New Kirkuk Governor Pledges to Stand at Equal Distance from All Components

The newly elected Governor of Kirkuk, Fandawi, said in a statement to Anadolu Agency immediately after his election was announced that his administration will stand at an equal distance from all components, and that keeping services running without interruption will be its priority.

Fandawi noted that Kirkuk is "politically and socially sensitive," affirming that the new administration will give priority to the demands of citizens. He said: "We will stand at an equal distance from all of Kirkuk's people," and that his administration will never stop serving Kirkuk, and will stand alongside all social components without discrimination against any of them.

He explained that years of political developments have harmed service work in the city, and that he will make great efforts to address this. He stressed the importance of consensus and political agreement in the province.

He said that the country and Kirkuk are passing through a sensitive and difficult phase because of the economic crisis, and that his administration will do its utmost to provide the best services to residents, and will seek to deliver them to villages and sub-districts, not only to the city center.

He stressed the importance of cooperation with the federal government in Baghdad and the relevant ministries, especially the Interior and Health ministries, noting that approvals from the central government and accelerating procedures in parliament will help advance service work. He added that he will work with MPs and ministers to implement ongoing projects and improve public services, and that coordination with the Baghdad government and parliament will be "close and serious."

With regard to education, Fandawi said that educational problems exist throughout the country, and that his administration will focus on addressing what Kirkuk faces in this area, and on the problems related to some projects and contracts.

He added that his term will continue until the end of the year, and that time appears short but he plans to accomplish major works during it.