President Nechirvan Barzani received the Austrian Foreign Minister Mr. Alexander Schallenberg and his accompanying delegation today.

The President and Foreign Minister Schallenberg discussed Austria’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations and the illegal immigration to Europe.

The President referred to the long-standing relationship between the two countries and praised Austria’s support for the Kurdistan Region including the continued direct flights between Vienna and Erbil. He congratulated Foreign Minister Schallenberg for reopening the Austrian Embassy in Baghdad and called for the establishment of an Austrian representative office in the Kurdistan Region.

The Austrian Foreign Minister stated that his country attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and plan to establish a representative in Kurdistan. Mr. Schallenberg also stated that the Austrian private sector wishes to make investments in the Kurdistan Region. The two sides affirmed that stable political and security environments are essential to attract foreign capital and to promote economic growth. The two also discussed the importance of comprehensive cooperation between European countries and other countries in the region in order to combat illegal immigration.

In regards to the differences between Erbil and Baghdad, President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized that the issues must be resolved in accordance with the constitution, and that the federal system of government must be fully established in a constructive way based on mutual understanding in order to resolve and overcome the disagreements. In addition, the President emphasized the importance of good friendly relations with neighboring countries and the protection of mutual interests.

President Nechirvan Barzani received US Ambassador to Iraq, Ms. Alina Romanowski and her accompanying delegation.

The US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the efforts to resolve the outstanding problems between Erbil and Baghdad- especially the issues of budget and salaries of the Kurdistan Region employees and the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region were highlighted during their meeting.

Both sides stressed the importance of a constructive dialogue between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to reach a common understanding aimed at resolving their differences in a way that ensures the constitutional rights of all sides, and maintains peace and political stability in the country.

President Nechirvan Barzani stressed the importance of implementing the federal system in Iraq as enshrined in the constitution, and pointed out that the Kurdistan Region must be treated as a federal region, and that the continuing disagreements between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government do not serve the interests of the country.

Both sides agreed on the importance of resolving the issues and providing the financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region in accordance with the laws and agreements. They also stressed the solidarity and unity among the political parties in the Kurdistan Region, especially between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

The opportunities for foreign and domestic investments, strengthening the private sector in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the situation of the Yezidis and the importance of implementing the agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq on the status of Sinjar, were also highlighted at the meeting.

President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Mohammad Kazem Al Sadegh, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Iraq, and his accompanying delegation.

During their meeting, discussions were held on the development of Iranian relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the security agreement between Iraq and Iran, as well as Erbil-Baghdad relations and efforts to resolve their differences.

In his speech, the President noted the significance of maintaining good relations with Iran, an important neighbor of the Kurdistan Region. Furthermore, the President assured that they will not allow any security threat from the Kurdistan Region to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Ambassador Al Sadegh highlighted the importance of Iranian relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and thanked the President of the Kurdistan Region for his assistance in providing transportation for Iranian pilgrims during Ashura and Arba’in commemoration.

President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, discussed the latest developments in the security situation in Kirkuk.

Both sides stressed the need to take immediate measures to maintain peace and stability in Kirkuk and prevent any attempt to disrupt the coexistence and security of the city and the safety of its citizens.

The two leaders emphasized that the security forces in the city must maintain peace and stability in Kirkuk, and ensure the safety of all communities in the city. They also stressed that the security forces must prevent further chaos and tensions in the city, and find and prosecute the shooters who killed and injured protesters.

The blockade of the Erbil-Kirkuk highway in the past six days was illegal. Unfortunately, this illegal act has not been addressed by the Kirkuk administration yet. Kirkuk needs the implementation of the law and the constitution, and does not need more illegal activities.

As the city administration did not address the roadblock, which has affected the lives of the residents of the city, Kurdish citizens in Kirkuk today protested against the blockade, but unfortunately they were responded with violence, as a result of which a young man lost his life and several others were injured.

While we look at the security tensions with great concern, and closely monitor the situation, we strongly condemn the shooting and the use of live ammunition against civilian demonstrators. Inciting chaos in Kirkuk poses a serious threat to coexistence, security and stability.

The relevant parties of the Federal Iraqi Government must take the necessary measures immediately as it is the duty of the security forces to protect the safety of all communities in Kirkuk without any discrimination, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

It is the responsibility of all parties to maintain peace and security, and not allow the security situation in Kirkuk and the province to deteriorate under any pretext. We call on everyone to exert maximum restraint; the roads should be opened and peace and normal life must be restored for all the citizens of Kirkuk.

Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region

September 2, 2023