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Masrour Barzani was sworn in as new KRG prime minister

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Masrour Barzani was sworn in as new KRG prime minister

PostAuthor: Anthea » Wed May 29, 2019 10:57 pm

Nechirvan Barzani elected
Kurdistan Region president


Eighty-one MPs were present in the Region’s 111-seat parliament to cast their vote in Tuesday’s session. Nechirvan, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) candidate, secured 68 votes :ymapplause:

His four rivals secured zero votes.

Nechirvan, nephew of former president Masoud Barzani, will step down as prime minister to assume the role.

In mid-June, the president-elect is expected to ask his cousin, Masrour Barzani, to form the new cabinet.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which holds 21 seats in the legislature against the KDP's 45, issued a statement ahead of the session saying the KDP has not adhered to their prior agreements. They would therefore not participate in the vote.

“We haven’t seen the smallest step from our KDP brothers. We haven’t seen even good intent towards one section of both our agreements from our KDP brothers,” PUK spokesperson Latif Shiekh Omer told reporters in Sulaimani ahead of the vote on Tuesday.

“Unilateralism in Kurdistan will not succeed, and it shouldn’t succeed, and it should be prevented,” Omer added.

KDP spokesperson Mahmud Mohammed expressed regret over the PUK not participating in the session.

“Unfortunately, PUK friends reneged on the agreements and didn’t take part in the parliament meeting to elect a president for the Region without taking into account the sensitive situation of the Region, ignoring the expectations of the people of Kurdistan and the will of the nation,” he wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday.

This is while “we need a strong government and unity in Kurdistan,” Mohammed implored.

“In light of the PUK reneging on the agreements and its efforts to waste time in the past several months, one can unfortunately suspect that they had right from the beginning aimed the political process to be delayed, paralyzed and not reach a result,” he added.

Kirkuk and the KDP’s failure to agree to the appointment of a PUK governor to the disputed province remains a key stumbling block.

This didn’t stop the PUK’s Qubad Talabani, the Region’s deputy prime minister, congratulating Nechirvan on his election.

“I am proud to have worked alongside him for five difficult years. I am confident that his competence and vision will guarantee success in this challenging responsibility, part of which would include putting the Kurdish house in order,” he tweeted.

New Generation, meanwhile, boycotted the whole process, arguing the presidency law does not serve democracy or the parliamentary system.

Omed Khoshnaw, head of the KDP parliamentary bloc, told a press conference immediately following the vote that the PUK boycott would have “negative consequences”.

“The process will not stop. We elected the president and we will form the government,” he said.

Later in the day, officials and diplomats wished Barzani well in his future role.

Who is Nechirvan Idris Mustafa Barzani?

    - Born on September 21, 1966 in Haji Omaran
    - Displaced to Iran along with his family in 1975
    - Student of political science at Tehran University
    - Elected member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) politburo in 1989
    - Elected deputy prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in 1996
    - Elected prime minister of the KRG’s fourth cabinet in 1999
    - Elected prime minister of the KRG in 2006 (unified cabinet)
    - Elected prime minister of the KRG from 2011 to 2013
    - Elected prime minister of the KRG from 2013 to 2018
    - Elected deputy president of the KDP during the party’s 13th congress
    - Nominated by KDP for the presidency on December 3, 2018
    - Married father of five
The president-elect's reaction

Barzani issued a statement following his election thanking the parliament for placing confidence in him as president:

“I reassure the beloved people of Kurdistan that the Presidency of the Region will be an umbrella for unity, bringing together all the political parties of Kurdistan and its various ethnic and religious communities for the sake of a peaceful coexistence of the Kurdistani nation,” Barzani said.

With issues still unresolved between Baghdad such as the disputed areas, oil, and Peshmerga-Iraqi forces cooperation, the president-elect said the Iraqi constitution will guide his work.

“Social peace, guaranteeing social and individual rights, will be our main aim, through resolving all the problems between the Region and the federal government by dialogue within the framework of the constitution,” he added.

Barzani wants to continue in his endeavors to strengthen Erbil’s ties regionally and internationally.

Our main objective will also be to “protect friendly and strong relations with neighboring countries and the region, and continuing to strengthen the position and weight of the Kurdistan Region in the region and globally,” he said.

Although predominately home to ethnic Kurds who are Sunni Muslim, the Kurdistan Region is one of the most diverse areas of the Middle East home to Arabs, Turkmen, Yezidis, Christians, and other ethno-religious groups.

“The Kurdistan Region is home to all the different communities of Kurdistan. And the Presidency of the Region will strive to respond to their will and rights without any discrimination,” Barzani said.

http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/28052019
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Masrour Barzani was sworn in as new KRG prime minister

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Re: Nechirvan Barzani elected Kurdistan Region president

PostAuthor: Anthea » Tue Jun 11, 2019 1:51 am

Kurdistan Region swears in Nechirvan Barzani as new president

Nechirvan Barzani thanked his predecessor, Masoud Barzani, for his leadership of the Kurdish nation since he was 16 years old. Nechirvan Barzani will now be the official commander-in-chief of all the Kurdistan Region's security forces. He will also be the de facto head of state

“In future stages, we will make every effort to organize, strengthen Peshmerga forces as a part of Iraqi defense system," he said.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) relations with Baghdad deteriorated after the events of October 2017, but have improved particularly since Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi came to power last year. But to continue improving, Barzani underscored, relations and work across local parties need to be more coordinated.

    I’m honored to continue to serve the people of the Kurdistan Region & thank all those who attended my inauguration as President of the Kurdistan Region. I have taken an oath to protect the unity, rights & interests of the people of Kurdistan & will do so to the best of my ability pic.twitter.com/nt3hwVFTv9
    — Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) June 10, 2019
"In the political culture and media convention in the Kurdistan Region, we often stress on our rivalries and disagreements more than necessary. Let’s have harmony with each other from now on..." however Barzani said, “It is okay for rivalries and differences of opinion to remain."

Barzani spoke of a "new joint roadmap" for relations between Baghdad and Erbil.

“We had hope in the constitution, but it was unfortunately not implemented as it is to build the new Iraq all Iraqi nations dreamt of," he said.

The salaries and pensions of civil servants, pensions, budgets, and the Kurdistan Region's independent oil of exports have been impediments for previous governments.

“We should work together with the federal government in Baghdad to find shared solutions within the framework of the constitution of federal Iraq," he said.

The issue of the implementation of Article 140 for the disputed areas like Kirkuk and Shingal has been exasperated as Islamic State (ISIS) extremists remain active in security vacuums between Iraqi and Peshmerga forces.

“Through mutual understanding and joint work, we can once again revive our constitution, respect and implement it without discrimination so that ISIS is not created again, and the disasters that happened in Shingal, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region do not repeat," he said, referring to the genocide of the Yezidis and others in Kurdistan's history.

Let’s together “take constructive steps to agree on a joint roadmap for the country and governance without discriminating between nations, religions, sects and areas," he implored.

The political apparatus in the Kurdistan Region is often critiqued for being slow to respond to challenges.

“Swift changes in the Region need a shared vision," he said.

Nechirvan Barzani recalled the presidential system stems from calls during the Koya uprisings.

He also emphasized that the world owes the Peshmerga and the US-led international anti-ISIS coalition and Iraqi forces a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices.

Following his speech, the speaker of the Kurdistan Region parliament Vala Farid said this session at parliament would continue at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The Kurdistan Democratic Party has nominated Masrour Barzani as its candidate for the premiership. He currently serves as the head of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC).

"We all share one future just was we are all under one sun in the sky," the new president concluded.

“I congratulate Mr. Nechirvan Barzani for his new position. I would like to take the opportunity to reiterate the values of co-existence and peace between all the ethnicities, religions and sects of Iraq,” Abadi tweeted after Barzani's inaguration.

He also insisted that Iraqi nationalism should be bolstered under Nechirvan Barzani’s term.

“I also stress … the necessity of making use of [his new responsibilities] to bolster Iraq's unity, sovereignty, and a fair distribution of its wealth. Iraq is for Iraqis, and they have the duty to be loyal to it,” Abadi said.

Abadi ordered the deadly federal takeover of all disputed areas in October 2017 by federal forces which had previously been under Peshmerga control. Relations with Baghdad have improved with his successor Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

Hamid al-Ghezi, the secretary-general of the Iraqi Council of Ministers who attended the ceremony as envoy for Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, said since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, Baghdad has developed democracy and built a “constitutional relationship” with Erbil based on the unity of Iraq and protection of its sovereignty.

“This relationship has been demonstrated by overcoming issues and keeping unity in the face of security challenges – something that puts us before a path which connects us through deepening coordination between Baghdad and Erbil and stepping towards a new stage of construction and reconstruction,” he said.

Iraqi National Security Advisor Falih Alfayyadh repeatedly congratulated Nechirvan Barzani, reminding him that the Barzani family is full of leaders.

He emphasized that the people of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, are looking to leaders for unity to serve them.

Alfayyadh vowed to do all he could in Baghdad that cooperates with the KRG. He wished prosperity and success for the Kurdistan Region moving forward.

He added that the liberated cities await for reconstruction and return to life, as do internally displaced Iraqis.

Ammar al-Hakim emphasized the historical struggle and leadership that the Barzani family had during the previous regime.

He acknowledged the sacrifices that Kurds have given for the sake of Iraq, arguing that the relationship between the governments in Erbil and Baghdad are larger than any personalities or political parties.

“Kurdistan-Iraq relations are greater than governments or individuals as governments change and individuals leave positions but the nation and people remain. The history and civilization of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, typically Erbil, was and will stay as the station of pride for all Iraqis.”

He said they have “always stressed the need to benefit from the experience of Kurdistan and apply it to the rest of the provinces of our beloved Iraq in middle, south, and west.”

Barzani “is known for his sobriety and acumen, his keenness for unity and solidarity, and the connection between all Iraqis,” Hakim added.

Hakim said prosperity can be achieved in the Kurdistan Region if the Iraqi parliament and the Kurdistan Region works together, similarly to that in southern Iraq. He also emphasized the importance of the real Iraqi image and its diversity.

Ammar al-Hakim is an influential Shiite cleric and leader of the Hikma (Wisdom Movement). He called Nechirvan Barzani his brother a well-known smart person throughout Iraqi cities.

He blamed the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) on political disputes and the lack of unity between leaders.

Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi encouraged all the components of Iraq to embrace democracy and form.

He congratulated Nechirvan Barzani on becoming president of the Kurdistan Region and said he looked forward to both working together to zeroing all problems.

Calling, Kurds his "brothers," Halbousi was optimistic.

Halbousi said the election of Nechirvan Barzani as president is “an important step toward the strengthening of political process and a living example of respect for the constitution and the will of the people.”

It also shows the “role of the second generation in the political process who have gained a significant amount of experience throughout their work with leaders from the first generation in the political process.”

Salih encourages practical steps between Erbil, Baghdad

Iraqi President Barham Salih, a Kurd from Sulaimani, acknowledged the positive accomplishments which can be achieved when Baghdad and Erbil cooperate like they did through the conflict with the Islamic State (ISIS).

Salih said he expects KDP President Masoud Barzani to continue to have a leadership voice as he has for the past 50 years.

"Mr. Masoud’s [Barzani] role and effect will continue in the next phase," he said, perhaps marking a more cordial tone in the future of PUK-KDP relations.

He emphasized the need for an agenda and practical steps to be taken between the KRG and Iraqi government.

"The success of the Kurdistan Region is strength for Baghdad and Basra. It is support for the safety and security of the entire Iraq. In the same way, the strength of Iraq and Basra, security in Mosul is support for the Kurdistan Region," the Iraqi president added.

Masoud Barzani congratulates new president

Former Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani was the first to congratulate Nechirvan Barzani on his new post as president.

Masoud Barzani called on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Iraqi federal government in Baghdad to take steps to resolve outstanding problems especially in the disputed territories like Kirkuk.

"I call on the KRG and federal government to try together to resolves outstanding problems as soon as possible, especially problems in disputed territories," he said.

Masoud Barzani also encouraged political parties in the Kurdistan Region to resolve internal problems.

"I call on political parties in the Region to responsibly and with a fraternal spirit to resolve internal problems," said the leader of the KDP.

He noted that ISIS remains a threat in Iraq.

"Steps for forming the KRG will begin from tomorrow on," Barzani said.

Barzani takes presidential oath

Nechirvan Idris Barzani was sworn in around 12:30 p.m. as the new president of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region after formalities by parliament's leadership.

Iraqi Kurdistan Region President-Elect Nechirvan Barzani, Iraqi President Barham Salih, KDP President Masoud Barzani, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, and acting PUK leader Kosrat Rasul attend the presidential swearing-in ceremony in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, on June 10, 2019.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Foreign and local dignitaries have gathered in Erbil on Sunday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Nechirvan Barzani as president of the Kurdistan Region.

Diplomats from the foreign ministries of neighboring Turkey like Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Iran are attending among representatives from embassies, consulates, and other missions. Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi is also attending to represent the federal government in Baghdad.

Nechirvan Barzani has served as Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) prime minister in the current government. It held elections in September 2018, but government formation has been slow due to partisanship and disagreements over posts.

The office of the presidency was suspended in November 2017, when Masoud Barzani, Nechirvan’s uncle, stepped down as president. Masoud Barzani is head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) — the largest in the Kurdistan Region.

The KDP has nominated Masrour Barzani, the head of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC), to be the next prime minister. His nomination must first pass parliament.

Iraqi President Barham Salih, a politburo member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), is also attending. The PUK is the second-largest in the Kurdistan Region.

Since the establishment of the new Iraq from 2003-2005, the KDP has held the post of the Kurdistan Region presidency, while the PUK has taken the Iraqi presidency.

Nechirvan Barzani secured 68 votes of the 81 MPs present in the parliamentary session on May 28, despite the PUK bloc boycotting the session. However, the PUK announced on Sunday that they would attend the swearing-in ceremony.

The president of the Kurdistan Region wields tremendous power, serving as the de facto head of state and commander-in-chief of all security forces.

http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/100620191
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Re: Nechirvan Barzani elected Kurdistan Region president

PostAuthor: Anthea » Mon Jun 17, 2019 4:36 pm

PM Masrour Barzani considers
candidates for new KRG cabinet


Masrour Barzani, the newly elected prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), is in Sulaimani on Monday to consider candidates for ministerial posts in his new administration

Barzani has met with Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) officials and the Kurdistan Socialist Democratic Party (KSDP). He will later meet with the Change Movement (Gorran) :ymsick: at the party’s Zargata Hill headquarters.

Barzani’s Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the biggest bloc in the Region’s parliament, struck separate government formation deals in May with its nearest rivals, the PUK and Gorran.

Following his meeting with leftist leader Mohammed Haji Mahmood, Barzani told a press conference a KSDP official will take charge of the Ministry of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs in his new cabinet.

In an earlier press conference following his talks with PUK officials, Barzani said: “We discussed all the aspects we need to agree on in the cabinet, especially the resumes of the candidates so that we can submit them to the parliament before the legal deadline expires, so that we can form the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet together with other parties.”

Speaking at the same press conference, Himad Ahmad, a member of the PUK politburo, said: “We hope we can form a very strong government together with the other parties for the people, and we hope the government delivers good services to people and resolves problems.”

“We as the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan have some agreements with the Kurdistan Democratic Party and we are determined to implement the articles of the agreement.”

“It is the duty of the KDP, PUK, and other parties to protect and develop this achievement,” Himad added.

Imad Ahmed, a member of the PUK politburo, told Rudaw on Sunday his party is ready to meet with the KDP and continue talks to nominate a Kurdish PUK member to the seat of Kirkuk governor in parallel with ongoing government formation talks.

Gorran is ready to meet Barzani, but is yet to declare its nominees for ministerial posts.

“What is really important for us is to be able to implement our [reform] project together with other sides,” Aras Wali, a member of the Gorran negotiating team, told Rudaw on the eve of the talks.

Gorran’s National Assembly will vote on its ministerial candidates and elect those who “deserve to hold posts in the cabinet”, he added.

“But, up to this moment, no one for any post has been decided on,” he added.

On June 12, Nechirvan Barzani, the Kurdistan Region’s newly elected president, tasked is cousin Masrour to form a government within the next 30 days.

“Mindful of the enormity of the task, and of the legitimate needs and hopes of the Kurdistani people, I plan to present my cabinet within the next thirty days and call upon the political parties to recognize their solemn and national responsibility to help complete this process,” Masrour Barzani tweeted last week.

Kurdistan Region MPs chose Masrour Barzani as prime minister on Tuesday. He secured 87 votes among the 97 MPs who attended the session.

The chamber has 111 members, but some opposition MPs chose to boycott the vote.

In the Kurdistan Region’s September 2018 parliamentary election, the KDP emerged as the largest party with 45 seats, followed by the PUK’s 21, and Gorran’s 12.

http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/17062019
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Re: Nechirvan Barzani considers candidates for new KRG cabin

PostAuthor: Anthea » Thu Jun 27, 2019 12:34 am

Will PM Masrour Barzani miss
government formation deadline?


Masrour Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan Region, may not form his new cabinet within the 30-day constitutional window after his Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan again failed to reach an agreement on the post of Kirkuk governor

The failure to reach an agreement during their meeting on Wednesday will delay the submission of the PUK’s list of ministers for the new government until further notice.

“Our communications and meetings with the KDP will continue for the implementation of the last stages of our agreements on the formation of the government and the Kirkuk question,” Latif Sheikh Omer, the PUK’s spokesperson, told Rudaw on Wednesday afternoon.

The KDP and PUK have formed a joint committee comprised of leadership members to decide on a possible candidate for the disputed province.

PM Barzani has agreed not to submit his list of candidates for cabinet post to the parliament until next week at the earliest.

“If the submission of the name of ministries to the parliament get delayed until the parliamentary recess, which will start from July 1, we can vote for the Masrour Barzani cabinet in an extraordinary sessions or we can delay the recess until after voting on the government cabinet,” Omed Khoshnaw, head of the KDP bloc in the Kurdistan Parliament, told Rudaw.

The PUK, the Region’s second biggest party, has repeatedly said it will only participate in the new government if the KDP allows it to nominate the new governor of Kirkuk.

Kirkuk is a disputed territory claimed by both Erbil and Baghdad. The oil-rich province was recaptured from Peshmerga forces after the Kurdistan Region’s referendum for independence from Iraq in late 2017.

Following the takeover, Kirkuk governor Najmadin Karim was ousted and replaced by his deputy Rakan al-Jabouri. Now the PUK wants to fill the post of Kirkuk governor with its own candidate.

The PUK is determined to resolve the problem of Kirkuk before joining the new KRG cabinet “so that we join the government without problems,” Farid Asasar, a member of the PUK Leadership Council, said Monday.

“We don’t want to engage the ninth cabinet with problems.”

Kirkuk has remained the sticking point between the Region’s two biggest parties.

The Kurdistan Region has been run by a caretaker government for the past nine months. Erbil urgently needs a new cabinet to address relations with Baghdad, resolve outstanding issues on oil sales, agree its share of the federal budget, and solve territorial disputes.

A new government would also reinvigorate the political and economic atmosphere in the Region as it emerges from the war with the Islamic State (ISIS) and a crippling financial crisis.

Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region, tasked his cousin Masrour with forming the new KRG cabinet on June 12. The former-chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council has until July 12 to form his cabinet.

The Kurdish parliament takes its summer recess on July 1, so time is of the essence to vote on the new cabinet.

The Kurdistan Region held parliamentary elections on September 30, 2018, with the ruling KDP winning 45 seats in the 111-seat legislature. The PUK won 21 seats, and the Change Movement (Gorran) 12.

No party won an outright majority to form the government alone, forcing the KDP to negotiate a coalition deal with its nearest rivals, the PUK and Gorran.

http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/260620192
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Re: Nechirvan Barzani considers candidates for new KRG cabin

PostAuthor: Anthea » Wed Jul 10, 2019 11:34 pm

Parliament confirms Masrour
Barzani as new KRG prime minister


Masrour Barzani officially was sworn in as the new prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday before lawmakers and government officials

"This cabinet considers itself the servant of people and the top priority of the new government will be to provide services to the people," Barzani said.

Formally, the head of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC), the 50-year-old will be holding a governmental post for the first time.

"My top objective is to combat corruption and carry out reform," Barzani added.

Corruption in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region has been a challenge for successive governments.

"We will show no tolerance to the corrupt," he added, vowing to be "transparent with our people."

Ministers will not be allowed to work outside the framework and agenda of the government, according to Barzani. He warned they should be the ministers of all the people in any corner of Kurdistan.

He hailed developed relations between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq

"[Iraqi PM] Adil Abdul Mahdi has practically shown his goodwill for resolving issues between Erbil and Baghdad," he said.

9.54 p.m.

Foreign missions look forward to working with new KRG cabinet

Diplomatic missions in Erbil have sent congratulatory messages to the newly-formed Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet, officially established on Wednesday.

“Congratulations Masrour Barzani on your election as Prime Minister. We are looking forward to working with you, with Qubad Talabani and the entire cabinet to strengthen our ties,” the German Consulate General in Erbil tweeted.

Germany was among the major supporters of the Kurdistan Region when Peshmerga forces faced off with Islamic State (ISIS) militants, providing training, modern weaponry, and humanitarian aid.

France, which also offered the Region diplomatic and military support during recent years of instability, sent its congratulations.

“The French Consulate General wishes success for Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and his team. The French Consulate has confidence in the capability of this newly-formed cabinet to respond to the expectations of the people of Kurdistan Region of Iraq as soon as possible regarding job opportunities, security, good governance and public services,” read a statement from French Consulate General in Erbil, published on Facebook.

Nechirvan Barzani, President of Kurdistan Region, arrived in Paris on Tuesday at the official invitation of the Elysee Palace.

He met with President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, thanking him for his support to the Region. The French president has accepted Barzani’s invitation to visit Erbil, Barzani told reporters.

The French consulate said it “realizes that this cabinet will insist on maintaining high level dialogue with the federal government and further strengthening the unity of Kurdistan Region – these are required for the resolution of political issues with Baghdad”.

Earlier the US Consulate General in Erbil congratulated Masrour Barzani and Qubad Talabani on the formation of the new government. In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the consulate said it looks forward to working with the new KRG “to advance our shared interests”.

The United Nations envoy to Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert also sent congratulations.

“Congratulations to @Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq on new KRG Cabinet. Lots of work ahead: clos------er cooperation & coordination w/ federal government to address all outstanding issues, stability & economic development,” UNAMI quoted her saying in a tweet.

5:58 p.m.

Masoud Barzani, former president of the Kurdistan Region, sent his congratulations via Twitter.

I wish @masrour_barzani and his new cabinet a successful tenure as the new Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government. I will completely support him in pursuit of the interests of the people of the Kurdistan Region.
— Masoud Barzani (@masoud_barzani) July 10, 2019

5:38 p.m.

The US Consulate General in Erbil congratulated Masrour Barzani and Qubad Talabani on the formation of the new government. In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the consulate said it looks forward to working with the new KRG “to advance our shared interests”.

5:32 p.m.

In a statement published on Facebook, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated his cousin Masrour on his confirmation as prime minister.

“I am assuring the Kurdistan nation, your excellency, and the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government that as the president of the Kurdistan Region, I will fully support and contribute to the success of your work and the ninth cabinet of the government,” President Nechirvan Barzani wrote to PM Masrour Barzani.

Nechirvan also congratulated Qubad Talabani on his return to the government as deputy prime minister.

“It was a pleasure working with you in Kurdistan Regional Government in the last years. I am sure you will serve Kurdistan sincerely and responsibly and do your duty,” he said in a separate Facebook statement.

“As the President of Kurdistan Region, I will continue supporting you to succeed in your work in the new cabinet.”

12:02 p.m.

Ministers, cabinet members begin taking oaths-of-office

All proposed cabinet ministers were approved by parliament. MPs are to be sworn in individually.

Vala Fared, the current speaker of parliament, congratulated each lawmaker on joining the legislature with "Piroze!"

11:34 a.m.

Masrour Barzani, Qubad Talabani confirmed as PM, deputy PM

The Parliament of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region convened at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Masrour Barzani received 88 votes to become the new prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Incumbent Deputy PM Qubad Talabani received 73 votes to keep his post in the new KRG.

Barzani is presenting his cabinet to the parliament for approval.

10:04 a.m.

Kurdistan Region parliament to hold vote on new ministers Wednesday

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – New cabinet ministers of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will be sworn in at the parliament on Wednesday after nine months of negotiations on power sharing among ruling parties.

Prime Minister-Designate Masrour Barzani, 50, submitted his cabinet nominations on Monday. Parliament and the KRG Integrity Commission have reviewed the nominations and will hold a vote of confidence on the nominations today.

The new cabinet will have three women ministers. The previous KRG had one.

Begard Talabani of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) will be Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources. The other two are Gorran's Kwestan Mohammed and the Kurdistan Democratic Party's (KDP) Vala Fared, for the roles of Minister of Labor and Social Affairs and Region Minister, respectively.

Fared is the parliament’s incumbent speaker, but will be replaced by PUK’s Rewaz Fayaq in line with a bilateral agreement on cabinet positions between the two parties.

The Yezidi, Turkmen and Christian minorities will also be represented in the new cabinet. The Yezidis will have the posts of adviser to the parliament speaker, adviser to Prime Minister-Designate Masrour Barzani, undersecretary for an unspecified ministry, and a director-general in the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Shingal Mayor Mahma Khalil told Rudaw on Tuesday.

The Region’s Turkmen and Christian minorities have also been granted a ministry each. Turkmen will run one of the Region Ministries and the Christians will have the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Today, Barzani will present his agenda for the next four years as prime minister. The blueprint has reportedly been prepared jointly with key cabinet partners, the PUK and Gorran.

The new cabinet reportedly aims to diversify Kurdistan Region’s revenues, minimize bureaucratic procedures in the government, conduct economic and administrative reforms, and further strengthen security and stability.

Protection of the rights of minority groups, Peshmerga reforms and development of diplomatic relations with the outside world will also feature importantly in the agenda of the new cabinet.

The Kurdistan Region held parliamentary elections on September 30, 2018, with the ruling KDP winning 45 seats in the 111-seat legislature. The PUK won 21 seats, and the Change Movement (Gorran) 12.

No party won an outright majority to form the government alone, forcing the KDP to negotiate a coalition deal with its nearest rivals, the PUK and Gorran.

To date, the Kurdistan Region was run by a caretaker government for over nine months.

Erbil ushers in a new era of governance with a new cabinet and a new president in place. The KRG will from now on be in a much stronger position to address relations with Baghdad, resolve outstanding issues on oil sales, agree its share of the federal budget, and solve territorial disputes with the federal government.

A new government will also reinvigorate the political and economic atmosphere in the Kurdistan Region as it emerges from a costly war with the Islamic State (ISIS) and a crippling financial crisis following a budget cut by Baghdad in 2014 and subsequent falling prices of oil.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/10072019
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