A senior Coordination Framework official said talks in the Kurdistan Region will focus only on the Iraqi presidency. He confirmed that the premiership will not appear on the agenda.
On Monday, a high-level Coordination Framework delegation arrived in the Kurdistan Region. The delegation includes Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Hadi al-Amiri, and Mohsen al-Mandalawi. The visit aims to resolve disputes over the presidential candidate.
Firas al-Maslamawi, spokesperson for the Alliance for Reconstruction and Development, outlined the delegation’s objectives. He said the meetings target one issue only. He stressed that discussions will center on finalizing the president.
Moreover, al-Maslamawi said the delegation seeks to narrow differences between Kurdish parties. He noted that meetings will take place with both the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
Afterward, the Coordination Framework plans to reconvene in Baghdad. It will then request parliament to schedule a presidential election session. According to al-Maslamawi, the outcome of today’s talks will determine the timing.
Meanwhile, al-Maslamawi ruled out any discussion of the prime minister post. He said the Framework already finalized its decision. He described Nouri al-Maliki as the sole and final candidate.
In addition, he said Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani fully supports Maliki’s candidacy. He emphasized that the decision remains firm and unchanged.
Al-Maslamawi also addressed foreign relations. He said the alliance wants stable ties with the United States. However, he added that external pressure will not alter their political choices.
Finally, he expressed hope that the Kurdistan visit will ease internal disagreements. He said compromise on the presidency remains possible. He concluded that progress today could unlock the next constitutional step.