Iraq facing several problems, but Kirkuk faces larger problems, Parliament Speaker says

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq‘s Parliament Speaker, Usama al-Nujeify, has said on Sunday that “Iraq is facing several problems, but its northern city of Kirkuk is facing larger problems.” Nujeify said that during his reception of a delegation, representing Kirkuk Province, led by its Governor, Abdul-Rahman Mustapha and a number of its Council members and businessman, to get acquainted with the economic, security and service circumstances in the Province, according to a statement issued by Nujefy’s office, copy of which was received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “Iraq is facing several problems, but Kirkuk is suffering from additional problems, due to the existence of political and administrative interfences in its affairs,” Nujeify said, callling for “cooperation among different political parties, in order to avoid an attempt to create further problems in the Province.” Nijiefy also expressed “the Parliament’s readiness to support the demands of Kirkuk citizens, with all its components and necessity to acclerate the implementation of investments and economic projects in Kirkuk,” promising to visit Kirkuk, with his 2nd Deputy Speaker, Arif Tiefur, who attended the meeting, together with several legislatures. The Parliament’s Speaker had also “confirmed necessity to activate the Iraqi constitution and the practicing of non-central system, through granting authorities for the councils of provinces,” announcing “close measures to carry out elections of councils of cities and villages, to be followed with elections of Kirkuk Province’s Council.” Teifur, on his part, said that the Parliament “is keen to satisfy the demands of the delegation, including the development of the electric power and the construction of an oil refinery in Kirkuk Province.” The Parliament’s statement said that Kirkuk Province’s delegation had “presented details of several economic, political and service problems hampering the development of the Province, including several allocations and failure to grant necessary authorities for the administration of the Province,” expressing hope that “they would contribute in minimizing the obstacles standing against their implementation.” IT / SKH 512