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Kurdistan Region Presidency condemns Baghdad terror attacks

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, January 21, 2021

The Kurdistan Region Presidency issued the following statement condemning terrorist attacks in Baghdad:

We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that killed and wounding innocent people in Baghdad. We extend our condolences to the victims’ families. We share their grief and wish the wounded a speedy recovery.

Our medical facilities and services are fully prepared, ready, and willing to treat the wounded.

Terrorist attacks call for all political parties to accept responsibility and take appropriate action that effectively promotes unity and stability so that all citizens can pursue peaceful lives as they strive to prosper.

Kurdistan Region Presidency

President Nechirvan Barzani receives Commander of the Iraq Air Force

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, January 13, 2021

President Nechirvan Barzani received General Shihab Jahid Zangana and congratulated him on his promotion to Commander of the Iraq Air Force and wished him success.

President Barzani reaffirmed the importance of the Iraqi military as a national force confronting terrorism to defend and safeguard the country. He offered his congratulations to the Iraq Army on the 100th anniversary of its foundation.

Prime Minister Barzani chairs meeting of Supreme Economic Council to discuss 2021 budget bill

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today presided over a meeting of the Kurdistan Region’s Supreme Economic Council to discuss ongoing efforts to present a comprehensive 2021 budget bill, as well as reforms.

The Prime Minister noted that the government is putting forward every effort to restructure its revenue system, reduce public expenses, reorganise government staff, and eliminate redundancies in the government’s payroll system. This process aims to ensure fairness in the system and compensation for hardworking employees.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasised the government remains committed to increasing its productivity and competitive edge by removing systemic barriers in its bureaucracy, adding that the 2021 budget bill should strive to improve the conditions for doing business while understanding the Kurdistan Region’s unique challenges. He underlined that the draft budget should be realistic and transparent, taking into consideration revenue figures from oil sales and other sources of income. It should address government spending, prospective deficits, and the current financial conditions of the Kurdistan Region.

Minister of Finance and Economy, Awat Sheikh Janab, and Minister of Planning, Dara Rashid, each presented detailed reports on current financial conditions in the Kurdistan Region, as well as details of the budget draft for the fiscal year of 2021. Head of the Department of Coordination and Follow-Up, Abdul-Hakim Khasro, reported on steps taken to implement previous decisions from the Supreme Economic Council. The Council of Ministers will review the draft and submit it to parliament for debate in the near future.

The Prime Minister also reiterated that the Kurdistan Region, having fulfilled its own constitutional obligations toward Baghdad, will continue to hold a dialogue with the Federal Government which has a constitutional duty to live up to its financial commitments toward the Kurdistan Region in the 2021 federal budget bill.

The Cabinet will meet tomorrow to discuss, among other things, details of the budget draft and the financial impacts of the current political climate in Iraq.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani receives Head of Iraq National Security Agency

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today met with the Head of Iraqi National Security Agency, Abdul-Ghani Al-Asadi, to discuss regional developments.

In the meeting, both sides spoke about recent events in Iraq and relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government. The Prime Minister noted that ongoing dialogue with the Federal Government on all matters affecting the stability and prosperity of the country remains a priority for the Kurdistan Regional Government.

During the exchange, the two officials highlighted the importance of strengthening security coordination between both governments, and recognised the need to fully implement the Shingal Accord to help stabilise the area. They also emphasized the need for militias and other outlawed armed groups to withdraw from the Iraqi territory to preserve the hard-won peace and stability of the country.

Kurdistan Regional Government Delegation visits Iraq parliament

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – The Kurdistan Regional Government’s High-level Delegation on Baghdad Relations met with the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, his two Deputies, and heads of relevant committees at the legislature’s Constitution Hall to discuss bilateral relations.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, who is leading the delegation, briefed federal lawmakers on the latest developments regarding negotiations with the Federal Government on outstanding issues between the two governments.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that the Kurdistan Regional Government remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to disagreements, including the implementation of the Federal Fiscal Deficit Bill, and is prepared to fulfill its duties and obligations in accordance with the law. He also urged the Iraqi Parliament to assist with the implementation of the Fiscal Deficit Bill, and preserving the constitutional rights and financial entitlements of the people of the Kurdistan Region.

Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Mohamed al-Halbousi, reiterated his support for a comprehensive solution to ongoing disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, which he said will require both sides to commit to respecting the law.

The meeting was arranged at the request of Deputy Prime Minister Talabani to allow both sides to exchange their views on proposed solutions to outstanding disagreements.

https://gov.krd/english/government/deputy-prime-minister/activities/posts/2020/december/kurdistan-regional-government-delegation-visits-iraq-parliament/

PM Masrour Barzani announces major contract with Mühlbauer Group to deliver digitalization of key public services

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday presided over the contract signing ceremony between the Ministry of Interior and Mühlbauer Group to digitalize key public services.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister said that the KRG has no choice but to move forward with technological advancements, recalling the cabinet’s agenda on digitalization and commitment to modernizing the civil service.

The project will see driver license and vehicle registration digital services in the next twelve months, benefiting almost 2 million citizens. Drivers are expected to move to new smart cards with the ability to offer additional public services. This will end dependence on paperwork and provide mobile police with the technology necessary to instantly identify drivers and vehicles, bringing more certainty to public registries.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the cross-government benefits. He said, ‘Starting next year each Kurdistani citizen will become a proud owner of a digital identity. This will create our first digital population information system — a prerequisite for the delivery of digital services.’ He added that the 13-month negotiation has led to more than $7 million in savings to the public and a deal that reflects the cabinet’s vision and the needs of the people.

He also spoke about ongoing efforts to streamline public and government services, cut back on regulation, and increase internal revenues.

Minister of Interior Rebar Ahmed Khalid, also speaking at the event, highlighted the newly expanded scope of the project and stronger contractual terms now added to the contract. He said that the KRG and Baghdad have agreed on the new designs for driver licenses.

Click here for the full speech.