Untitled - orsam

[Talabani] We cannot say not even those that are close to the parties. But no party
member will fill the post of defense minister or interior minister. The remaining posts
will be distributed among the groups forming the government.
[Asharq Al Awsat] The other problem is that of the fate of the foreign minister. Sides
other than the Kurdish side aspire to fill this post. Do you insist on this portfolio and in
the person of Hoshyar Zebari?
[Talabani] Zebari has demonstrated exceptional efficiency in performing his mission. He
also has very good relations with the Arab countries to an extent that Colonel Gaddafi
proposed him as secretary general of the Arab League. We believe that brother Hoshyar
should be rewarded not penalized. Dismissing him from the ministry is a penalty and his
stay is a reward since he demonstrated that he is a successful minister.
[Asharq Al Awsat] I understand from your words that you insist on him and on the
ministry.
[Talabani] Yes, we believe that Zebari should remain in the foreign ministry since he is a
successful minister and established very good relations on the Arab, regional, and
international levels. We have to reward successful and qualified persons rather than to
unjustly sentence them to exclusion.
[Asharq Al Awsat] In other words, his remaining in office is a red line for you?
[Talabani] As president of a republic, I do not like lines of any color and I do not wish to
engage in such a discussion.
[Asharq Al Awsat] What I wanted to say is that it is a condition to which you cling.
[Talabani] Yes, we continue to cling to it to this moment.
[Asharq Al Awsat] I understood that the price for giving up the foreign ministry is the oil
ministry. Is that true?
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