British envoy discusses post-Iraqi election situation with Masoud Barzani

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The British envoy in Iraq on Wednesday discussed the current political situation and formation of the Iraqi government with former President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani in Erbil.

British Ambassador to Iraq Jon Wilks highlighted bilateral relations between Erbil and London, as well as ongoing military cooperation between Peshmerga and the US-led coalition to prevent instability and the re-emergence of terrorism in the region, according to the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) press office.

The two also discussed the political situation before the Iraqi national elections on May 12 as well as exchanged ideas about the post-election circumstances, such as the formation of the new Iraqi government and “the effective role” of the Kurdistan Region in the country’s political process.

Barzani mentioned that a few important factors for the Kurdistan Region included a real partnership in the government and the decision-making process, agreements within the legislative authority, and balance in the economy, security, and military sectors.

He highlighted the need to establish a mechanism to guarantee the three aforementioned principles in Iraq’s political process.

According to the KDP’s statement, the British envoy expressed the United Kingdom as well as the international community’s support for negotiations based on the Iraqi Constitution as principles for the political system in the country to bring stability in security and economy.

Barzani stepped down as the President of the Kurdistan Region at the beginning of November last year after his presidential term ended.

He now holds no governmental posts but remains the head of the leading KDP party.

Iraqi leaders and foreign diplomats continue to meet Barzani, a prominent Kurdish figure, due to his role in resolving the crisis inside the country.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany