Masrour Barzani: Constitution cannot be implemented using unconstitutional measures

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A senior Kurdish official on Friday called for dialogue and peaceful negotiations to resolve disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.

The Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Masrour Barzani received the US Special Presidential Envoy to the anti-Islamic State (IS) Coalition Brett McGurk in Erbil and discussed recent developments and tensions between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi Federal Government.

Barzani emphasized that Erbil–Baghdad issues must be addressed through peaceful means.

Ties between Erbil and Baghdad considerably deteriorated following the Sep. 25 independence vote in the Kurdistan Region that saw 93 percent of voters favoring secession.

“The constitution cannot be implemented using unconstitutional measures, including the armed forces. The Kurdistan Region continues to call for dialogue and understanding,” Barzani stated, according to KRSC press office.

McGurk made clear the United States “supports a strong, united and prosperous Kurdistan Region within Iraq,” and reiterated the historic bilateral relationship.

The US envoy stressed the need for dialogue to de-escalate tensions and a political settlement that addresses disputes based on the Constitution.

Both sides also discussed conditions necessary to begin Erbil-Baghdad talks.

McGurk also met with the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani on Thursday for the first time since the Sep. 25 referendum on independence.

Editing by Sam A.