Iraq to deploy troops in areas disputed with Kurds

The Iraqi parliament yesterday unanimously adopted a resolution demanding Prime Minister and General Commander of the Armed Forces Haider Al-Abadi to re-deploy federal forces in all areas disputed with Kurdistan including Kirkuk.

The resolution also demands Parliament implement its earlier decision to remove Kirkuk Governor Najmiddin Karim.

Head of the Parliament’s Security and Defence Committee Hakim Al-Zamili told reporters that “the resolution stresses the unconstitutionality of the referendum in the Kurdish region and requires the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Haider Al-Abadi, to issue orders to the military forces to redeploy in the disputed areas, including Kirkuk, and maintain national ties with the Kurds as a key component.”

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The decisions are binding, he explained.

In a move opposed by regional and international forces, the Kurdish Regional Government yesterday held a referendum on secession from Iraq.