Untitled - orsam

[Talabani] These are rumors. The subject of changing the foreign minister was not
discussed with us; so, we have not asked for an alternative. At any rate, the subject
should be discussed among the Kurdish blocs. I am the president of the Iraqi republic. I
wear the Iraqi cloak and I act as president of the republic. The formation of the
government is up to the prime minister and the blocs.
[Asharq Al Awsat] But you shoulder responsibilities and one of these is facilitating the
formation of the government.
[Talabani] I have responsibilities related to achieving concordance and reunification of
the family. I do not have the responsibility of drawing colored lines.
[Asharq Al Awsat] One way to emerge from the crisis was to satisfy Allawi by forming the
national council for strategic policies. My question is: If real powers are given to this
council they will inevitably clash with the powers of the government, and if this council is
not given powers Allawi will turn it down. What is the solution?
[Talabani] Agreement was reached on the national council for strategic policies and on
its structure, rights, and powers. The Iraqi parliament approved all this unanimously.
[Asharq Al Awsat] Your Excellency the president: Who decides foreign policy? Is it the
council or the foreign minister or the prime minister?
[Talabani] The council will not be against the government; it will be part of the state
institutions. Its decisions will be made unanimously or by absolute majority (two-thirds)
and all the parties will be represented in it. The powers will not be given to the chairman
of the council but to the whole council, just as the constitutional powers are given to the
council of ministers rather than the prime minister. The council's decisions will be
binding.
[Asharq Al Awsat] They will be binding on the government as well?
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