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Iraqi politician Izzat al-Shabandar stated that the PKK terrorist organization issue is approaching an end, expressing optimism that "Türkiye will open a brighter page with its neighbor Iraq."
Al-Shabandar told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the budget problem between the central government and the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) has persisted for many years, calling the failure to resolve it a "shameful matter."
"The financial and political crisis between the Iraqi Kurdish Region and Baghdad has reached dangerous levels, and I should note that this is not the fault of only one side," Shabandar said.
He emphasized that the crisis has moved beyond politics, affecting citizens directly: "This is no longer just a political issue but a problem reflected on people's tables. The bill for intergovernmental conflicts cannot be passed to the people."
Shabandar warned that the salary crisis has become susceptible to political manipulation in the streets, stating, "This situation can be used by malicious circles to incite the Kurdish people."
Regarding Iran's influence in Iraq, Shabandar noted, "Iran's influence and effect on political decisions in Iraq has significantly decreased. Iran has understood that it should not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries."
He stressed that relying on external powers would not provide solutions: "No solution can be found by relying on either Iran or America. Iraqis must produce their own solution."
Regarding traditional Shia parties in the country, Shabandar warned, "If they do not renew themselves, this could be their last election."
He considered it unlikely that Shia religious and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who has withdrawn from politics for a long time, would participate in elections but suggested al-Sadr might give his base "freedom to vote."
Shabandar indicated that the crisis between Baghdad and Erbil could negatively affect upcoming elections, but would not prevent them from taking place.
"Tension does not sabotage elections but reduces voter confidence. Therefore, the solution should not be delayed," he said.
Evaluating Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani's performance, Shabandar noted, "There are tangible developments in service and security areas. If at least 25% of voters who did not vote in 2018 go to the polls this time, the picture will change."
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Emphasizing that Iraq's relations with Türkiye are at a good level and strategic, Shabandar said: "The PKK issue is near its end. We think Türkiye will also open a brighter page with its neighbor, Iraq."
"We have very deep neighborly, religious and social relations with Türkiye spanning centuries. Our water comes from Türkiye and Türkiye has an important market area in Iraq," he added.
Shabandar noted that Prime Minister Sudani supports strong relations with Türkiye, and "the Turkish side's desire is also for such a relationship."
Highlighting that he was the first person to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on behalf of the Iraqi state, Shabandar said, "Whether you like it or not, the whole world is pursuing normalization with Syria. It is not right for Iraq to remain isolated from this."
"We should have good relations with all regional and neighboring countries except Israel," he stated.
Regarding Hamas's struggle against Israeli attacks, Shabandar commented: "Hamas achieved a great victory. Hamas did what Arabs could not do for 75 years."
"Hamas broke the morale of Europe and America and destroyed the perception that the Israeli army is an 'invincible army' and showed that it can be defeated," he said.
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