SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said Thursday that, despite divisions among political parties there would be no compromise on the autonomous region’s commitment to defending itself.

Speaking at a commencement ceremony at the American University in Iraq-Sulaimani (AUIS), he also vowed that Erbil will not back down in its rows with Baghdad, and will continue to insist on resolving quarrels over the budget, disputed territories and oil.

“Though there are differences among the political parties in Kurdistan over certain issues, I assure you that we will stay united in defending this region, and we will work for the progress of this society in every aspect,” the premier said.

“We should not let our political disagreements divide the society,” he told an audience of students, professors and foreign and local officials.

Barzani said that major disputes between Erbil and Baghdad still persist and that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is trying to find solutions with the central government.

“In my last visit to Baghdad I discussed all the issues with Prime Minister Nuri Maliki frankly,” Barzani said. “The outcome was an agreement between both sides. I also told them that we hope they will honor the agreement this time, which will only pave the way to solve all other disputes,” he added.

The prime minister said that the Kurds will not quit demanding full implementation of the constitutional Article 140 on disputed territories, their fair share of Iraq’s budget, Baghdad’s funding for Peshmarga forces and Kurdistan’s right to develop its own oil and gas sector.

“We must not be shy in seeking our own rights as well as the rights of oil companies that operate in Kurdistan,” Barzani said. “But sadly, some parties want to treat these Kurdish rights as some kind of shame,” he added.

Barzani said that the Kurds will honor the Iraqi constitution and that the Iraqi side should appreciate this Kurdish commitment.

“We consider ourselves partners in Iraq and we must be treated as equal partners,” he said. “We are looking for solutions, but we will never compromise on our rights nor will we let go of what we have achieved so far,” Barzani vowed.

Barzani said that the Kurds would never accept to come under the control of the central government.

“Iraq has a federal system and the Kurdish people have voted for a constitution that puts federalism as the bedrock of the new Iraq,” he said.

Rudaw