Formation of regions constitutional if not on sectarian basis – MP

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: National Alliance MP Ali Kurdi said today that the Alliance discussed the question of the regions, pointing out that in principle it is a constitutional one, assuming that it has not been established on a sectarian or ethnic basis.  “To establish it on a sectarian or ethnic bases is something to be rejected,” Kurdi told IraqiNews.com.  “All agree on the sensitivity and danger of the topic. This question shall be solved within the political blocs because there is no justification for such regions,” he added.  Parliament Speaker Usama Nujaifi announced during his trip to the United States that the Sunni sect feels “depressed,” and that this matter  “should be dealt with, otherwise the Sunnis may think of separation and demand a region of their own.”  “Those who are asking for new regions are playing with pressure cards in an attempt to garner political gains here and there. The time is not suitable for such demands,” Kurdi added.  “Iraqi should stand against these calls because their main interests are in the unity of their country,” he concluded.  RM (TI)/SR 483