KDP Lawmaker Warns Against Efforts to Weaken Kurdistan Region’s Constitutional Status
Daner Abdulghaffar says Article 117 of Iraq’s Constitution recognizes the Kurdistan Region as a unified constitutional entity, warning that attempts to divide or undermine it would violate the constitution
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — A spokesperson for the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) parliamentary bloc in Iraq’s Council of Representatives has warned against any efforts from Baghdad to divide the Kurdistan Region or weaken its constitutional standing, describing such moves as a violation of Iraq’s Constitution and a disregard for the sacrifices made by the Kurdistan people.
Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Tuesday, Daner Abdulghaffar said Article 117 of the Iraqi Constitution explicitly recognizes the Kurdistan Region as a unified constitutional entity, with its legitimate authorities and institutions.
“Protecting this entity is the responsibility of everyone, particularly those holding senior and sovereign positions. It is especially the primary responsibility of the President of Iraq,” Abdulghaffar said.
He warned that any attempt to weaken, fragment or dismantle the Kurdistan Region would constitute a clear constitutional violation and undermine the sacrifices and bloodshed endured by the Kurdistan people in their struggle to secure their rights.
Abdulghaffar also stressed that Kurdish representatives in Baghdad, particularly those occupying senior government positions, have a responsibility to defend the interests of the people of Kurdistan.
He specifically referred to the Iraqi president’s constitutional responsibilities under Article 67, which stipulates that the president is the head of state and a symbol of the unity of the country, as well as the guarantor of the Constitution.
“Any action contrary to these constitutional responsibilities constitutes a violation of the Constitution,” he said.
The KDP parliamentary bloc spokesperson further described the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional status as a red line, emphasizing that it was secured through decades of struggle, including the Anfal campaign and chemical attacks against the Kurdish population.
He cautioned that the Region’s constitutional standing should not be compromised for temporary political rivalries or party gains, urging all Kurdish representatives in Baghdad to firmly defend the Region rather than become instruments of efforts opposing federalism and the legitimate rights of the Kurdistan people.
Article 117 of Iraq’s 2005 Constitution formally recognizes the Kurdistan Region and its existing authorities as a federal region. Article 67 defines the president’s role as head of state and a symbol of national unity, with responsibility for safeguarding the Constitution.