Latest news with #Zebari
Rudaw Net
a day ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Baghdad decision not to send salaries 'political': Senior KDP official
Also in Iraq Coordination Framework delegation to visit Erbil amid Baghdad-KRG strain Kurdistan workers urge Iraq's top court to order salary release from Baghdad Iraq transfers military college cadets to Baghdad after tragic deaths Iraqi leaders receive Lebanese president for talks on bilateral ties, security A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Senior Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) official Hoshyar Zebari on Saturday labeled Baghdad's halt of salary payments to the Kurdistan Region's civil servants as a 'political and programmed' decision. 'The decision from the Ministry of Finance is a political and programmed decision against the [Kurdistan] Region and its constitution in general, and it will undoubtedly have repercussions,' Zebari said on X. Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil escalated after the Iraqi finance ministry on Wednesday announced that it would no longer send the Kurdistan Region's financial entitlements from the federal budget, including the salaries of over one million civil servants of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The decision triggered an outcry from many Kurdish political parties, who held a meeting on Saturday, chaired by the KDP, and denounced Baghdad's decision to halt payments to the Region as 'against the will of the people of Kurdistan and the political and legal framework of the Kurdistan Region.' The parties said Baghdad must not politicize the rights of civil servants and said that they favoured resolving the matter through dialogue. 'What is the interest of Mr. [Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia'] al-Sudani and the ruling Coordination Framework in igniting the crisis of funding salaries for regional employees at this particular time, while the country is approaching national elections? Perhaps these are technical issues at play,' Zebari stressed. Finances are a frequent source of friction between Erbil and Baghdad. In stopping the payments, Baghdad accused Erbil of failing to hand over its oil and non-oil revenues and claimed that the KRG had received its full share of the federal budget for 2025. The KDP said on Thursday that it would take a 'serious stance' if Baghdad fails to pay the May salaries by June 6, which coincides with the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha. The finance ministry's decision to cease payments to Erbil came on the heels of the KRG inking two new oil and gas deals with American firms, drawing the ire of Iraq's oil ministry, which has taken legal action. A delegation from Baghdad is expected to visit Erbil and meet with top Kurdish officials and politicians to resolve the financial issues.
Shafaq News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
KRG: No forced returns for displaced Iraqis
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) reiterated its opposition to the forced return of internally displaced persons, especially to former ISIS-controlled areas. Dindar Zebari, the KRG Coordinator for International Advocacy, announced during the Conference on Missing Persons in the Middle East and North Africa that 'the people of Kurdistan have borne the brunt of atrocities—from the notorious Anfal campaign to the crimes committed by ISIS against Yazidis and other minorities,' reaffirming the KRG's deep commitment to uncovering the fate of the missing and ensuring accountability for crimes of enforced disappearance. Zebari recalled the disappearance of over 182,000 civilians during the Anfal operations, including 8,000 Barzani men, noting that the remains of victims have been recovered from 75 mass graves across Iraq, with 3,659 victims identified and returned to their families. The KRG has worked to rescue victims of ISIS. Out of 6,417 documented cases of Yazidi abductions, 3,587 individuals have been freed, while 2,830 remain missing. The official backed international recommendations on addressing enforced disappearances, including criminalization, investigative reforms, and better protections for vulnerable groups—measures already incorporated into the region's 2021–2025 Human Rights Action Plan focused on justice and survivor support. He also called on the international community to fulfill its humanitarian responsibilities and provide the technical, financial, and logistical support needed to accelerate investigations into enforced disappearances. Zebari highlighted cooperation with the United Nations Investigative Team (UNITAD), which led to the preservation and digitization of more than 408,000 pages of investigative files—documents he described as essential for future legal proceedings against ISIS perpetrators. He pointed to the KRG's rehabilitation and support initiatives, including the Psychological Treatment Institute in Duhok, a center documenting genocide-related sexual crimes, and a facility dedicated to assisting liberated women. 'These institutions have collectively provided psychological and legal support to over 1,278 survivors,' Zebari pointed out. He also showcased the KRG's use of advanced forensic tools, including DNA analysis, as a vital means of identifying remains and offering closure to victims' families.
Shafaq News
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Sulaimani Forum 2025: Kurds eye lasting role in Syria's future
Shafaq News/ On a dimly lit stage at the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani, optimism ran high as veteran Iraqi Kurdish politician Hoshyar Zebari declared that what happened in Syria is 'just the beginning.' His remarks came during the second day of the ninth annual Sulaimani Forum held in Kurdistan's al-Sulaymaniyah, where Kurdish and international officials signaled that the post-war phase in Syria may already be underway — and that Kurds intend to secure a lasting seat at the decision-making table in Damascus. "A Decisive First Step" Zebari described the newly signed eight-point agreement between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi and transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa as a 'decisive first step.' The deal, endorsed by key international players including the United States and France, aims to formally incorporate Kurdish voices into Syria's post-Assad governance structure. Zebari characterized the weakening of al-Assad's grip as a 'political earthquake' triggered on February 8 last year, arguing that the emerging political order must expand beyond decades of authoritarian rule. The experience of Iraqi Kurds, he added, could serve as inspiration — if not a template — for Kurdish aspirations in northern Syria. 'We are not imposing our model,' Zebari said. 'But Kurdish unity is the key to everything.' Scrutiny on Implementation Ilham Ahmed of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), who is attending the forum, welcomed the agreement, describing it as a turning point that ends years of accusations against Syrian Kurds. Still, she struck a cautious tone, noting that the real test lies ahead with technical committees now tasked with implementing the deal. Referencing the Iraqi Kurdish experience, Ahmed said, 'We view the Kurdistan Region as an important model — but one rooted in a very different context. The reality of Rojava, and indeed Syria's entire social fabric, differs significantly from Iraq's.' She emphasized that other international models are also under study.
Shafaq News
12-02-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
KDP member: Baghdad failing commitments, KRG nears formation
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) political bureau member Hoshyar Zebari accused Iraq's federal government of failing to meet its commitments. Speaking to Al Hadath television, Zebari criticized Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid for belatedly filing a lawsuit against Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the finance minister over the non-payment of KRG employees' salaries. "The president's move came too late," Zebari said. "As the guardian of the constitution, he should have taken a clear stance earlier against the violations committed against the region, such as salary cuts and the weakening of Kurdistan's institutions. But now, yes, there is growing resentment among the Kurdish people that the federal government is discriminating against us by withholding our rightful dues, despite the KRG fulfilling all its obligations." Zebari argued that despite Kurdistan's compliance with revenue-sharing measures, the federal government has been sluggish in its responses. "Oil exports have ceased, the payroll lists have been submitted, and internal revenues have been transferred. There is more transparency in financial dealings," he stated. "Yet, Baghdad remains hesitant in meeting its commitments. Recently, a new legislative amendment to the 2025 budget was introduced to address this, including changes to oil production costs and transportation fees via the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline to resume exports. Importantly, the government has now committed to paying public sector salaries in Kurdistan equally and without discrimination. This is a positive development." He also highlighted the root of disputes with Baghdad, emphasizing the need for proper federal governance rather than central control. "The real issue is that the political mindset in Baghdad remains centralized, whereas the system is supposed to be federal," he said. "Kurdistan should not be treated as just another province, but as a constitutional region with rights, duties, and mutual obligations. This is the challenge we are facing." KRG Formation Nears Regarding the formation of the new Kurdistan government, Zebari said negotiations had been ongoing since the October 2024 elections and were progressing well. "We have reached significant agreements on the government's program," he revealed. "Next week, we will enter discussions with our partners, particularly our main ally, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), to finalize the distribution of posts and leadership positions. The atmosphere is positive, and we expect to form the government within two months. We will not delay it further, as there is strong momentum." Dialogue with Syria's New Leadership On Kurdish engagement with Syria, Zebari confirmed recent diplomatic exchanges, indicating a shift in regional dynamics. "There has been communication, meetings, and positive messages with Syria's new leadership," he said. "Recently, the KRG Prime Minister met with Syria's new Foreign Minister, and there may be another meeting at the upcoming annual Government Summit in Dubai." Zebari noted that Syria's declared approach is to establish "a stable Syria with participation from all components" but cautioned against recent moves by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). "Their latest actions should have been addressed through a comprehensive national conference," he said. "Additionally, proposing lengthy transitional periods of three to four years could provoke opposition from other factions. The process is still in its early stages, but there is clear international backing for a stable Syria."
Shafaq News
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
KDP leader slams Al-Sulaymaniyah protests as "politicized": Take your demands to Baghdad
Shafaq News / Hoshyar Zebari, a senior leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), criticized recent protests at one of Erbil's main entrances as "politicized." Speaking on X, Zebari remarked that the sit-in movement organized in Al-Sulaymaniyah is highly politicized, suggesting that demonstrators would be more effective if they relocated their protests to key public spaces in Baghdad—such as Tahrir Square or Imam Al-Qasim Street—in order to demand the timely payment of their financial entitlements. He also noted that the Regional Government has resolved the salary issue with Baghdad. Meanwhile, dozens of individuals from Al-Sulaymaniyah gathered at the Dikala checkpoint between Erbil and Al-Sulaymaniyah, intending to enter Erbil to protest delayed salary payments. A hunger strike, now in its 13th day, along with other demonstrations in Al-Sulaymaniyah, has persisted amid ongoing delays in salary payments and rising living costs, intensifying calls for urgent government action from both the Iraqi and Kurdish authorities. The protests occur amid a severe salary crisis in the Kurdistan Region, where unpaid public sector wages for December 2024 and January 2025 have sparked widespread unrest. The dispute stems from ongoing political tensions between the Regional Government in Erbil and the federal government in Baghdad, centering on disagreements over oil revenue sharing. While Baghdad insists that the KRG must transfer all oil production to the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), funneling revenues into the national treasury to fund salaries and production costs, Erbil contends that it should deduct production costs before remitting the remaining funds.
