Barzani: Kurdistan carried out constitutional duties, Baghdad unwilling to talk

The KRSC head said the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had prepared the ground for the start of negotiations with the Iraqi government according to the constitution, but Baghdad was unwilling to resolve the disputes.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Masrour Barzani on Thursday said Kurdistan had carried out its duties to start a dialogue with Iraq, but Baghdad is not serious about implementing the constitution.

Chancellor Barzani’s remarks came during a meeting with US ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman in Erbil.

The KRSC head said the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had prepared the ground for the start of negotiations with the Iraqi government according to the constitution, but Baghdad was unwilling to resolve the disputes.

“We hope to resolve all differences with the Iraqi government according to the Iraqi constitution,” Barzani said, according to a KRG press release following the meeting.

“We have done everything on our shoulders and are waiting for the Iraqi government” to lead the way, he continued.

The senior Kurdish official added that the central government in Baghdad does “not show any seriousness in this regard.”

Chancellor Barzani highlighted the continued efforts of Peshmerga forces who protect the region and the world from terror, warning the Iraqi government to make efforts and resolve differences with Kurdistan or risk “the return of terrorism.”

Silliman reiterated Washington’s support for the Kurdish forces and said the US was “committed to supporting the Kurdistan Region,” and would continue “mediating between the Iraqi government and the KRG.”

The United States has repeatedly expressed its one-Iraq policy, and notably rejected the Kurdistan Region's historic Sep. 25 referendum. (Photo: Archive)
The United States has repeatedly expressed its one-Iraq policy, and notably rejected the Kurdistan Region's historic Sep. 25 referendum. (Photo: Archive)

Relations between Erbil and Baghdad considerably deteriorated following an independence referendum last September which received overwhelming support from the people of Kurdistan for secession from Iraq.

The Iraqi government responded by imposing punitive measures against the Region, including an international flight ban and military force to regain control of disputed areas.

However, a recent exchange of visits between the two administrations has reduced tensions and could pave the way for the start of a political dialogue to resolve controversial issues between both governments.