UK envoy in Iraq says 'scene set' for Erbil-Baghdad to resolve disputes peacefully

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The British Ambassador to Iraq, Jon Wilks, on Monday discussed tensions between Erbil and Baghdad with Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and invited him to visit the UK in the near future.

During the meeting, which British Consul General to Erbil, Martin Warr, also attended, both sides addressed ongoing meetings between the interior Ministries of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq regarding the lifting of sanctions, such as the international flight ban, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) press office.

Barzani and Wilks stressed the need for talks between Erbil and Baghdad to continue if they are to overcome their differences. Both emphasized how essential it is to lay the groundwork for the KRG and the Federal Government of Iraq to address their long-standing issues.

Wilks stated that the UK would contribute to the de-escalation of tensions between Erbil and Baghdad, claiming there is a positive atmosphere for the disputes to be resolved peacefully.

The British Ambassador extended anew the UK’s invitation for Barzani to visit London in the near future.

They spoke of the current situation in Iraq and upcoming elections as well, according to the KRG media office.

Wilks also met with the Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Masrour Barzani.

The head of KRSC charged that “the mentality of rulers in Baghdad has caused a state of distrust among Iraqis,” and brought attention back to the ongoing Arabization campaign in Kirkuk and Tuz Khurmatu, which he called “unacceptable.”

“The current situation in Kirkuk and Tuz Khurmatu – the Arabization policies imposed by authorities in Baghdad – will not be tolerated in any way,” Barzani said.

Editing by Nadia Riva