Latest news with #AliHamaSaleh
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Kurdistan salary dispute: US, Shiite leaders step in amid Kurdish boycott threats
Shafaq News/ Tensions over delayed salary payments in the Kurdistan Region have escalated, drawing in Iraq's Shiite leadership and the United States, as Kurdish parties weigh suspending or withdrawing from the political process in protest against Baghdad's financial policies. On Facebook, Ali Hama Saleh, leader of the Kurdish Position Trend (Tayyar al-Mawqif), disclosed Saturday that Fatah Alliance Head Hadi al-Amiri is planning a visit to Erbil to mediate the dispute between the Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional governments. 'US officials are also urging both sides to resolve the impasse through dialogue,' he added. The negotiations will reportedly center on two key issues: Baghdad's freeze on May salaries for public employees in the Kurdistan Region, and the broader standoff over oil revenues and Erbil's budget share. A senior political source told Shafaq News that top Kurdish leaders are seriously considering a parliamentary boycott or full withdrawal, depending on whether Baghdad lifts what officials describe as 'sustained financial and political pressure.' 'This is a response to the Iraqi Finance Ministry's move to block salary disbursements,' the source confirmed, explaining that a high-level meeting in Erbil, led by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), reviewed these potential measures to align Kurdish factions on a unified strategy. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had reportedly offered, according to a source, to release the funds, but only as a temporary loan and contingent on forming a joint committee with Erbil to address the backlog before Eid al-Adha. While Baghdad claims the freeze stems from the Region exceeding its budget allocation and 'failing' to transfer oil and non-oil revenues, Kurdish officials reject the charges, arguing the move violates Federal Supreme Court rulings mandating unconditional salary payments to public employees.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Erbil Threatens Boycott as Baghdad Freezes Salaries, US Urges Calm
Tensions are high between Erbil and Baghdad after Iraq's Federal Finance Minister, Taif Sami, ordered the suspension of salary payments to employees in the Kurdistan Region starting May 2025. In response, Shakhawan Abdullah, the second deputy speaker of Iraq's parliament, has called on Kurdish representatives to consider withdrawing from Baghdad, a move that could deepen political rifts within the fragile federal system. Abdullah made the remarks following a meeting with leaders of Kurdish blocs in the Iraqi parliament. He described the finance ministry's decision as a 'deliberate violation' designed to starve the Kurdish people. In a statement posted to Facebook, he said: 'After extensive discussion, we unanimously agreed to demand the federal government immediately halt these violations and resume salary disbursements.' He added that a formal letter had been sent to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, urging him to take responsibility and resolve the issue. Abdullah warned that, if no action is taken, the Kurdish political leadership is prepared to implement a boycott 'within one hour.' Meanwhile, Ali Hama Saleh, a senior figure in the Kurdistan-based National Stance Movement, called for a high-level delegation led by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister to visit Baghdad after Eid al-Adha. He urged both sides to seek a long-term resolution to the budget dispute and reopen negotiations over oil exports through the Türkiye pipeline. Speaking in a televised interview, Saleh emphasized that the federal budget is calculated annually, and a legal and financial resolution for Kurdistan's 2025 share is still possible. He called for calm and constructive dialogue, warning against inflammatory rhetoric and urging the KRG to ease some of its conditions on resuming oil exports, considering Iraq's economic strain and projected declines in global oil prices. The finance ministry justified its decision by claiming the Kurdistan Region exceeded its allocated 12.67% budget share. According to ministry data, the region generated 19.9 trillion Iraqi dinars in oil and non-oil revenues since 2023 but transferred only 598.5 billion dinars to Baghdad. This shortfall, the ministry argued, breaches budget agreements. Kurdish leaders, however, view the move as punitive and ill-timed especially with the Eid holiday approaching. KRG spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani accused Baghdad of continuing a 'policy of starvation and extermination' against the Kurdish population. Vian Sabri, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party's bloc in parliament, said Kurdish parties will submit an official protest to the prime minister. She also demanded full disclosure of the federal government's spending, stating that only one financial report has been shared this year. As tensions escalate, the US has reportedly stepped in, urging both sides to resolve the crisis. A senior US State Department official, speaking anonymously, told local media that quickly resolving the salary issue would demonstrate Iraq's commitment to its citizens and create a more stable investment climate. The official also suggested that progress could help reopen the suspended Iraq–Türkiye oil pipeline, a vital export route that has remained closed amid ongoing disputes.
Rudaw Net
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Push for unified Kurdish opposition bloc set back by key group's withdrawal
Also in Iraq Kurdish-directed 'Said Effendi' to make historic debut at Cannes Festival More than a decade on, 2,500 Yazidis still missing after ISIS attack Iraqi university to launch AI programs Iraqi ministry says over 2,200 prisoners released under general amnesty law A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish opposition parties say they held 'positive' meetings in Sulaimani for the second consecutive day on Sunday, as efforts continue to form a unified alliance for Iraq's upcoming federal elections. However, in a surprising turn, the National Stance Movement (Halwest) announced its withdrawal from the talks, accusing some parties of engaging in separate talks with Baghdad. The meetings brought together several opposition parties including: the Shaswar Abdulwahid-led New Generation Movement, Salahadin Bahadin's Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU), Ali Bapir's Kurdistan Justice Group (Komal), the Ali Hama Saleh's Halwest, and the Lahur Talabany-led People's Front (Baray Gal). In the Kurdistan Region's October legislative elections, the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by Masoud Barzani, won 39 of the 100 parliamentary seats, followed by the Bafel Talabani-led Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) with 23. Opposition parties saw more modest results: New Generation won 15 seats, KIU seven, Halwest four, Komal three, and Baray Gal two. Sunday's meeting, hosted at Halwest's headquarters in Sulaimani, appeared productive until Halwest leader Ali Hama Saleh abruptly announced the movement's exit from the coalition talks. 'We, the Halwest Movement, formally announce that we will not enter a coalition and list with people…who are not worthy of our trust, and surely the trust of the people of Kurdistan,' Saleh said at a press conference. 'After comprehensive talks… it became apparent that there is no [clear] nationalistic agenda,' Saleh said, adding that 'while some parties were holding talks with us, they were simultaneously engaging in talks with Iraq [Baghdad government] about [their] participation in the [upcoming Iraqi] government.' The announcement contrasted with earlier statements from Halwest officials suggesting progress. Hours before Saleh's remarks, the movement's spokesperson, Bakhtiyar Shawais, stated that 'the meetings are going very well and there is an understanding [in the making].' Senior Halwest member, Rebwar Karim, had also stated, 'We proposed nominating 30 prominent figures from across Kurdistan and the disputed territories,instead of having party candidates [run] in the Iraqi legislative elections.' 'We, as the Halwest movement, are ready to forgo fielding our own candidates,' Karim added, emphasizing the movement's willingness to prioritize coalition unity. "Plans are underway to determine the future actions of this coalition in Iraq, with most parties favouring its continuation after the elections,' he said. In a similar vein, former Kurdistan Region parliament speaker, Yousif Mohammed - who also attended the Sunday meeting - remarked that 'some discussions have been held' and that 'in general, the situation is positive.' On Saturday, the Kurdish opposition parties had also met at the KIU's headquarters in Sulaimani. During the meeting, Halwest presented its 'People's Alliance' project - a proposed roadmap for both the formation and future direction of the coalition. Halwest stressed the importance of establishing a unified front but expressed concern over the coalition's direction after the 2025 federal elections. 'We should not just aim to [benefit from] collecting each other's votes,' Halwest cautioned, expressing support for backing the candidacy of 30 independent and influential figures who would be jointly supported by all of the anticipated alliance's members. Meanwhile, the New Generation Movement - which holds the most seats among the opposition parties - in a Sunday statement on Facebook, asserted its right to lead the anticipated coalition. However, it offered to give up that entitlement to foster unity. 'While most [of the opposition] parties have recognized the New Generation's right to lead, we give up that right to you [opposition parties] in the interest of the coalition's success and as a sign of respect.' New Generation further expressed support for joining Iraq's next federal government, arguing that the 'entire Kurdish share' in Baghdad should not be left solely to the KDP and PUK. However, it stressed that any decision to join the government must be reached by coalition consensus. Since early May, Kurdish opposition parties have been working toward forming a united front ahead of the November 2025 legislative elections, seemingly aiming to challenge the Kurdish ruling parties at the federal level. Shadman Hassan, a member of the Lahur Talabany-led People's Front, Baray Gal, told Rudaw that the alliance seeks to consolidate Kurdish opposition votes and is open to cooperation with any group except the KDP and the PUK. Although the Kurdish opposition parties initially planned to announce the date of their next meeting on Sunday, Halwest's abrupt withdrawal has cast uncertainty over when - or if - the meeting will take place.
Shafaq News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Kurdish opposition groups unite ahead of elections
Shafaq News/ Kurdish opposition parties are holding intensive talks to form a unified electoral coalition ahead of Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections in November, seeking to reshape the political landscape away from the dominance of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Sources told Shafaq News that the Kurdistan Justice Group initiated the efforts, holding a series of meetings with the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) and the People's Front, which resulted in a preliminary agreement to form a joint electoral alliance. Contacts have also been made with the New Generation Movement (al-Jeel al-Jadeed-NGM) and the National Position Trend, both of which expressed initial approval to join the coalition. Discussions are underway with independent political figures and other groups to broaden support for the project, with a broader meeting expected in the coming days to finalize the coalition's framework and electoral strategy, the sources added. Attempts by Shafaq News to obtain official comments from the Kurdistan Justice Group's leadership and its spokesperson were unsuccessful, with no confirmations or denials issued so far. Meanwhile, Ali Hama Saleh, coordinator of the National Position Trend, told Shafaq News that discussions are still ongoing and no final decision has been made regarding participation in the coalition, declining to provide further details about its objectives. These developments come as the KDP and PUK are considering running on a joint list in disputed areas during the upcoming parliamentary elections, in an effort to secure stronger representation in these sensitive regions. Notably, the disputed areas in Iraq, primarily located in the provinces of Diyala, Kirkuk, Nineveh, and Saladin, have been a source of tension between the governments of Baghdad and Erbil. These territories are rich in oil and have significant strategic importance. The disputes stem from historical demographic changes, particularly the forced displacement of Kurds and Turkmen and the settlement of Arabs during Saddam Hussein's regime. Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution outlines a process to address these issues through normalization, a census, and a referendum. However, the implementation of this article has been delayed, leading to ongoing administrative and security challenges.
