Sweden's Deputy PM calls Baghdad to create 'inclusive process in Iraq'

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Margot Wallström has called on the Iraqi government to begin “inclusive” negotiations with the Kurdistan Region following a recent flight ban extension by Baghdad on Monday.

Speaking to Kurdistan 24, the Swedish official said the Iraqi government needed to begin a comprehensive dialogue with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to resolve all outstanding issues.

Wallström did not directly address the recent flight ban, but said her government wants “Iraq to manage a discussion with the Kurds internally,” adding that it is “extremely important to create an inclusive process in Iraq.”

She pointed to the importance of finding an agreement between Baghdad and Erbil whose relations have deteriorated following an independence referendum last September.

Since then, the Iraqi government has imposed collective punitive measures against Kurdistan, including an international flight ban and the use of military force to take over disputed territories.

Earlier in the week, there were reports that Baghdad would lift the international flight ban—in place since Sep. 29—at the end of February, but a Kurdish official on Monday said the embargo had been extended until May 31.

In a statement to Kurdistan 24, Director-General of Erbil International Airport (EIA) Talar Fayeq confirmed the three-month extension, which is expected to come into effect on March 1.

The flight ban has greatly affected the semi-autonomous region’s economy, forcing many foreign and local companies to close their offices and operations, with hundreds losing their jobs.