Iraq's crises need 'sustainable solutions,' Kurdistan and Iraq presidents say
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Iraqi President Barham Salih in the city of Sulaimani on Monday to discuss the latest developments in the country.
The gathering comes only days after the national parliament confirmed former intelligence chief Mustafa al-Kadhimi as Iraq's new prime minister, amid a series of difficulties, ongoing and looming, facing the country. The two presidents welcomed and expressed their support for the new government.
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Salih and Barzani "underlined the necessity to find sustainable solutions to Iraq’s current crises," read a statement from Barzani's office.
They highlighted "restoring peace and stability in Iraq and efforts to ease the economic hardships of households across the country, including in the Kurdistan Region."
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The two presidents also noted the need for ongoing efforts to "end the remnants of terrorist groups and to ensure security in all of Iraq."
The Iraqi security forces have led a series of operations against members of the so-called Islamic State as terrorist activity spiked amid the coronavirus disease outbreak. Areas disputed between Erbil and Baghdad as well as those surrounding them have been among the worst affected by the latest surge in terrorist attacks.
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Barzani and Salih also highlighted, "Resolving the pending issues between Baghdad and Kurdistan Region, in accordance with the constitution, in particular the issue of budget and salaries of the employees of Kurdistan Region."
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They noted further the importance of "assisting fellow citizens through the current economic hardships and strengthening political stability and security must be the priority of all groups."
"The two presidents encouraged all political groups in Kurdistan to put the differences aside and ease tensions in the country," the statement said, in reference to recently renewed disputes between leading political parties in the region.
Editing by Khrush Najari