iraq (63)
Prime Minister Barzani and Al-Shahristani discuss the situation in Iraq
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received Hussain al-Shahristani, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Federal Government of Iraq.
The two sides discussed the current political, military and security situation in Iraq, as well as the economic and financial situation in the country. They also discussed the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and ways to address the outstanding problems.
In the meeting, which was also attended by Dr Fuad Hussein, Chief of Staff of Kurdistan Region President, Prime Minister Barzani briefed the Iraqi Minister about the war against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, in the Kurdistan Region and the progress made by Peshmerga forces.
Prime Minister Barzani also talked in details about the economic situation and the financial crisis and its repercussions in the Kurdistan Region.
Mr. Hussain al-Shahristani visited Kurdistan Region, representing the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Haider al-Abadi, to attend the consecration ceremony of His Holiness Patriarch Gewargis Sliwa, the new Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, which was held in Saint Yohana Church in Ainkawa district of Erbil.
KRP Welcomes Baghdad's Reform Decisions
Through a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the KRP welcomes the new attempts at reform in the institutions of the Iraqi government.
The statement also added that the Kurdistan Region will continue to support such efforts by the Council of Ministers in Baghdad provided that the efforts are mindful of the participation of the Kurdistan Region. The statement concluded by stating that the decisions regarding the reform process ought to be within the framework of the Constitution.
The United Kingdom supports settlement of differences between Erbil and Baghdad
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krg) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received Ambassador Frank Baker, United Kingdom ambassador to Iraq and his accompanying delegation.
Ambassador Baker highlighted bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and United Kingdom in all the fields, particularly the commercial and economic areas.
The two sides discussed the situation in Iraq in general and the fight against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, in particular.
Ambassador Baker reiterated UK support for the Peshmerga Forces in the war against terrorism, praising their role and that of the people and government of Kurdistan Region in confronting and repulsing the terrorist threat.
He also pointed to the differences between Kurdistan Region and Iraqi Federal Government, as well as the Region’s internal issues, particularly the Kurdistan Region Presidency Law, stressing the need for solving those issues through dialog, common understanding, and consensus.
Ambassador Baker expressed his support and collaboration for the settlement of these issues.
Prime Minister Barzani thanked the UK delegation for the visit, expressing his hope that bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and United Kingdom will witness further development in all the fields.
He highlighted the continuous victories marked by the Peshmerga Forces in the war against ISIS. Meantime, he called for further military aid for Peshmerga forces from European countries, particularly the United Kingdom.
Regarding the differences with the Iraqi Federal Government, Prime Minister Barzani reiterated that Kurdistan Regional Government aims to solve the issues through dialog and negotiations.
Regarding the issue of the Kurdistan Region Presidency Law, he reiterated that it should be settled on the basis of consensus and mutual understanding, and that all the political sides should reach an outcome that is in the general interests of the Kurdistan Region.
The United Nations supports dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received United Nations Special Representative for Iraq, Ján Kubiš and his accompanying delegation.
In the meeting, which was also attended by Quad Talabani, Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kubiš expressed his satisfaction for the level of cooperation and coordination between the Kurdistan Regional Government institutions and United Nations agencies, and thanked the KRG for the assistance it has so far offered to refugees and internally displaced persons who fled violent repression of the Islamic State terrorist organisation and took refuge in the Kurdistan Region.
Mr. Kubiš also stressed that the United Nations supports KRG's efforts in settling its differences with Baghdad through dialogue, pointing out that they are willing to help the Kurdistan Region in this regard. He reiterated the need for all the parties to commit to the agreement reached between the two sides.
Prime Minister Barzani briefed the UN envoy about the latest developments in the relations between the KRG and Federal Government of Iraq, pointing out that the differences between the two sides, which have been going on since last year, have still not been addressed. Hence the Kurdistan Regional Government has been forced to take other measures to address its own urgent problems, particularly financial ones, occurred as the result of non-abidance of Baghdad by its agreement with the Erbil.
Meantime, Prime Minister Barzani reiterated that the KRG supports dialogue and talks with Baghdad in order to come up with appropriate solutions in the interest of the two sides. He commended the role played by the United Nations in this regard.
PM Barzani and UN Special Representative discuss Baghdad-Kurdistan Region agreement
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister yesterday received United Nations Special Representative for Iraq, Ján Kubiš and his accompanying delegation.
The meeting focused on the agreement, signed last December, between Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, and the Federal Government of Iraq on oil export and budget, as well as Iraq’s 2015 Budget Law. It highlighted Kurdistan Region’s commitment to the agreement.
Prime Minister Barzani expressed his concern for the fact that the Federal Government of Iraq has not been honouring its commitment to the agreement with Kurdistan Region.
He pointed out that the agreement was reached following appeal and support from United Nations, United States and United Kingdom. He urged the three sides to play their role and urge Baghdad to meet its obligations under the agreement and the Budget Law.
In another part of the meeting, the two sides emphasised on further cooperation between United Nation agencies and Kurdistan Regional Government, particularly in dealing with possible increase in numbers of internally displaced people.
They reaffirmed the necessity of further commitment of the international community in assisting Kurdistan Region relevant institutions and United Nations agencies, particularly those which work in humanitarian fields.
The two sides also discussed the latest developments in Iraq, the situation in Anbar Province, and the security situation in the region in general.
Kurdistan Regional Government and Kurdish representatives in Iraqi Parliament and Government discuss relations with Baghdad
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (gov.krd) - Kurdistan Regional Government senior officials and Kurdistan Region’s team in Baghdad yesterday held a meeting at the Council of Ministers building in Erbil.
The Kurdistan Regional Government officials presented a comprehensive clarification on the agreement reached between Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal Iraqi government last December on oil export and budgetary issues.
They reaffirmed KRG’s commitment to honour this agreement which became law in 2015’s federal budget.
The Kurdistan Regional Government officials explained the technical constraints which affects the implementation of the agreement as well as a misunderstanding of some terms of the agreement which the Kurdistan Regional Government is working closely with the Federal Government of Iraq to overcome these obstacles and resolve the issues.
They added that there are also some political sides in Iraq that are trying hard to hamper any improvement occur in relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq.
The role of the Kurdish representatives in the Iraqi parliament and government in ensuring that both sides are committed to the implementation of the agreement between Baghdad and Erbil was highlighted and praised.
In the meeting, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, stated that he was ready to visit Baghdad again in order to find common ground and overcome technical obstacles and misunderstandings.
In this regard he instructed a group of Kurdish ministers in the Federal Government of Iraq to open frank discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi.
The attendees stressed the importance of the implementation and compliance with the 2015 federal Iraqi budget. The Kurdistan Regional Government officials stated that they request the Iraqi government to deal with the Kurdistan Region and its share in line with what was agreed in this year’s federal budget.
More than one plan on how to pay the salaries of Peshmerga and civil servants were also discussed. They stressed that KRG’s current priority is the provision of salaries for its employees.
It was also decided to hold regular meetings every two months. A committee in charge of coordination between the two sides was formed.
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