EU supports direct, unconditional talks between Erbil, Baghdad to resolve disputes

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Political differences between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government of Iraq can be addressed through peaceful dialogue, said a senior Kurdish official on Monday.

The Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Masrour Barzani on Monday met with the EU Ambassador to Iraq, Ramon Blecua, and discussed regional developments and ongoing disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.

“Both officials talked about the necessary conditions for dialogue to take place in good faith between Erbil and Baghdad and for them to address their political differences,” the KRSC press statement read.

Barzani stated that the Kurdistan Region would not accept any violations of Kurds' constitutional rights, calling on the international community to intervene, put an end to the political deadlock, and prevent further hostilities.

He also highlighted the need to resolve long-standing political issues that led to the rise of the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq.

“Ambassador Blecua made clear the EU supports direct, unconditional talks based on the Iraqi Constitution to solve recent disputes and begin long-term talks on key grievances,” the statement added.

Head of the EU Liaison Office in Erbil Clarisse Pasztory also attended the meeting.

Ties between Erbil and Baghdad have considerably deteriorated following the Sep. 25 referendum on independence for the Kurdistan Region.

On October 16, Iraqi Forces along with the Iranian-backed Shia Hashd al-Shaabi militia launched a military operation and took over Kirkuk and other disputed territories which have been under the protection of the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces in the past few years.

Editing by Nadia Riva