Iraqi, Kurdish political parties hold ‘national dialogue’ in Baghdad

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Leaders of Iraqi and Kurdish political parties on Wednesday attended a “national dialogue” conference organized by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, and boycotted by the Sadrist Movement.

Kadhimi on Tuesday invited the leaders of all political parties to attend a ‘national dialogue’ at his office aimed at ending the current political deadlock in the country.

Most of the leaders of the Iraqi and Kurdish political parties attended the top meeting. Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert also participated.

“The attendees expressed their commitment to the national constants, and to finding a solution to all crises through dialogue and adopting a spirit of brotherhood and synergy,” read a statement from Kadhimi’s office.

In a statement seen by Rudaw English, the Sadrist Movement said it would not attend the meeting, without providing a reason for its decision.

Over ten months after Iraq held snap parliamentary elections, the political parties have failed to elect a president and a prime minister for the country due to disagreements. There are ongoing sit-ins in the capital city of Baghdad by supporters of the powerful cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and pro-Iran Coordination Framework.

Sadr, whose movement became the main winner of the October vote by gaining 73 seats, withdrew from the parliament in June after failing to reach an agreement with the rival Coordination Framework. On August 3, Sadr called for another snap election and the dissolution of the current parliament.

Some political parties have welcomed Sadr’s call for fresh elections while others prefer to abide by the results of the October elections.

The attendees of Wednesday’s meeting indicated that “resorting to the polls once again through early elections is not an exceptional event in the history of democratic experiences when political crises reach dead ends,” adding that such a thing should be done as per the constitution, read the statement from Kadhimi’s office.

They also called on the Sadrist Movement to attend the dialogue which is set to continue.