Maliki: It’s time to turn a new page

After what happened as a result of the referendum it’s time for Baghdad and Arbil to put the problems behind them, Iraq’s vice president Nouri al-Maliki said.

In an interview aired by Al-Ghad TV on Tuesday, Maliki said that the crisis should be contained because Kurds and Arabs are partners.

“We have to finish the tensions and enmity that happened as a result of the referendum” Maliki said.

Maliki, together with Iraqi President Fuad Masum and Vice President Ayad Allawi, called for talks between Erbil and Baghdad to begin immediately.

Maliki did not rule out a future alliance between his State of Law Coalition and Kurdish factions after Iraqi elections, scheduled for May 12.

Tensions between Arbil and Baghdad rose after the independence referendum in September 2017. Iraqi forces invaded Kirkuk and several other areas under KRG control.