KRG Council of Ministers discuss general population census

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers. Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani was also in attendance.

In the first item of the meeting, KRG Cabinet Secretary Amanj Raheem discussed the results of the recent visit of the KRG negotiating delegation and representatives of oil companies to Baghdad, in which their main topic of discussion was the issue of the resumption of oil exports by the Kurdistan Region, following their meeting with the Iraqi Oil Ministry.

Raheem discussed measures to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan Region and provided details on recent talks between the two governments and oil companies. The KRG needs to resume oil exports through SOMO as soon as possible. Additionally, the revenue generated from the sale of oil should be returned to the Iraqi Treasury to cover expenditures.

The second item on the meeting agenda was a discussion about the decision made by the Iraqi government to establish customs checkpoints in both Mosul and Diyala provinces. This decision has had an impact on trade movement at the border gates of the Kurdistan Region.

Minister of Finance and Economy, Awat Janab Noori, presented a report on the negative impact and consequences of this decision on trade.

Then, in the third item, Dara Rashid, the Minister of Planning, presented a comprehensive and informative report on the upcoming general population and housing census in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The census is scheduled to be conducted in November of this year.

The Minister of Planning emphasized the procedures, preparations, and steps undertaken by his ministry to carry out the general census scientifically. The purpose is to promote comprehensive development free from interference and any political objectives, particularly in the Kurdish territories outside the control of the Kurdistan Region.

The Council of Ministers commends the Minister of Planning for his dedicated efforts and ongoing collaboration with the federal government. They highlight the significance of the census in the context of revitalization, reconstruction, and development. The Council emphasizes the need for a fair and equitable census, in line with Constitutional Article 140, which specifically addresses Kurdish territories beyond the control of the Kurdistan Region. Furthermore, the Council affirms that the future of these areas must be determined exclusively by the Constitution.

Finally, Alan Hama Saeed, the Minister of Education, presented the preparations of the Ministry of Education and relevant parties for the baccalaureate exams in all departments throughout the region.