Abadi visiting Kirkuk calls for Iraqi unity and takes a jab at Erdogan

KIRKUK, Kurdistan Region – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called for unity during a visit to the disputed city of Kirkuk on Friday.

“He emphasized the unity of all the Iraqi people and said this unity is a source of strength for us,” reads a statement issued by Abadi’s press office on Friday, adding that now, as current events unfold across the country, is the best time for Iraqis to unite.

Abadi also vowed to liberate the remaining areas in Kirkuk province from Islamic State (ISIS) rule soon.

“We fight to liberate human beings, and through our active heroes we will liberate the people of Hawija, Ryaz and Rashad from the terrorist gangs and will enter those areas soon,” reads the statement.

Abadi arrived in Kirkuk on Friday to meet with the Kirkuk administration, tribal leaders, and security and military officials to discuss upcoming operations to push ISIS out of the last remaining areas in Kirkuk province.

Rudaw’s correspondent Halkawt Aziz reported that Abadi and the Kirkuk administration discussed the offensive to retake Hawija now being planned.

Abadi also took a subtle jab at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who recently declared that Turkey will participate in the liberation of the key northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

“Abadi expressed his surprise over raised voices who are trying to disrupt the liberation of the rest of the cities, particularly as we are getting closer in achieving final victory, wondering ‘Where were you when those gangs occupied the cities?’ according to the press office statement.

The prime minister reiterated that only Iraqi security forces will take part in the operations, and said that local police will be in charge of security after the military operation.

“He reiterated that the Iraqi fighters are the only ones who will fight and liberate territories. He thanked those heroes in advance for their sacrifices for their country.”

In a press in joint press conference with Najmaldin Karim, governor of Kirkuk, Abadi again advised Turkey not to interfere in Iraqi affairs.

“We tell Turkey that we want to have good relations and live peacefully with you, and we have no ambition for your land.”

“Please do not interfere in our affairs, do not breach our sovereignty,” Abadi said.

“Why at the last stage you want to take part, why did you not come in the beginning?”

Abadi visiting Kirkuk calls for Iraqi unity and takes a jab at Erdogan

Kataib Hezbollah accuses Iraqi PM, aide of amassing billions in alleged illicit wealth

One killed, five-year-old child found dead after flash floods hit Erbil

Iraqi PM cancels Mosul airport contracts linked to armed groups

Related Articles

Kataib Hezbollah accuses Iraqi PM, aide of amassing billions in alleged illicit wealth

One killed, five-year-old child found dead after flash floods hit Erbil

Iraqi PM cancels Mosul airport contracts linked to armed groups