Masrour Barzani reiterates importance of implementing Iraqi Constitution in meeting with senior British officials

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Masrour Barzani on Sunday welcomed the United Kingdom Ambassador to Iraq, Jon Wilks, British Consul General to Erbil Martin Warr, and an accompanying delegation. 

The officials discussed the latest developments in the political climate of the region, Erbil – Baghdad relations, the upcoming parliamentary elections, and the steps after the announcement of the election results.

Chancellor Barzani stressed the importance of implementing Article 140 in the disputed areas between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi government.

He described the election as a fateful event due to the heavy impact the formation of a real consensus government would have on the future of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

According to Article 140 of the 2005 Constitution, the future of Kirkuk and other disputed areas were to be decided upon in three stages—beginning with normalization and then relying on a local referendum—but this was not implemented due to political differences.

Barzani also emphasized the importance of implementing Article 132 regarding compensation for those affected by the dictatorial practices of the former Iraqi regime.

“We will work so that Kurds will go to Baghdad with a single stance on the issue to obtain the rights of the people of Kurdistan, and the implementation of the Constitution, especially Articles 140 and 132,” the KRSC Chancellor stated.

“It is the responsibility of any Iraqi government to enact all constitutional articles,” he added.

Wilks, meanwhile, reaffirmed his country’s support for the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan.

He also expressed Britain’s readiness to contribute to economic progress and prosperity in the region, stressing the need to form a joint Iraqi government which encompasses all components of Iraq.

The role, rights, and deserved monetary rewards for the Peshmerga forces, as well as a rise in terrorist attacks in different parts of Iraq, were among other topics discussed during the meeting.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany