BAGHDAD — After raising regular objections by Kurdish MPs, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abdai authorised the Kurds to put up their candidates for the upcoming “technocrat cabinet” in Baghdad.

According to a Kurdish Member of the Iraqi Parliament, PM Abadi authorised the Kurdish faction in the Iraqi parliament to send the list of their candidates for ministerial positions in the new cabinet.

He urged the Kurdish factions to deliver the list soon so the parliament can vote on the candidates before the deadlines, MP Bangin Shkur said.

As the Iraqi PM is attempting to establish a new cabinet “with technocrat figures who are not affiliated with political parties”, Kurds insist that they must appoint their technocrat candidates for the positions reserved for Kurds in Baghdad.

Earlier on Friday, a Kurd, nominated by Abadi for the position of Iraqi Oil Ministery, withdrew from his candidacy, saying that he won’t take the position if there is no prior political agreement between Erbil and Baghdad.