Opposition puts President Barzani under pressure

KT News and Comment:

President Barzani now promises an election.

President Barzani now promises an election.

In a reaction to the three opposition parties’ announcement on Wednesday, a spokesman for the President of Kurdistan has issued a statement claiming that Barzani did not ask for his presidency to be extended.

Dr Aumid Sabbah said: “The Opposition should appreciate the current situation of Kurdistan and the generosity of the president of Kurdistan in asking the commission for elections and that these elections shall be held on time … and the Opposition are a minority and cannot make any pressure and they should know their size and capacity”.

Barzani’s announcement comes just days after a leading member of his Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) visited the Gorran leadership requesting their support for Barzani to stay in power without an election.

Surely this latest statement shows that the Opposition in general, and Gorran in particular, has created a big pressure on the two ruling parties and the president?

Political observers and psychologists can see that the dedication of the three opposition parties is shaking the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). They are currently in a strong position and this is why their voices can be heard.

Two years ago, in January 2011, the Opposition enjoyed a similarly strong position and it was able to put huge pressure on the two ruling parties by calling for the dissolution of the government and parliament.

According to the law, Barzani should stand down in July having completed two terms.

Copyright © 2013 Kurdistantribune.com

12 Responses to Opposition puts President Barzani under pressure
  1. Kurd
    April 12, 2013 | 10:59

    Dear KT editors: why do you always have to emphasize Gorran separate from the rest of the opposition? Isn’t Gorran part of the opposition? Why not just say Opposition Puts Barzani under pressure? Is this an official Gorran media outlet? I really respect KT and respect Gorran but I don’t think it’s in the interest of opposition as a whole to be divided. Thank you

    • Editor
      April 12, 2013 | 14:57

      Thank you for your comment. We have thought about it and changed the headline. We also point out that we have published several articles and many comments critical of Gorran and no doubt we will continue to do so. On this occasion, however, we think they have positively led the way. But many thanks for your feedback.

  2. Suleiman
    April 12, 2013 | 12:35

    Proud of the opposition! I hope they don’t back down or get bought out by money. Everything is possible from the 2 corrupt parties

  3. kurd
    April 12, 2013 | 17:31

    I think it is a good work that opposition parties have rejected demands of PUK and KDP till Barzani stays in power without return to parliamentary election and respect of the will of people …However,I suppose no difference between two positions:Barzani stays in power or he quits … because both position are not effect on our political and social life in the south,…,(except good for his family)this work of opposition is nothing rather the propaganda of the next parliamentary election ….

  4. Lorenzo Garcia
    April 12, 2013 | 21:51

    In politics, the art of compromissing is the essence of existence. Be sure, everything has a price tag in kurdish politics. Sometimes an open price tag, other times not so open or rather hidden price tag. At the end of the day, it is better with some factual wins than with an honorable loss.
    If a majority decides somethying and the minority do not get their will, this is just the power of democracy.
    Right or wrong has nothing to do with democracy. It is just a majority who imposes their will on minorities. Here in Kurdistan, Europe and USA.
    And time will not remember the ones who made honorable losses, just forget and to next election….

  5. KIM
    April 13, 2013 | 03:25

    To all KIM members:

    For immediate redistribution.

    We have received reliable intel that KPD, radical extremist groups and Iranian agents have increased their activities in South Kurdistan and might retaliate against KIM members if they rise up in case Barzani does not step down after the completion of his second term. We warn you all in advance to stay very vigilant. Its also predicted that President Barzani might change his mind in the last second and try to prolong his 3rd term by force. Iran might militarily intervene to extend protection to president Barzanis KDP vis-a-vis continued financial support to avoid economic sanctions and advance its nuclear programs. We warn the Islamic Republic of Iran to cease meddling into our internal affairs and stay out of this, or we will similarly retaliate against their interests in South Kurdistan.

    KIM
    Thanks.

  6. Suleiman
    April 13, 2013 | 11:45

    This KIM garbage keeps coming up. This whole movement is something that Most people don’t even know about and I am very suspicious that it even exists beyond a few members. Since it was announced, what exactly has KIM done? And why are you coming out everything with these heavy talk that is really laughable.

  7. Lorenzo Garcia
    April 13, 2013 | 19:58

    Kim,
    What are you smoking?

  8. […] He had his proxies ask opposition parties to acquiesce to a third term, and appears shocked that opposition leaders refused. The law is clear, they said, and Barzani should stand […]

  9. Arezoo
    April 16, 2013 | 21:09

    President Barzani has 2 choices: 1) Step down respectfully and be a symbol of peace 2) Kicked out facing the same destiny of other dictators.

  10. Baqi Barzani
    April 17, 2013 | 17:19

    Well! election is drawing near in south Kurdistan.

    who will you vote for???????????????????

    Who will be the next new President ???

    Make sure you choose the right president!

    1- Someone who will fight corruption.
    2- Someone who will end social and economic injustice.
    3- Someone who will build us good universities, bring us fast internet, post office, basic services, etc.
    4- someone who will pay attention to women rights
    5- Someone who will create job opportunities for our youths.
    6- Someone who will merge all state institution, Peshmarga, intelligence, police departments.
    7- Someone who will take care of all ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians, Jews, Yezedis, Shabak, Turkmon.
    8- Someone who will pay attention to tourism.
    9- Someone who will end racial, religious and gender discrimination.
    10- Someone who will prepare the ground and make S. Kurdistan independent in 2016.

    In short: Someone who will improve the infrastructure, promotes democracy, advocate women rights, and eliminate corruption.

  11. Rawand
    April 18, 2013 | 23:23

    Masood Barzani announced that Iraqi Kurdistan Region’s presidential and parliamentary elections will take place on September 21, 2013. Albeit he delayed the election for a couple of additional months, trying to buy more time but it sounds OK. What we ask him to do is to appear on national TV and say that he will stand down and not run for the 3rd time.

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