Kurds urge separation of powers

ERBIL, Iraq, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Members of the Parliament of Iraqi Kurdistan discussed military and police reform at their latest conference in the regional capital, Erbil.

Kurdish Parliamentary President Adnan Mufti led the session to discuss bringing regional armed groups into line with the Iraqi army as well as power-sharing arrangements with the Kurdistan Regional Government and the central government in Baghdad.

On the topic of the Peshmerga, the Kurdish militia, Parliament noted the force is the legitimate protector of Iraqi Kurdistan, according to the state constitution.

For his part, Internal Affairs Minister Karim Sinjari spoke of the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq, saying the Iraqi army needed additional training and support for the time being.

Mufti, along with Iraqi Deputy Speaker Khalid al-Attiyah, issued a draft statement to lawmakers highlighting the need to separate civilian and military affairs, as well as outlining the role of police in internal security matters.

The statement also referenced a need to strengthen civilian control oversight of the armed forces to ensure their independence from any of the political parties.