KDP rejects Kirkuk governor's call to scrap Article 140, says it remains in force

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Kurdistan Democratic Party's Kirkuk-Kifri district organization has rejected remarks by Kirkuk Governor Mohammed Seman Aga calling for the repeal of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, saying the provision remains legally in force. In a statement, the party said suggestions that the article has expired undermine the constitution and warned that the governor's comments threaten social cohesion in Kirkuk. The KDP described Aga's remarks as irresponsible and said they do not serve the interests of Kirkuk's residents. It called on the governor and other officials to respect the constitution and the rights of the province's inhabitants, reiterating that Article 140 continues to provide a framework for resolving long-standing disputes in Kirkuk and other disputed areas. Aga said on Tuesday that the Iraqi state made a mistake in including Article 140 in the constitution and argued that the article's term had expired. His comments drew criticism from Kurdish parties, including the KDP, which restated its commitment to the article.