Iraqi Parliament Speaker: Regional countries’ interference poses threat to Iraq’s stability, security

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri on Sunday revealed that his visit to Erbil to meet with the Kurdistan Region President was meant to “de-escalate tensions” between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

The Iraqi Parliament Speaker visited Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, and met with Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani to discuss collective efforts to improve relations between Erbil and Baghdad.

“Following the referendum on Sep. 25, the regional countries have become part of the tension [between Erbil and Baghdad] which has posed a threat to the security and stability of Iraq,” Jabouri said in an official statement following the meeting.

He explained the meeting was organized “to find a solution to the current turmoil and end the issues between the central government and the Kurdistan Region.”

Jabouri also called for unity in Iraq and urged that the security and stability of the people of Iraq be maintained.

The Parliament Speaker highlighted a roadmap aimed at resolving issues, especially in the disputed territories, while emphasizing on “obeying the constitution and respecting the political agreements to prevent the situation from escalating.”

In his statement, Jabouri said President Barzani had voiced his opinion on the referendum as well as ways to end tensions between the KRG and the Iraqi government and resolve all issues.

According to a Kurdistan Region Presidency statement, President Barzani’s meeting with Jabouri focused on maintaining stability and security in the region through peaceful means.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany