President Nechirvan Barzani’s Christmas message
Erbil, Kurdistan Region – December 24, 2020
The President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani issued the following message on Christmas:
On the occasion of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest congratulations to our Christian community in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and around the world. I wish them a peaceful and joyous holiday and hope that this occasion will bring about more peace, tolerance and mutual respect in Iraq, the greater region and the world.
Regrettably, as in other countries around the world, large Christmas celebrations in the Kurdistan Region have been deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Christmas, however, will be honored and celebrated in the hearts of people of peace and goodwill everywhere, including in Kurdistan, where one of the oldest Christian communities in the world continues to survive and thrive. I hope that future celebrations will be held under better circumstances.
On this sacred occasion, we reiterate that the Kurdistan Region, as always, will remain a cradle of tolerance, pluralism and peaceful coexistence for all communities. Together, through unity, consensus and resilience, we have managed to overcome periods of hardship and severe crises in the past. Therefore, we will address current challenges, including the pandemic, and move forward towards a brighter future.
Terrorism has caused destruction and displacement among our communities. We reassure our Christian citizens that we will continue to exert our best efforts to support the reconstruction and resettlement of their treasured homelands. We shall endeavor to protect their rights and prevent future displacement.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzanis-christmas-message/
PM Masrour Barzani receives call from US Secretary of State
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – PM Masrour Barzani spoke by phone today with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. During the call, PM Barzani thanked Secretary Pompeo for his personal support to the Kurdistan Region throughout his tenure.
PM Barzani and Secretary Pompeo had a lengthy exchange about Erbil-Baghdad relations and the budget dispute in particular. In this regard, PM Barzani proposed that the United States and the United Nations join high-level talks to help advance a Constitutional settlement. The PM appreciated Secretary Pompeo’s call for a fair and equitable share of the federal budget for Iraq as a whole, including the Kurdistan Region.
Turning to KRG-US bilateral relations, PM Barzani noted efforts to expand energy cooperation. PM Barzani called on the United States to extend stipend payments to the Peshmerga. He also emphasised the importance of continued USAID technical assistance.
Both also discussed regional security challenges, practical ways to de-escalate tensions on the border between KRG and Northern Syria, and the need to fully implement the Sinjar Agreement to facilitate the return of Yazidis to their ancestral homeland.
https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2020/december/pm-masrour-barzani-receives-call-from-us-secretary-of-state/
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.
President Nechirvan Barzani receives delegation from Iraqi governorates
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region, December 19, 2020
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received a delegation representing the Iraqi Governorates Coordination Committee (IGCC) headed by the governors of Baghdad, Wasit, and Diwaniyah. Accompanied by a number of local officials, the delegation visited the Kurdistan Region this week to attend a USAID workshop.
Discussions covered the status of public services, and cooperation and coordination among governorates through the committee. Also discussed were administrative and financial difficulties that often lead to disruption of public services in the country.
President Barzani affirmed the importance of cooperation and coordination among governorates. He emphasized the importance of the private sector in advancing the reconstruction process and the economy. As essential to improve public services, he highlighted transferring powers to the local level and supporting domestic and foreign private companies and civil society organizations.
The delegation commended the Kurdistan Region’s private sector experience and expressed hope they could benefit from it.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-delegation-from-iraqi-governorates/
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani addresses Peshmerga Forces on Kurdistan Flag Day
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday took part in a ceremony, held at the Peshmerga’s Zeravani Command Center in Erbil, to commemorate Kurdistan’s Flag Day and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend it.
In his address to Peshmerga fighters and the people of the Kurdistan Region, the Prime Minister said:
“I join our brave Peshmerga fighters and the people of Kurdistan in commemorating Kurdistan’s Flag Day. This flag is a symbol of our struggle, sacrifices, nation and homeland. Thousands of Peshmerga have fallen defending this flag, which was handed over by the late Leader, Qazi Muhammad, to our immortal Leader, Mustafa Barzani. The flag was protected, honoured, and raised atop Kurdistan's mountains. Under the leadership of President Barzani, this flag was and continues to be respected and flown in capitals around the world and anywhere our allies find themselves.
“This flag is an emblem of our nation and homeland, and a symbol of peaceful coexistence for the various religious and ethnic groups living here. It has become a symbol of coexistence for the different nations in Kurdistan, and freedom-lovers who have turned to Kurdistan as the land of peace, freedom, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence between different nationalities.
“It is the duty of each and everyone one of us to honour and respect our flag, and protect the dignity of our homeland. On this occasion, I call on the youth and future generations to remember the sacrifices we have made to preserve the dignity of our nation under this flag. Thousands of Peshmerga fighters and patriots have fallen defending the dignity of our nation, which cannot be bought or sold.
“I commend the Peshmerga Forces for their continued service, sacrifices, and tireless endeavors to protect our flag and honour our martyrs. Today, we are proud to continue serving our nation under this flag.
“I call on all political parties in Kurdistan to unite behind our common goal, protecting our achievements under this flag and ensuring a better life for all communities living in Kurdistan.
“I commend you all for your resilience, and wish you continued success. May Kurdistan’s flag continue to fly with honour and dignity.”
https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2020/december/prime-minister-masrour-barzani-addresses-peshmerga-forces-on-kurdistan-flag-day/
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/
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani receives Russian Ambassador to Iraq
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today received the Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Maxim Maximov, to discuss bilateral relations and recent regional developments.
During the meeting, both sides emphasised the desire to further explore and strengthen areas of cooperation, notably investment opportunities and trade between the Kurdistan Region and Russia.
The Prime Minister highlighted issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government and their effect on the stability of the region, stressing that federal service wages and financial entitlements to the region should not be used as political leverage nor to harm the people of Kurdistan. He reiterated that the Kurdistan Region stands ready to hold meaningful dialogue with Baghdad to resolve issues on the basis of the constitution.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to stress with the Russian envoy the importance of implementing the Shingal agreement, which would help normalize the situation in that area and facilitate the dignified return of refugees to their ancestral homes.
Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government Receives High-Level British Delegation
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday met with a high-level British delegation to discuss recent political developments and bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom.
The Prime Minister received James Cleverly, the Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, James Heappy, the Minister for the British Armed Forces, and Stephen Hickey, British Ambassador to Iraq to discuss the strengthening of ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom.
The British delegation conveyed the British people’s respect and appreciation for the role and bravery of the Peshmerga forces in combatting terrorism in the region to protect those here and abroad. The Prime Minister affirmed that stability in the Middle East is a matter of international security and reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to peace.
The delegation also expressed the United Kingdom’s readiness to strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation with the Kurdistan Region in all areas, including trade and investments.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the United Kingdom standing in solidarity with the Kurdistan Region and for its efforts in helping improve the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq. The Prime Minister updated the delegation on ongoing challenges and noted that the Kurdistan Regional Government has fulfilled all of its obligations in the spirit of cooperation.
The Prime Minister affirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government remains committed to reaching a fair and comprehensive agreement with the federal government, within the framework of constitution. He also urged the federal government to carry out its duties and award the region its rights and financial entitlements.
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.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with High Level Committee on Baghdad Relations
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today met with the Kurdistan Regional Government High Level Committee on Baghdad Relations to discuss upcoming negotiations with the Federal Government over unresolved issues.
The Prime Minister thanked the Committee for its hard work and professionalism in leading talks with Baghdad on constitutional disagreements and ongoing political disputes, notably over the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements.
The Kurdistan Regional Government remains committed to reaching a fair and comprehensive agreement with the Federal Government and will continue to defend the constitutional rights and financial entitlements of the people of Kurdistan.
Prime Minister Barzani affirmed the Committee stands ready to travel to Baghdad as necessary to resume in person dialogue on outstanding issues and negotiate a deal within the framework of the constitution.
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