Friday, August 17, 2007
Kurdish Guarantees For Accord Front To Return To The Government
Politics
(Badr Newspaper) - 16 AUG - President Talabani said that he is ready to meet the Accord front’s demands and to convince PM Al Maliki despite his initial reservations regarding some of these demands. In return, the Accord Front should show some flexibility on some demands that are difficult to implement because of the situation. Additionally, the Accord Front should show its full support of the political process once their demands are met.
A Kurdish Parliament member added, “The Kurdistan region President’s [Massoud Al Barzani] visit to Baghdad is coordinated with Talabani’s efforts to motivate the political process through meetings with the Accord Front which may lead to a joint understanding with the other entities in order to establish a “joint national understanding government.” Meanwhile, President Talabani and the Kurdistan region President have shown some acceptance of the Accord Front’s demands which may give the Front a larger role in Al Maliki’s government.
A Kurdish Parliament member added, “The Kurdistan region President’s [Massoud Al Barzani] visit to Baghdad is coordinated with Talabani’s efforts to motivate the political process through meetings with the Accord Front which may lead to a joint understanding with the other entities in order to establish a “joint national understanding government.” Meanwhile, President Talabani and the Kurdistan region President have shown some acceptance of the Accord Front’s demands which may give the Front a larger role in Al Maliki’s government.
Labels: Iraqi Accord Front, Jalal Talabani
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Kurdistan Region Would Like Allawi’s Bloc To Join The “Four Party” Front
Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 7 AUG - The Kurdistan region’s President, and KDP leader, Massoud Barzani, met (recently) with Ayad Allawi and they discussed the recent developments in the Iraqi political process, especially, the crisis which confronts the Al Maliki government, since the Accord Front decided to withdraw from this government.
Sources close to the Kurdistan President’s office said, “Barzani discussed the subject of Allawi joining the ‘four party front’.” [He was referring to the new political front which includes the KDP, PUK, SICI, and Dawa parties.] Fouad Hussein, spokesman for the Kurdistan region’s government, said, “The two sides (Allawi and Barzani) discussed the forming of this ‘fourth front’… which will remain open to fronts from all sides of the political process.”
The sources continued, “Kurdistan’s regional command (group) is working to (convince) Allawi to join this ‘fourth front’.” The ‘fourth front’, which is also known as “The Moderate Front”, is a new political bloc which is ‘supposed to’ include: the two main Kurdish parties (KDP and PUK) plus the SICI and Dawa Parties. This (new) Front is open to accepting other groups, into the Front, if those groups believe in the political process.
Yesterday, an Iraqi List source announced: former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, the leader of the Iraqi List, has ‘requested’ his List’s five Ministers (in Maliki’s Cabinet) to boycott the meetings of the Ministers’ Council… (This boycott is called for) as a condemnation of the ‘workings of this government’ (the Al Maliki Administration) which Allawi described as “sectarian”.
In related news, on Saturday, US President George Bush phoned (Kurdistan’s) President Barzani…they (the two men) shared their points of view regarding the current situation in Iraq. Barzani confirmed, to Bush, that he (Barzani) is working with Iraq’s leader in order to bring out of its current crisis. Barzani was expected to go to Baghdad, on Sunday, in order to participate in a meeting of ‘top-level’ political leaders.
Sources close to the Kurdistan President’s office said, “Barzani discussed the subject of Allawi joining the ‘four party front’.” [He was referring to the new political front which includes the KDP, PUK, SICI, and Dawa parties.] Fouad Hussein, spokesman for the Kurdistan region’s government, said, “The two sides (Allawi and Barzani) discussed the forming of this ‘fourth front’… which will remain open to fronts from all sides of the political process.”
The sources continued, “Kurdistan’s regional command (group) is working to (convince) Allawi to join this ‘fourth front’.” The ‘fourth front’, which is also known as “The Moderate Front”, is a new political bloc which is ‘supposed to’ include: the two main Kurdish parties (KDP and PUK) plus the SICI and Dawa Parties. This (new) Front is open to accepting other groups, into the Front, if those groups believe in the political process.
Yesterday, an Iraqi List source announced: former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, the leader of the Iraqi List, has ‘requested’ his List’s five Ministers (in Maliki’s Cabinet) to boycott the meetings of the Ministers’ Council… (This boycott is called for) as a condemnation of the ‘workings of this government’ (the Al Maliki Administration) which Allawi described as “sectarian”.
In related news, on Saturday, US President George Bush phoned (Kurdistan’s) President Barzani…they (the two men) shared their points of view regarding the current situation in Iraq. Barzani confirmed, to Bush, that he (Barzani) is working with Iraq’s leader in order to bring out of its current crisis. Barzani was expected to go to Baghdad, on Sunday, in order to participate in a meeting of ‘top-level’ political leaders.
Labels: Ayad Allawi, Dawa party, Four party front, Iraqi Accord Front, KDP, Massoud Barzani, PUK, SICI, The Moderate Front
Al Dulaimi Wants To Learn Ramadi Resident’s Opinions About Returning To The Government
Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 7 AUG - Accord Front Chief – Adnan Al Dulaimi has called for Anbar’s residents to submit their “conditions and suggestions” for returning to the government. Yesterday, Al Dulaimi visited Ramadi City and met with a number of citizens, in order to learn their opinions about the Accord Front’s decision to withdraw from the government.
During this meeting, Al Dulaimi said, “The Accord Front calls for you to submit: your suggestions regarding the subject of (the Front’s) returning to the government and your ‘conditions’ which you want the Front to attach to this return. The Prime Minister is working to remove the Accord Front (isolate the front, or remove it from Iraq’s political process). This is what led to the Accord Front’s decision to withdraw from the government. The Front refuses to return to the government, unless we receive our full rights which they (the Al Maliki government) should guarantee.”
This is the first time Al Dulaimi has visited Ramadi since he accepted the position as Chief of the Accord Front. This visit came about due to the Accord Front’s desire to ‘return its people to the Front’ (bring its ‘base’ supporters back into the Accord Front). Ramadi citizens said, “Accord Front has lost many supporters due to the Front joining the political process which resulted in: poor levels of security and public services, increased sectarian problems, and increased displacements.”
During this visit, Al Dulaimi met with: Anbar’s Governor Mahmoun Rashid, (Anbar’s) Police Chief, District Council Members, Tribal Sheikhs, and Anbar Salvation Council Members who are supporting the security forces in the fight against Al Qaeda members in the city (Ramadi). Al Dulaimi visited the cities of Fallujah and Khalidya. He met with a number of former Iraqi Army (Saddam’s Regime) officers. Their meeting included discussions regarding the DeBaathification Law and, how this government has abused/misused this law in order to isolate (Sunni) groups.
During this meeting, Al Dulaimi said, “The Accord Front calls for you to submit: your suggestions regarding the subject of (the Front’s) returning to the government and your ‘conditions’ which you want the Front to attach to this return. The Prime Minister is working to remove the Accord Front (isolate the front, or remove it from Iraq’s political process). This is what led to the Accord Front’s decision to withdraw from the government. The Front refuses to return to the government, unless we receive our full rights which they (the Al Maliki government) should guarantee.”
This is the first time Al Dulaimi has visited Ramadi since he accepted the position as Chief of the Accord Front. This visit came about due to the Accord Front’s desire to ‘return its people to the Front’ (bring its ‘base’ supporters back into the Accord Front). Ramadi citizens said, “Accord Front has lost many supporters due to the Front joining the political process which resulted in: poor levels of security and public services, increased sectarian problems, and increased displacements.”
During this visit, Al Dulaimi met with: Anbar’s Governor Mahmoun Rashid, (Anbar’s) Police Chief, District Council Members, Tribal Sheikhs, and Anbar Salvation Council Members who are supporting the security forces in the fight against Al Qaeda members in the city (Ramadi). Al Dulaimi visited the cities of Fallujah and Khalidya. He met with a number of former Iraqi Army (Saddam’s Regime) officers. Their meeting included discussions regarding the DeBaathification Law and, how this government has abused/misused this law in order to isolate (Sunni) groups.
Labels: Adnan Dulaimi, Al Anbar, Anbar Salvation Council, debaathification, Iraqi Accord Front, Mahmoun Rashid, Ramadi, tribal leaders
Monday, July 16, 2007
Failed Attempt To Assassinate Adnan Al Dulaimi And His Daughter
Security, Politics
(Al Bayyna Al Jadidah Newspaper) - 16 JUL - On Sunday morning, the convoy of Accord Front’s Chief - Dr. Adnan Al Dulaimi was exposed to an IED attack. This explosion occurred in (western) Baghdad’s Amriya area while the convoy was en route to a Parliament session.
An anonymous source said an IED, which had been planted on the side of the highway intersection (in Amriya), exploded but, no one was hurt; the explosion only damaged one vehicle in the convoy and [we] left the damaged vehicle at a checkpoint (located near the intersection).
In addition to Al Dulaimi, also in the convoy were: Al Dulaimi’s daughter, plus a number of Accord Front’s advisors and prominent members. Al Dulaimi has been exposed to many unsuccessful assassination attempts. Some insurgent groups consider Al Dulaimi to be an apostate. He has called for people to participate in the political process. In Iraq’s Parliament and government, Al Dulaimi represents a large number of Iraqi people.
An anonymous source said an IED, which had been planted on the side of the highway intersection (in Amriya), exploded but, no one was hurt; the explosion only damaged one vehicle in the convoy and [we] left the damaged vehicle at a checkpoint (located near the intersection).
In addition to Al Dulaimi, also in the convoy were: Al Dulaimi’s daughter, plus a number of Accord Front’s advisors and prominent members. Al Dulaimi has been exposed to many unsuccessful assassination attempts. Some insurgent groups consider Al Dulaimi to be an apostate. He has called for people to participate in the political process. In Iraq’s Parliament and government, Al Dulaimi represents a large number of Iraqi people.
Labels: Adnan Dulaimi, Amriya, assassination attempt, Iraqi Accord Front
Friday, July 13, 2007
Accord Front Announces It Has Expelled Parliament Member Abd Al Nasir Al Janabi
Politics
(Al Mashriq Newspaper) - 12 JUL - Yesterday, the Iraqi Accord Front decided to expel Parliament Abd Al Nasir AL Janabi who previously announced his resignation from the Parliament and that he was joining insurgent groups. Accord Front Parliament member, Omr Abid Al Sattar, confirmed to a press agency that they have expelled Abd Al Nasir Al Janabi from the Accord Front. They have also informed the Parliament that they need to replace him. Abd Al Sattar said, “Parliament member, Abd Al Nasir Al Janabi does not represent the Accord Front any more after the Front announced its decision to expel him. Now, the Accord Front is working on replacing him. The National Dialogue Front Council, which is led by Khalaf Al Aliyan, has also dismissed Al Janabi.”
Abd Al Sattar described Al Janabi as a troublemaker. Al Janabi, who now lives outside Iraq, has been accused by PM Nuri Al Maliki, as being behind the activities of insurgent groups that have been involved in killing and kidnapping civilians on the highway between Baghdad and Bail Province. General, Abd Al Karim Khalaf, Iraqi MOI spokesman, has confirmed that the MOI will pursue Al Janabi because he announced that he is joining the armed resistance. Khalaf said, “We have a file about Al Janabi and is involved in number of killings. He is wanted based on the Anti-Terrorism Law, Article #4.” He further stated that an arrest warrant will be issued for Al Janabi.
Abd Al Sattar described Al Janabi as a troublemaker. Al Janabi, who now lives outside Iraq, has been accused by PM Nuri Al Maliki, as being behind the activities of insurgent groups that have been involved in killing and kidnapping civilians on the highway between Baghdad and Bail Province. General, Abd Al Karim Khalaf, Iraqi MOI spokesman, has confirmed that the MOI will pursue Al Janabi because he announced that he is joining the armed resistance. Khalaf said, “We have a file about Al Janabi and is involved in number of killings. He is wanted based on the Anti-Terrorism Law, Article #4.” He further stated that an arrest warrant will be issued for Al Janabi.
Labels: Abd al-Nasir al-Janabi, Anti-Terrorism Law, insurgent activity, Iraqi Accord Front, National Dialogue Front Council
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Iraqi Government Should Be Held Responsible For Criminal Acts Of Militias
Politics, Security
(Dar Al Salam Newspaper) - 3 JUL - Accord Front Parliament Member – Mr. Abd Al Karim Al Samaraie said the security forces should be held entirely responsible for failing to stop the militias’ criminal activities. Al Samaraie added, “Terrorist attacks have been occurring, and occur everyday, in Baghdad. Nowadays we are hearing stories that we had never heard before… even during the times of the “Mongol era”.
Al Samaraie clarified: we have evidence that we have seen and heard about that confirms that the Ministry of the Interior’s security forces are involved in the militias’ attacks. The militias are: raiding houses, and killing family members in these houses even if the family members are women, children, or old men. The militias have burnt Iraqis; and, militias have displaced families after killing the families’ sons.
(Al Samaraie continued,) there is an outside (foreign) agenda which aims to reshape Baghdad’s demography. All of these (types of) militia attacks (have continued to) occur while the new security plan is in progress. Al Samaraie pointed out that all of Iraq’s politicians say: the security forces are corrupt and the government should be held responsible. If the government is unable to stop the militias, then it (the govt.) should leave (step down/be replaced) in order for Iraqis to find someone who is capable of: leading them and confronting these problems.
Al Samaraie demanded that the individuals responsible for the Baghdad Security Plan should treat all of the insurgents, in Iraq’s streets, equally and take them to the courts.
(Al Samaraie continued,) there is an outside (foreign) agenda which aims to reshape Baghdad’s demography. All of these (types of) militia attacks (have continued to) occur while the new security plan is in progress. Al Samaraie pointed out that all of Iraq’s politicians say: the security forces are corrupt and the government should be held responsible. If the government is unable to stop the militias, then it (the govt.) should leave (step down/be replaced) in order for Iraqis to find someone who is capable of: leading them and confronting these problems.
Al Samaraie demanded that the individuals responsible for the Baghdad Security Plan should treat all of the insurgents, in Iraq’s streets, equally and take them to the courts.
Labels: Abd Al Karim Al Samaraie, Iraqi Accord Front, militias, Ministry of Interior
Monday, July 02, 2007
Sunni govt officials leave Baghdad for Kurdistan
Politics, Security
(Gulf News) - In a striking development, some top Sunni officials in the Iraqi government and parliament have decided to transfer their families to the more secure Kurdish region, Sunni politicians said. Salman Al Jabouri, a leading figure in Ahl Al Iraq convention (People of Iraq convention), Karkh section in Baghdad, told Gulf News: "Militias might kidnap Sunni officials' sons and murder them. Besides, Al Qaida has become a serious threat to the families, ... the Accord Front do not want their families to dwell inside the American fortified International Zone [formerly the Green Zone]."
Information indicates that the families of Vice-President Tariq Al Hashemi, Deputy Prime Minister Salam Al Zubai, and the suspended head of the Iraqi Parliament Mahmoud Al Mashadani, will move to the Kurdish regions, especially to Arbil, where leaders promised special protection and support. The escalation of sectarian violence in Baghdad led Sunni leaders to transfer their families to Kurdish region, a step that might indicate a worsening of security situation in future, said Sunni sources.
Faris, an official bodyguard for Sunni Accord Front members, told Gulf News: "There were written threats sent to Sunni officials, claiming to kill their family members if they do not withdraw from the whole political process .... Besides the possibility of securing their families' safety in Baghdad became almost impossible. ... their sons ... go to schools and universities while their wives visit relatives, that is the reason we need a large number of bodyguards."
According to Iraqi sources, who asked not to be named, some Arab countries have offered to host families of the Sunni officials, but they preferred the Kurd region mainly because most Sunni leaders admire the Kurdish position characterised by moderation concerning de-Baathification and dissolution of the Iraqi army.
Zuhair Al Dulaimi, a history professor, told Gulf News: "An important reason forcing Sunnis to flee Baghdad is that assassination campaigns have turned into massacres, claiming the lives of 20 to 50 citizens per day." Sunni political groups estimated that 200,000 Iraqis have left for Jordan, Syria and Egypt among other countries, and approximately out of 190,000 Sunnis who left, 150,000 are from Baghdad alone.
Information indicates that the families of Vice-President Tariq Al Hashemi, Deputy Prime Minister Salam Al Zubai, and the suspended head of the Iraqi Parliament Mahmoud Al Mashadani, will move to the Kurdish regions, especially to Arbil, where leaders promised special protection and support. The escalation of sectarian violence in Baghdad led Sunni leaders to transfer their families to Kurdish region, a step that might indicate a worsening of security situation in future, said Sunni sources.
Faris, an official bodyguard for Sunni Accord Front members, told Gulf News: "There were written threats sent to Sunni officials, claiming to kill their family members if they do not withdraw from the whole political process .... Besides the possibility of securing their families' safety in Baghdad became almost impossible. ... their sons ... go to schools and universities while their wives visit relatives, that is the reason we need a large number of bodyguards."
According to Iraqi sources, who asked not to be named, some Arab countries have offered to host families of the Sunni officials, but they preferred the Kurd region mainly because most Sunni leaders admire the Kurdish position characterised by moderation concerning de-Baathification and dissolution of the Iraqi army.
Zuhair Al Dulaimi, a history professor, told Gulf News: "An important reason forcing Sunnis to flee Baghdad is that assassination campaigns have turned into massacres, claiming the lives of 20 to 50 citizens per day." Sunni political groups estimated that 200,000 Iraqis have left for Jordan, Syria and Egypt among other countries, and approximately out of 190,000 Sunnis who left, 150,000 are from Baghdad alone.
Labels: Al Qaeda, Green Zone, International Zone, Iraqi Accord Front, Kurdistan, Mahmoud Al Mashahdani, relocation, Salam Al Zubai, Sunni officials, Tariq Al Hashemi
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Accord Front And Dialogue Front Are Splitting to form new party
Politics
(Bayyna Al Jadidah Newspaper) - 6 JUN - Parliament sources expect that today will witness the announcement of a new political front. The new political front will include members of the Accord, Dialogue, and Reconciliation and Freedom Fronts. The sources said, “Abd Mutlak Al Jabouri will lead the new political front. The purpose in creating this new political front is to oppose sectarianism and to help find solutions for the crises of the citizens. The Accord Front and National Front often work against the government and they are also sectarian fronts.”
(Al Mowaten Newspaper) - 6 JUN - The sources expect the new political front will include 15 Parliament members and this front will be empty of Baathists and sectarian people who are controlled by Sunni people. This front will work to find real solutions for Iraq’s citizens; also, this bloc will include 15 Parliament members. Saadi Al Barazanchi, a Kurdish Islamic Union Parliament member said that the Union will freeze its relationship with the new front and they are critical of the formation of this front. On Tuesday Barzanchi added, “We are so angry about the creation of this front because it includes former members of the Saddam regime and because intelligence from foreign countries paid for these members to create the front to work against the Iraqi people’s benefits.”
Labels: Abd Mutlak Al Jabouri, Iraqi Accord Front, Kurdish Islamic Union, National Dialogue Front
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Iraqi parliament votes on UN mandate for foreign troops
Politics
(Al Jazeera) - Iraqi politicians have passed a resolution requiring the government to seek parliamentary permission before asking the UN to extend the mandate for US-led forces in Iraq. The measure was approved on Tuesday and reflects a growing disenchantment with the US-backed government. The Sadrist-drafted resolution passed with a vote of 85 to 59.
The members of parliament voted along party lines, with Sunnis joining the bloc loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr, a Shia leader, and another Shia party at odds with the leadership. Supporters of Nuri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister, opposed the resolution.
The UN mandate for foreign forces in Iraq has already been extended until December 31 at al-Maliki's request, so Tuesday's parliamentary action is not expected to have any immediate effect. However, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, a Sunni parliament speaker, said: "If the government wants to extend the presence of the multinational forces, it has to come to us in the parliament to convince us first."
The effort mirrors the rivalry George Bush, the US president, faces with the Democratic-led congress, which has urged the administration to bring troops home.The UN Security Council voted on November 28 to extend the mandate of the multinational force, but it has also authorised a review of that mandate by June 15 or earlier if requested by the Iraqi government.
Al-Maliki has said he wants Iraqi forces to take over the country's security, but he has refused to demand a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign forces. George Bakus, an aide to al-Maliki, said: "I think the situation is clear ... when the Iraqi troops are ready and can control the country, the government will ask the multinational forces to leave."
Only 144 of the 275 members of the Iraqi parliament were present for the vote, but that was enough for a quorum. Adnan Dulaimi, of the Sunni Accordance Front, supported the measure, along with the Sadrists and members of the Fadhila party - which recently broke off from the Shia-led United Iraqi Alliance. Nassir al-Issawi, a Sadrist politician, said: "This was the first step in implementing our political goal which is the withdrawal of the occupation forces.''
Those opposed included Kurdish legislators and members of other mainstream Shia parties, including al-Maliki's Dawa party and the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq. Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish politician, objected to the resolution and said that "it is supposed that extension of the mandate of the forces should go with completing building the Iraqi forces''.
Jalaluddin al-Saghir, a Shia cleric from the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq, said the resolution was an additional obstacle for the government. "The government was at least supposed to be consulted before such a resolution was approved,'' he said. "Those who voted for the resolution had political aims."
The members of parliament voted along party lines, with Sunnis joining the bloc loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr, a Shia leader, and another Shia party at odds with the leadership. Supporters of Nuri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister, opposed the resolution.
The UN mandate for foreign forces in Iraq has already been extended until December 31 at al-Maliki's request, so Tuesday's parliamentary action is not expected to have any immediate effect. However, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, a Sunni parliament speaker, said: "If the government wants to extend the presence of the multinational forces, it has to come to us in the parliament to convince us first."
The effort mirrors the rivalry George Bush, the US president, faces with the Democratic-led congress, which has urged the administration to bring troops home.The UN Security Council voted on November 28 to extend the mandate of the multinational force, but it has also authorised a review of that mandate by June 15 or earlier if requested by the Iraqi government.
Al-Maliki has said he wants Iraqi forces to take over the country's security, but he has refused to demand a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign forces. George Bakus, an aide to al-Maliki, said: "I think the situation is clear ... when the Iraqi troops are ready and can control the country, the government will ask the multinational forces to leave."
Only 144 of the 275 members of the Iraqi parliament were present for the vote, but that was enough for a quorum. Adnan Dulaimi, of the Sunni Accordance Front, supported the measure, along with the Sadrists and members of the Fadhila party - which recently broke off from the Shia-led United Iraqi Alliance. Nassir al-Issawi, a Sadrist politician, said: "This was the first step in implementing our political goal which is the withdrawal of the occupation forces.''
Those opposed included Kurdish legislators and members of other mainstream Shia parties, including al-Maliki's Dawa party and the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq. Mahmoud Othman, a Kurdish politician, objected to the resolution and said that "it is supposed that extension of the mandate of the forces should go with completing building the Iraqi forces''.
Jalaluddin al-Saghir, a Shia cleric from the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq, said the resolution was an additional obstacle for the government. "The government was at least supposed to be consulted before such a resolution was approved,'' he said. "Those who voted for the resolution had political aims."
Labels: Fadhela party, Iraqi Accord Front, Moqtada Al-Sadr, Nouri Al-Maliki, UN mandate, UNSC
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Al-Hashimi met with Allawi about forming a new party
Politics
(Al Mashriq Newspaper AR.) - 28 MAY - Accord Front spokesman, Salim Al Jabouri, confirmed that there will soon be a new national front. He also confirmed that a few days ago VP Tariq Al Hashimi met with former PM, Ayad Allawi, the chief of the Iraqi List. They discussed creating a new front. Al Jabouri said to an Emirate newspaper that there are continuing communications with influential groups and parties, such as Fadhila Party, National Dialogue Front, and the Kurdish Coalition.
He added that there have been meetings with these groups and parties as well. He denied that these meetings area targeted at having a coup against the current government, rather, he described it as a democratic political activity targeted to create a new national front to represent the majority of Iraqis and be away from sectarianism. This new front will have patriotic programs and will serve all Iraqis. Finally, Al Hashimi stated in Amman yesterday that he has three choices: to dialog with the current government; withdraw from the current government; or create a new front.
Labels: Fadhela party, Iraqi Accord Front, Iraqi List, Iyad Allawi, Kurdish Coalition, National Dialogue Front, Salim Al Jabouri, Tariq al-Hashimi
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Vice President To Dar Al Salam: Iraq Will Participate In Iranian-American Talks
Regional
(Dar Al Salam Newspaper) - 22 MAY - Vice President Tariq Al Hashimi said, “Iraq will participate in the meeting which will be held between the US and Iran at the end of this month in Baghdad.” Al Hashimi said at the Economic Conference held in Jordan, “The Accord Front is discussing with all political fronts on how to resolve the problems in Iraq. We call for a review of the security ministries. We have many choices and we will choose one of these options if dialogue fails.”
Al Hashimi also said, “We confirm that we have many options but now we are talking with all political fronts. We will withdraw from the government if our dialogue fails but withdrawing is not our goal. We will use it as a policy tool to send a message to our brothers in the political process. Our message is: ‘what is happening now is not serving anyone.’”
Al Hashimi confirmed that Iraq will participate in the American-Iranian talks. Iraq received an invitation to attend this meeting. He said, “We will not accept the US holding a meeting with Iraq’s neighboring states without Iraq in attendance, especially when the meeting will discuss Iraqi affairs. We received an official date for the meeting.”
Al Hashimi also said, “We confirm that we have many options but now we are talking with all political fronts. We will withdraw from the government if our dialogue fails but withdrawing is not our goal. We will use it as a policy tool to send a message to our brothers in the political process. Our message is: ‘what is happening now is not serving anyone.’”
Al Hashimi confirmed that Iraq will participate in the American-Iranian talks. Iraq received an invitation to attend this meeting. He said, “We will not accept the US holding a meeting with Iraq’s neighboring states without Iraq in attendance, especially when the meeting will discuss Iraqi affairs. We received an official date for the meeting.”
Al Hashimi also said, “The Accord Front is holding discussions with the other political fronts and maybe we will form a new political front but this matter is still under discussion.” Al Hashimi spoke about the proposed oil law and said, “The Accord Front is against some items of the new oil law but the new oil law will allow foreign oil companies to invest in Iraq.”
Labels: Iran, Iraqi Accord Front, Tariq al-Hashimi, U.S.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Defense Minister Will Announce His Resignation In The Next Few Days
Politics
(Addustour Newspaper) - 10 MAY - Addustour has learned from Accord Front sources that the Defense Minister, Mohammed Abd Al Qadr Ubaidi [Mufriji], will announce his resignation in the next few days. Al Ubaidi is now on an official visit to Germany and will likely announce his resignation there. A source confirmed that Al Ubaidi agreed to resign after pressure by the Accord Front on the government. Finally, a secret report from the PM’s office states that the PM agreed to fire the MOD in exchange for the Accord Front’s continued participation in the political process.
Labels: Defense Minister, Iraqi Accord Front, Mohammed Abd Al Qadr Ubaidi, resignation
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Bomb rocks Iraq's parliament in the Green Zone
Security, Politics
(AP, Agencies) - A bomb rocked a cafeteria inside Iraq's parliament building in the heavily fortified Green Zone Thursday, killing a Sunni lawmaker and wounding many people, a parliament official said. The explosion took place while several lawmakers were eating lunch, said Mohammed Abu Bakr, who heads the media department at the parliament. Al-Jazeera television reported that Muhammad Awadh of the National Dialogue Block, had been killed in the blast and at least five members of the Accord Front block were injured.
"Several people were wounded, including members of parliament and some employees," Abu Bakr said. Initial media reports said at least four people were wounded. Al-Arabiyah television said a member of parliament was killed. A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, which is also in the Green Zone, said no Americans were injured in the blast. A security official at the parliament building said a second lawmaker, a Shiite member, also was killed. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
"We are aware of reports of an explosion in the Green Zone. We are investigating the nature and source of the explosion," spokesman Lou Fintor said. "No Embassy employees or U.S. citizens were affected." Mobile telephones and landlines in central Baghdad around the Green Zone, which is home to the parliament complex, did not appear to be in service after the blast.
The US military said it was tracking media reports of a blast inside the sprawling Green Zone compound, also home to the Iraqi government and foreign embassies. Militants have rarely managed to penetrate the various checkpoints and carry out attacks. Recently, the U.S. military said two suicide vests had been found inside the zone, a sprawling area that comprises many government buildings and the U.S. embassy. Attempts to reach dozens of lawmakers by telephone were unsuccessful.
"Several people were wounded, including members of parliament and some employees," Abu Bakr said. Initial media reports said at least four people were wounded. Al-Arabiyah television said a member of parliament was killed. A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, which is also in the Green Zone, said no Americans were injured in the blast. A security official at the parliament building said a second lawmaker, a Shiite member, also was killed. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
"We are aware of reports of an explosion in the Green Zone. We are investigating the nature and source of the explosion," spokesman Lou Fintor said. "No Embassy employees or U.S. citizens were affected." Mobile telephones and landlines in central Baghdad around the Green Zone, which is home to the parliament complex, did not appear to be in service after the blast.
The US military said it was tracking media reports of a blast inside the sprawling Green Zone compound, also home to the Iraqi government and foreign embassies. Militants have rarely managed to penetrate the various checkpoints and carry out attacks. Recently, the U.S. military said two suicide vests had been found inside the zone, a sprawling area that comprises many government buildings and the U.S. embassy. Attempts to reach dozens of lawmakers by telephone were unsuccessful.
Labels: explosion, Green Zone, Iraq's parliament, Iraqi Accord Front, Muhammad Awadh, National Dialogue Block
Iraqi Accord Front may withdraw from political process
Politics
(al-Melaf) - The largest Sunni bloc in Parliament may intend to withdraw from the political process, al-Melaf reports in Arabic. The news agency cites an "informed source" inside the Tawafuq Front who reportedly said that the outstanding arrest warrants for Tawafuq MPs have led the bloc to plan its withdrawal announcement.
Arrest warrants have previously been issued against a number of Tawafuq deputies. Members of parliament cannot be prosecuted unless the chamber lifts the status of immunity.
A number of members of the bloc left Iraq weeks ago without filing requests for official travel or leave with the office of the president of the Parliament, according to al-Melaf. During raids by US and Iraqi forces on homes of Tawafuq parliamentarians, weapons and documents were found linking Front members with elements of militant groups, and also to the prior regime, according to US claims. Tawafuq MPs have denied these allegations.
The Tawafuq Front has refused to discuss the lifting of the diplomatic immunity of a number of parliamentarians. Adnan al-Dulaimi, the president of the bloc has said that the arrest of parliamentarians is a threat to the political process, al-Melaf writes. The Tawafuq Front, a coalition of Sunni parties, is under intense pressure, both from the Iraqi government and US forces, but also from many Iraqi Sunni Arabs who view their participation in the political process under the aegis of the US occupation as illegitimate.
Tawafuq is the largest Sunni-based political bloc in the Parliament, representing 44 seats in the legislature. A Tawafuq withdrawal from the political process could deliver a serious blow to the Iraqi regime. Tawafuq has remained in the opposition in Parliament, but its participation in the body has provided lent legitimation to the Iraqi regime by providing Sunni representation in the process. Absent the Tawafuq presence in Parliament, this claim of Iraqi Sunni Arab representation in the political process would be harder to sustain.
"Tawafuq" is an Arabic word that has been translated different ways: It has appeared in media reports glossed as "Accord," "Concordance," "Accordance" or even "Consensus."
Arrest warrants have previously been issued against a number of Tawafuq deputies. Members of parliament cannot be prosecuted unless the chamber lifts the status of immunity.
A number of members of the bloc left Iraq weeks ago without filing requests for official travel or leave with the office of the president of the Parliament, according to al-Melaf. During raids by US and Iraqi forces on homes of Tawafuq parliamentarians, weapons and documents were found linking Front members with elements of militant groups, and also to the prior regime, according to US claims. Tawafuq MPs have denied these allegations.
The Tawafuq Front has refused to discuss the lifting of the diplomatic immunity of a number of parliamentarians. Adnan al-Dulaimi, the president of the bloc has said that the arrest of parliamentarians is a threat to the political process, al-Melaf writes. The Tawafuq Front, a coalition of Sunni parties, is under intense pressure, both from the Iraqi government and US forces, but also from many Iraqi Sunni Arabs who view their participation in the political process under the aegis of the US occupation as illegitimate.
Tawafuq is the largest Sunni-based political bloc in the Parliament, representing 44 seats in the legislature. A Tawafuq withdrawal from the political process could deliver a serious blow to the Iraqi regime. Tawafuq has remained in the opposition in Parliament, but its participation in the body has provided lent legitimation to the Iraqi regime by providing Sunni representation in the process. Absent the Tawafuq presence in Parliament, this claim of Iraqi Sunni Arab representation in the political process would be harder to sustain.
"Tawafuq" is an Arabic word that has been translated different ways: It has appeared in media reports glossed as "Accord," "Concordance," "Accordance" or even "Consensus."
Labels: Adnan Dulaimi, Iraqi Accord Front, Tawafuq Front
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Sunni politician survives assassination attempt
Security, Politics
(VOI) An Iraqi legislator from the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF) survived an attempt on his life in Diala, while a bodyguard was killed and three others were injured in the attack, a leading figure from the IAF said on Tuesday. “Parliamentarian Muzher al-Saadon, of Iraqi Accordance Front, escaped an attempt on his life when an armed group ambushed his motorcade in Muqdadiya, northeast of Diala,” spokesman for the IAF, Salim Abdullah, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
“The attack took place in al-Hasnawi district, in Muqdadiya, when a group of armed men opened fire against the lawmaker’s car, killing a bodyguard and injuring three others who were rushed to the hospital for treatment,” he added.The source did not mention whether or not the parliamentarian was wounded. The spokesman did not accuse anyone of the attack. The Iraqi Accordance Front, under Adnan al-Dulaimi, is a Sunni bloc with 44 seats out of the 275-member parliament.
COMMENT: Police anticipate that Al-Qaida organization are behind the assassination attempt as a part of its operations targeting the members of the Iraqi Islamic Party (IIP), the biggest Sunni Islamic party in Iraq. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Diyala, Iraqi Accord Front, Muqdadiya, Muzher al-Saadon
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Al-Maliki is againts the IAF's plan of changing the Defense Minister
Politics, Security
(Voices of Iraq) Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki views that changing Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Ubaidi upon the wish of the Sunni Iraqi Accordance Front (IAF) will "affect the course of the security plan," said Sami al-Aaskari, a Shiite Unified Iraqi Coalition (UIC) member of parliament, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) on Sunday.
The IAF "has not so far come up with alternatives for its ministers (in the Maliki government)," said Aaskari. Maliki had earlier on Sunday said the expected cabinet reshuffle will take place this week or next week. The IAF occupies three portfolios in the current Iraqi government and was assigned to name a defense minister, Ubaidi.
On the number of ministries to be included in the reshuffle, Aaskari said that the change will involve 10 ministries, including six belonging to the UIC, two to the Iraqi National Slate and two to the IAF. The Iraqi parliament member did not, however, name those ministries but said the UIC "has already named the new nominees." Aaskari said "ministers will be chosen this time from technocratic circles and experience and efficiency would be taken into consideration."
The IAF "has not so far come up with alternatives for its ministers (in the Maliki government)," said Aaskari. Maliki had earlier on Sunday said the expected cabinet reshuffle will take place this week or next week. The IAF occupies three portfolios in the current Iraqi government and was assigned to name a defense minister, Ubaidi.
On the number of ministries to be included in the reshuffle, Aaskari said that the change will involve 10 ministries, including six belonging to the UIC, two to the Iraqi National Slate and two to the IAF. The Iraqi parliament member did not, however, name those ministries but said the UIC "has already named the new nominees." Aaskari said "ministers will be chosen this time from technocratic circles and experience and efficiency would be taken into consideration."
COMMENT: Iyad Allawi (secular Shia) has been in talks with Kurdish leaders to form a new front. This could lead to the destabilisation of al-Maliki and a decrease in Shia political power. The IAF supports Allawi's concept if there is a redistribution of official appointments and the security ministries, as well as freezing of the constitution and dissolving of parliament. If their requirements are not met they have threatened to walk away. The IAF describes their concepts as a 'B' plan should the Baghdad Security Conference - scheduled for next week - fail. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Abdul-Qader al-Ubaidi, al-Maliki, Defense Minister, Iraqi Accord Front, Sami al-Aaskari
Monday, March 05, 2007
Allawi meets with Kurdish leaders
Politics
(Al-Hayat) A member of Ayad Allawi's Iraqi List, Osama al-Najafi, told an Al-Hayat reporter that both Allawi and US ambassador Khalilzad are in Kurdistan for talks with leaders there. Allawi is trying to convince the leaders of the Kurdish coalition in the national parliament to join the "new front" he is forming, since the Kurds have a big weight in parliament and in the current government. And Najafi told the reporter that Khalilzad's presence there indicates the US supports the Allawi plan. The reporter then recites the contents of the announcement made Friday by a spokesman for Allawi's group, about the political and security collapse and the threat of Allawi's group exiting the government and the current political process. Here's the new part of what he reports:
And Najafi said the question of the Iraqi List staying in the current government is conditional on agreement to its demands, represented by: revision of the political process in its entirety, changing the method of administering the Iraqi state, freezing the constitution, and dissolving parliament. And he stressed that the decision to withdraw [in the event the demands aren't met] has been agreed to my most of the members of the Iraqi List. The reporter also talked to Adnan Dulaimi, head of the Iraqi Accord Front, the biggest Sunni bloc in parliament, and here's how that went:
And the IAF, through its leader Adnan Dulaimi, said the group supports the creation of a new front to correct the course of the political process via redistribution of official appointments and the security ministries, in the event of failure of the international Baghdad Conference to cure the current situation.
And Najafi said the question of the Iraqi List staying in the current government is conditional on agreement to its demands, represented by: revision of the political process in its entirety, changing the method of administering the Iraqi state, freezing the constitution, and dissolving parliament. And he stressed that the decision to withdraw [in the event the demands aren't met] has been agreed to my most of the members of the Iraqi List. The reporter also talked to Adnan Dulaimi, head of the Iraqi Accord Front, the biggest Sunni bloc in parliament, and here's how that went:
And the IAF, through its leader Adnan Dulaimi, said the group supports the creation of a new front to correct the course of the political process via redistribution of official appointments and the security ministries, in the event of failure of the international Baghdad Conference to cure the current situation.
So the Iraqi List appears to be talking about a "new front" that will demand freezing of the constitution and dissolving parliament as part of a "course-correction in the political process", otherwise they will bolt. The IAF leader talks about this "new front" idea as a "redistribution of official positions", and says it is something that should happen in the event that the Baghdad Conference (expected to be held in about a week, on March 10) doesn't solve anything. And the Allawi person, perhaps predictably, says Allawi is being given tacit US support by Khalilzad, in his current attempt to get the two big Kurdish parties to join in this.
Labels: Adnan Dulaimi, Iraqi Accord Front, Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, KRG, Osama al-Najafi
