Iraq: Last Minute Negotiations to Form Government

Arab World

March 1st, 9:10am

Baghdad- Hamza Mustafa

Iraqi parliament in session in Baghdad (File photo: Reuters)

Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Mohammad Tawfiq Allawi postponed the vote on his cabinet till Sunday, giving way to his negotiations with the Kurds, according to head of Bayraq al-Khair parliamentary bloc Mohammad al-Khalidi. Khalidi told Asharq al-Awsat that negotiations between Allawi and the Kurds have made progress and it is certain they will vote on the government during the parliamentary session. Asked about the positions of the other Sunni and Kurdish blocs, Khalidi explained that there has been progress in negotiations between everyone, including Shiites and Sunnis. He explained that Shiites have decided to proceed with the vote because the government doesn’t have an alternative. However, they would only approve if the negotiations with the Kurds saw progress, which prompted Allawi to postpone. In response to why Shiites blocs linked their vote of confidence with the Kurds and not the Sunnis’ position, Khalidi explained that Kurdish forces have a united front, either they all attend the session or none. However, Sunnis are divided with half wanting to attend, and the other half might not come despite the ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and former MP Mohsen al-Saadoun told Asharq al-Awsat that negotiations are ongoing with Allawi and things may become clearer in the upcoming hours. He indicated that the Kurds do not want to hinder the cabinet formation and do not insist that the nomination of ministers be entirely by them, but they want to ensure their position is maintained. Saeroon bloc, which supports Allawi and is backed by the Sadrist movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr, affirmed that those obstructing the government aim for procrastination. Member of the bloc Riyad al-Masoudi said in a statement that having quorum in the parliament’s session will definitely send out a positive message. He pointed out that there are Sunni and Kurdish forces in support of this government. Masoudi explained that Saeroon believes there is a front or a bloc trying to block the formation of the government and another team seeking to let it pass. He added that the number of both teams depends on Allawi’s ability to continue his dialogue with the political blocs. He warned that in the event of political blocs’ interference, the government will not succeed, adding that the parties calling for early elections and reforms must allow this government to pass. Iraqi legal expert Ali al-Tamimi believes President Barham Salih will take over as prime minister. He explained that the concept of the largest bloc ended with the government of Adel Abdul-Mahdi, who was considered its candidate as interpreted by the Federal Court in In 2010 and 2014. However, based on Article 76 of the constitution, the President’s selection can’t be limited, because the President is free in choosing other candidates after the failure of the candidate of the largest bloc upon his assignment. He pointed out that he cannot nominate someone from the same largest bloc until another candidate is named.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2156986/iraq-last-minute-negotiations-form-government