Iraq facing “governance crisis”, President Salih told MEPS21

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi President Barham Salih said Iraq still faces a deep “governance crisis” which must be resolved in order to achieve peace.

The Iraqi president made the remarks Tuesday during the Forum on Peace and Security in the Middle East (MEPS21) at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) in Duhok province, in the Kurdistan region.

Read more: Prime Minister Barzani launches Middle East Peace and Security Forum in Duhok

“There is a deep and critical crisis in Iraq, which is a crisis of governance,” President Salih said.

This crisis, he added, began after popular grassroots protests swept Iraq in October 2019. These nationwide protests denounced widespread corruption and demanded better governance and protection. of Iraqi sovereignty.

“The problem is not the formation of the government. It is about achieving good governance that reflects the needs of Iraqi youth, people and components, ”said Salih.

The Iraqi President recalled the past hardships the country had gone through and stressed the importance of cooperation to face the challenges.

He also highlighted the lingering problems between Erbil and Baghdad, calling them “fundamental”.

“I am clearly saying that the Erbil-Baghdad issues are [still] fundamental after 20 years, ”said the Iraqi President, adding that the outstanding issues require fundamental resolution.

Serious dialogue and commitments are needed from all parties to address all the challenges facing Iraq, the senior official added. The country cannot be ruled by the “logic of force”.

MEPS welcomes local and international politicians, academics and students. They discuss the most pressing issues facing the region.

Iraq recently announced the final preliminary results of the snap parliamentary elections held in October.

Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani welcomes Iraqi President Barham Salih to the Middle East Peace and Security Forum # meps21 at the American University of Kurdistan in Duhok. pic.twitter.com/c8c6ifBTQa

– Kurdistan 24 English (@ K24English) November 16, 2021