Turkmens are pleased that a name from the Iraqi Turkmen Front became the minister of state for the first time in Iraq.

Turkmens considered the appointment of ITF President Muhammed Seman Agha, who was elected as the Governor of Kirkuk in the vote held in the Iraqi Parliament in April, as the minister of state, as an important step in terms of their representation in the government and taking a more active role in Iraqi politics.

The fact that Turkmens have assumed important positions in the state in both Kirkuk and Baghdad in the last year is seen as a reflection of the strengthening of their political representation in Iraq.

ITC's inclusion in the cabinet after many years is a "delayed step"

Sevsen Abdulvahit Ceddu, ITC Member of the Kirkuk Provincial Assembly, said in a statement to the AA correspondent that they were very happy that a candidate from the ITF was appointed as the minister of state for the first time since the overthrow of the Baath regime in 2003 and that Turkmens would be represented in the government.

Describing the ITF, the largest political party representing the Turkmens in Iraq, taking part in the cabinet after many years as "a belated step", Ceddu said that they, as Turkmens, are hopeful about the new government.

Stating that ITF has represented the Turkmens in Iraqi politics in the best way for the last 23 years, Ceddu expressed his belief that the party will be successful in the new government, as it was in its role as Kirkuk Governor.

Ceddu emphasized that, as ITC, they will try to be more effective in Baghdad, Iraq's political decision-making center, and in the government.

"We are happy that a minister from ITC was appointed to office"

Researcher and writer Özdemir Hürmüzlü from Kirkuk stated that the ITF has played an important role in Iraqi politics for years and that the inclusion of a Turkmen minister in the new cabinet is extremely important for the Turkmens and Kirkuk.

Pointing out that Turkmens have started to take on more active roles in Iraqi politics, especially in the last year, Hürmüzlü said, "We are happy that a Turkmen governor was appointed to Kirkuk after approximately 100 years and now a minister from the ITF has been appointed." he said.

Emphasizing that this right was granted late to the Turkmens, who are the third essential element in Iraq after the Arabs and Kurds, Hürmüzlü stated that the Turkmens always wanted to make a positive contribution to Iraqi politics.

Expressing that he was also pleased that the post of Governor of Kirkuk will remain with Turkmens again, Hürmüzlü pointed out that for the first time in Iraq, Turkmens assumed the duties of both governors and ministers in the same period.

Hürmuzlü said that these important political gains were achieved as a result of the correct and meticulous political work of the ITF.

"I believe that the Turkmen minister will work for Kirkuk and Iraq"

Ibrahim Ahmet, a tradesman from Kirkuk, stated that Turkmens should have been in such positions much earlier and expressed his belief that Turkmens will be successful in every task they undertake.

Stating that he believes that a Turkmen minister will work not only for Kirkuk but for the whole of Iraq, Ahmet said that he will fulfill his ministerial duty as well as Muhammed Seman Agha's governorship duty.

Ahmet: "I believe that the Turkmen minister will do great things on behalf of Kirkuk and Iraq." He wished Ağa success in his new position.

Muhammed Seman Ağa will submit his resignation as Kirkuk Governor within two days

In April, ITF President Muhammed Seman Ağa, the first Turkmen to be elected as the Governor of Kirkuk after nearly 100 years, was appointed as minister of state by the Iraqi Parliament on October 16.

Agha is expected to submit his resignation from his post as governor to the Kirkuk Provincial Council within two days.

Following the resignation, one of the three candidates that ITF will present to the Kirkuk Provincial Council will be elected as the new governor.

In accordance with the rotating governorship agreement reached between the Turkmen, Kurdish and Arab political coalitions in Kirkuk, the governorship post will remain with the Turkmens until the end of this year.