Kurdistan cabinet chooses envoy for US-Baghdad talks, discusses COVID-19 risks
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced on Wednesday that the head of the regional presidency office, Fawzi Hariri, will represent Kurdistan Region in the strategic dialogue between Iraq and the United States.
The decision was made during Wednesday’s meeting of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers chaired by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, where ministers also discussed the continuing risk of the coronavirus in the region.
On Tuesday, US Ambassador to Iraq Mathew Tueller assured Barzani that the Kurdistan Region will be involved in the “strategic dialogue” between the US and Iraq, scheduled to be held later this month in Washington DC.
Read More: US ambassador: Kurdistan Region will be part of “strategic dialogue” with Iraq
In a meeting in Erbil, Tueller informed Barzani that "the Kurdistan Region will participate in, and will be part of it,” a statement posted to the website of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) explained.
Read More: US announces strategic dialogue with Iraq
Such participation has been a request from the KRG to the US, and in his meeting with Tueller, Barzani stressed its importance, emphasizing that the results of the strategic dialogue must ensure the rights of all the components in Iraq and serve their “best interests.”
At Wednesday's cabinet meeting, Barani also extended his condolences to those affected by the coronavirus and wished a speedy recovery for those diagnosed with the highly-contagious virus.
"The KRG will continue to take preventive measures for the safety of citizens and will spare no effort in this regard," he said. "The KRG has done everything necessary to safeguard the public, but the greatest responsibility lies with the citizens in maintaining their safety and the safety of society."
During the meeting, Barzani also expressed his concern for the attempts of "certain sides" to "politicize" a health concern that affects the lives and safety of citizens, “attempting to reduce the risks of the virus and encourage the public not to abide by health regulations,” emphasizing that those responsible "will be legally held accountable."
Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani also presented the findings of a detailed report on the development of talks between the region and the federal government, pointing out that discussions with the new administration in Baghdad will continue to work on solving outstanding issues between the two.
The High Reform Committee in the Kurdistan Region also presented a report on the developments and follow-up of ministries and other relevant authorities to implement the Reform Law, passed in January, that was the centerpiece of Barzani's administration before the pandemic took over the world's headlines.
Editing by John J. Catherine