military officials.
In their meeting, President Barzani congratulated Ambassador Hohmann on her appointment and discussed the mutual satisfaction both parties feel about the current state of relations between Germany and the Kurdistan Regional Government. They also touched upon expanding areas of cooperation between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
While both sides emphasized the need to improve Iraq's security situation, they concurrently highlighted that Islamic State remains a significant threat. President Barzani expressed gratitude for Germany's military and humanitarian support to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Further discussions in the meeting revolved around the political dynamics in Iraq, emphasizing the importance of implementing the federal system for Iraq's stability. Trade expansion between Germany, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region and the diversification of revenue sources in Iraq were also focal points of the conversation.
Who is Christiane Hohmann?Prior to her appointment in Iraq, Hohmann served as the EU Ambassador to Albania. Reflecting on her tenure in Albania during an interview with Klan TV, she expressed regret at not having more time in the country to see its full beauty and engage with more of its people. Hohmann lauded Albania's dynamics, its progress towards the European Union, and the ongoing efforts for reforms, especially in combating corruption.
During her tenure in Albania, she was deeply involved in overseeing EU integration processes, the screening process for Albania's entry into the EU, and monitoring the country's judicial reforms. Hohmann also discussed the challenges related to the implementation of medical cannabis legislation in Albania and emphasized the importance of by-laws in ensuring lawful use.
As she transitions into her new role in Iraq, Hohmann brings with her a rich diplomatic history and insights from her time in Albania. When asked about her new assignment in Iraq, Hohmann acknowledged the challenges awaiting in the post-conflict nation but also expressed excitement about the potential developments.
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Morning briefing
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