KIRKUK, Iraq — The implementation of the Rashid Hotel agreement to form Kirkuk’s local government has entered a new phase. Following the appointment of Rebwar Taha of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) as Kirkuk’s governor from the Kurdish community, Mohammed Ibrahim al-Hafidh from the Arab community has been named the head of the Kirkuk provincial council.
In a press conference alongside Governor Taha, al-Hafidh highlighted the spirit of cooperation, stating, “Kirkuk begins a new chapter today with the active participation of myself, Governor Rebwar Taha, all provincial council members, and our diverse community partners. Today is a milestone for coexistence and peace.”
The Kirkuk Provincial Council is preparing for full participation from all components in the multi-ethnic city, though the Turkmen community is still awaiting a decision from the Federal Court. According to Injeel Ziya, a coordinator for the head of the Provincial Council, “Turkmen rights are well-preserved, and we are waiting for the protesting members to take office and assume their positions.”
Positions within the council have been allocated as per the Rashid Hotel agreement, with Turkmen posts preserved. The Council hopes that factions who have not yet participated will join in to serve the city.
The Council will next focus on distributing committee positions. A member of the PUK faction, Nashat Shawez, stated, “Should there be a change in the governor’s position, other posts will be restored to the Kurds.” The Council’s next step involves holding regular meetings and appointing committee chairpersons.
On August 10, nearly eight months post-elections, nine out of the 16 Kirkuk Provincial Council members met at the Rashidi Hotel in Baghdad to form the local government. A majority vote of 8+1 is required to elect any position within the city’s administration.
Reporting by Aram Jamal, Zoom News reproter in Kirkuk.