URGENT: Leaked copy of PM’s upcoming speech to parliament revealed

IraqiNews.com has obtained a draft version of Prime Minister al-Abadi upcoming speech before parliament. It addresses the new government and current hot issues in Iraq, in addition to some of the issues related to the future of Iraq. The most prominent points are the following:

• Supporting military operations against terrorists
• Reconsidering the security file and army building contracts
• Addressing the issue of displaced persons from various areas
• Resolving the differences of the regional and federal governments through the constitution and law
• Strategic plan stretching from 2015 to 2018
• Strict adherence to human rights
• The limitation of arms to the state and the prohibition of militias
• Government reform and the fight against corruption

The Iraqi parliament is expected to meet this evening to give confidence to the Government of Haider al-Abadi, at a time when disputes are still delaying an official announcement of the new government formation.

Hoshyar Zebari, chief negotiator for the Kurds, confirmed that the Kurdish political bloc in Iraq will revert back to Kurdistan today to hold a final meeting on whether to participate in the next national government.

Zebari said that the bloc will return to Sulaimaniyah today to hold a crucial meeting with the Kurdish leaders on the circumstances surrounding the talks and the share of the Kurds in the government, pointing out that the final decision would be for the Kurds.