Kurdistan Regional (738)
EU delegation discusses strategic issues, establishment of permanent representation with Kurdish leadership
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRG.org) – A European Union Delegation led by the Ambassador of the EU to Iraq, Jana Hybaskova, and ambassadors of a number of EU countries visited Kurdistan to hold meetings with the President, the Prime Minister, and other officials, and to attend a Europe Day celebration hosted by the KRG. The delegation discussed a number of strategic issues related to Iraq and Kurdistan, as well as the possibility of opening a permanent European Union representation office in Erbil. The aim of the visit was for the delegation to gain an opportunity to better understand the situation and to gain firsthand information on Kurdistan.
Meeting with the President
Ambassador Hybaskova congratulated President Barzani for the successful parliamentary and provincial elections that were conducted last month and said that this meeting is a reaffirmation of the strategic relationship between the EU and Iraq. She said, "The elections were truly competitive and democratic, and serve as a very good example for the Middle East,” adding that the EU wants to see a government that is inclusive and that represents all the people of Iraq. President Barzani discussed with members of the delegation prospects for the political process in Iraq and the future direction of the country. President Barzani thanked the EU delegation for the visit and for the endorsement of the electoral process. He said the EU can play an important role in strengthening the democratic process in the country.
“Your positive assessment of our elections gives us strength to continue along this path. Your support will help us address our shortcomings." He added, "The EU can play an important role in Iraq, based on the promotion of democracy, adherence to the Constitution, and genuine power-sharing in the country. I believe this election is the last opportunity for genuine power-sharing and the possibility of stability. If genuine partnership is not implemented in the new government, our people will go for a referendum on a confederation in Iraq.”
EU ambassadors and representatives also raised questions with President Barzani, including some relating to the recent elections, efforts to finalize Kurdistan's regional government, and the situation of Syrian refugees in Kurdistan. On behalf of the EU, Ms. Jana Hybaskova thanked the KRG for its support to the more than 240,000 Syrian refugees currently living in Kurdistan and acknowledged that this has created great strain on the KRG resources. For his part, President Barzani said that the KRG would continue to do what it can to support the Syrian refugees.
Meeting with the Prime Minister
The delegation also met with the KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation and began by expressing his support for a permanent EU representation in Kurdistan to help strengthen relations between Kurdistan and the EU. The meeting was attended by the KRG Deputy Prime Minister Imad Ahmed, the Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa and the Head of the KRG Department of Follow-Up and Coordination, Minister Qubad Talabani.
The visiting delegation explained that the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union will hold a meeting before the end of June to decide on the structure of the future relationship with Iraq. Ambassador Hybaskova highlighted the importance of this visit, as the findings would be sent to the capitals of the 28 EU member states. She added that this visit was evidence of the EU's commitment to Kurdistan and its support for the fundamental principles of democracy, constitutional law, and human rights.
The Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the current disputes with Baghdad, highlighting the problems related to this year’s budget as well as Baghdad's unexpected and unlawful decision to cut the disbursement of salaries of the KRG employees. Regarding the formation of the next government in Baghdad, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of genuine partnership and power sharing.
Prime Minister Barzani also noted the importance of unity and a common vision among the political parties of Kurdistan. Despite healthy and democratic differences of opinions that exist between Kurdish political parties internally, the Prime Minister stated that this will not have any effect on the Region's relations with Baghdad, as all Kurdish political parties are united on issues pertaining to the Kurdish people. He added, "With these elections, we see the last opportunity to correct the ways in which Iraq is governed."
Meeting with the Department of Foreign Relations
Prior to participating in the Europe Day reception hosted by the KRG, the EU delegation met separately with the Head of Foreign Relations Minister Falah Mustafa. In this meeting, the visiting Ambassador assured Minister Mustafa that the EU is now working on the establishment of a permanent representation in Kurdistan. She explained that with several EU member states having established diplomatic representation in Erbil, an EU representation office in Erbil is essential to furthering KRG relations with the European community.
She also reaffirmed the continuous technical and humanitarian assistance of the EU and member states through ECHO, the humanitarian aid and civil protection department of the European Commission, and other NGO’s in support of the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan. The EU has embarked on a long-term plan to assist these refugees and IDPs.
Minister Mustafa was pleased by the efforts of the EU in assisting refugees with basic needs, as the crisis has taken a toll on the KRG. In this regard, the Minister requested that the international community jointly finds a solution to the conflict in Syria. He then held an interactive question and answer session with the various diplomats to address in detail a wide array of issues related to Kurdistan and Iraq.
Nechirvan Barzani and Qubad Talabani tasked to form 8th Cabinet
Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) - Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani has signed an order tasking Prime Minister designate Nechirvan Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister designate Qubad Talabani to form the eighth Cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Prime Minister Barzani will continue in his role in the same capacity, while Minister Talabani will move from his current role as Head of the KRG Department of Coordination and Follow-up to Deputy Prime Minister.
According to Kurdistan's laws, the cabinet must be formed within 30 days of the issuance of the President's order. This decision signals the final step in the government formation process, and paves the way for an eighth cabinet coalition to include a number of political parties.
Prime Minister Barzani addresses Kurdistan Parliament
Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) - The Prime Minister yesterday addressed the Kurdistan Parliament at length regarding the Region's financial situation, disputes with Baghdad, natural resources, and other matters. An excerpt of his address is below:
President Barzani Casts His Vote
Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) – Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani earlier today cast his vote for both the Iraqi Council of Representatives and Kurdistan Region provincial elections in a polling station in Salahaddin.
President Barzani Congratulates People of Kurdistan and Iraq on Election Completion
Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) – Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani congratulated the people of Kurdistan and Iraq for their participation and praised them for their high turnout and for exercising their democratic right to vote.
In a message, the President said,” On the successful holding of elections for both the Iraqi Council of Representatives and the Kurdistan Region provincial councils, I congratulate the people of Kurdistan, political side and the Iraqi people. I specially thank the police and the security forces for ensuring security on the election day.”
The President added that, “Both local and international observers and independent NGOs have praised this successful election. I hope the results of this election will bring happiness to our people and will lead to further development of democracy in Kurdistan.”
“I call on all political sides to accept the official results which will be announced by the Independent High Electoral Commission. I hope the results will encourage all sides to work together and put national interests first.”
Members of Kurdistan Parliament choose Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Secretary
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRG.org) – Today members of the Kurdistan Parliament elected Yousif Mohammed as the new Speaker of Parliament, Jafar Eminki as Deputy Speaker and Fakhraldin Qadir as Secretary.
After months of negotiation following the elections in September, several parties are expected to form a broad-based coalition government. Today's session was a continuation of the first parliamentary session, which opened in November, and brings the process of government formation a step closer.
The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Mohammed, is a member of the Gorran or Change movement and was elected by fellow MPs with 84 votes, while Mr Eminki, from the Kurdistan Democratic Party, was elected with 78 votes. Mr Qadir, of the Kurdistan Islamic Group (referred to as Komal), received 73 votes.
The parliament is an 111-seat chamber. KDP won 38 seats in the September elections, Gorran 24, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan 18, the Kurdistan Islamic Union 10 and Komal 6. The remaining seats are taken by other parties and the minority Christians and Turkmen who have a quota of 11 seats. The parliament also has a 30% quota of female MPs.
Latest News
- President Erdoğan reaffirms Türkiye’s continued support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region
- President Nechirvan Barzani’s message on the 126th anniversary of Kurdish journalism
- President Nechirvan Barzani at the Sulaimani Forum: The country must bring us all together
- President Nechirvan Barzani meets with European Union Ambassador
- President Nechirvan Barzani receives French Ambassador
- President Nechirvan Barzani visits Iranian Consulate General to pay respects to victims of Kerman terrorist attack
- President Nechirvan Barzani receives outgoing French Ambassador
- President Nechirvan Barzani condemns terrorist bombings in Iran
- President Nechirvan Barzani meets with US Deputy Secretary of State
- President Nechirvan Barzani’s New Year Address
- KRG Prime Minister Meets with US Deputy Secretary of State
- KRG Prime Minister Engages in Key Talks with UNAMI Chief
- KRG Prime Minister Hosts Diplomats from Iraq and Kurdistan Region
- KRG Prime Minister Meets with the UN’s Secretary-General at COP28
- President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Turkish Ambassador
- KRG Prime Minister Welcomes UK Military Delegation
- President Nechirvan Barzani meets with UK Chief of the Defense Staff’s Senior Middle East Advisor
- KRG Prime Minister Discusses Regional Issues and Domestic Policies in Special Panel
- KRG Prime Minister Meets with Former British Prime Minister
- MEPS Forum in Duhok Highlights Climate Change Among Key Global Challenges
- KRG Prime Minister Meets with United Nations Delegation
- President Nechirvan Barzani and French Ambassador discuss the situation in Iraq and the region
- President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Head of the Independent Strategic Review of UNAMI
- KRG Prime Minister Inaugurates 5th International Trade Fair for Industry and Construction
- KRG Prime Minister Meets Qatar's Consul General
- President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Iraq’s Oil Minister
- KRG Prime Minister Welcomes Cardinal Sako of the Chaldean Catholic Church
- KRG Prime Minister Meets with Iraq's Energy Officials
- KRG Prime Minister Meets with British Ambassador
- President Nechirvan Barzani meets with UK Ambassador to Iraq