MESOP LATEST : Maliki: Article 140 is not Finished

03.07.2014 – Mewan Dolamari – BasNews, Erbil – Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki stated on Wednesday that Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution has not yet been implemented and finished.

Article 140 discusses the disputed territories between Kurdistan and greater Iraq, therefore becoming a hot topic for the Kurds with the prospect of independence.Maliki discussed Article 140 in a statement that was given in response to Fatwa of top Shiite cleric in Iraq Ali al-Sistani’s call ’for all Iraqis regardless to their religion sector and nationality’ to pick up their guns and fight against the IS.

Maliki took the opportunity not only to address al-Sistani’s statements, but to also discuss the changing relationship with the Kurds.

’Kurds should follow the constitution as they are part of Iraq. Self-determination is not mentioned in the constitution,’ said Maliki.In regards to the referendum set to be held in the Kurdistan Region, Maliki noted that: ’Kurdish people will not vote in favor of secession in the referendum.’’The reaction of the Kurdistan Region in this situation is unacceptable and we will not accept any referendum. Today’s fight is for the unity of Iraq,’ added Maliki. On June 27, in a press conference with the Foreign Minister of Britain William Hague, Kurdistan Regional President Massoud Barzani pointed out that ’Article 140 has been implemented and we will no longer discuss it.’