PM Masrour Barzani, UN Special Representative discuss elections, census
Both parties agreed on the importance of conducting the elections in a peaceful, fair environment, free from violations and fraud. PM Masrour Barzani stressed census should solely serve to improve public services without being exploited for political purposes.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Tuesday, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomed Dr. Mohammed al-Hassan, the newly appointed Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, in a significant diplomatic meeting.
Prime Minister Barzani congratulated al-Hassan on his appointment and pledged the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) full support for his mission in Iraq.
The Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in maintaining peace and security in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
In response, Dr. al-Hassan praised the Kurdistan Region as a shining example of progress and development, suggesting it could serve as a model for other parts of Iraq.
He expressed the UN's readiness to collaborate closely with the KRG on various issues.
A key topic of discussion was the upcoming Kurdistan Parliament elections.
Both parties agreed on the importance of conducting the elections in a peaceful, fair environment, free from violations and fraud.
I’m pleased to welcome the new SRSG for Iraq and Head of @UNIraq, Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) October 15, 2024
The KRG is committed to working with @UNIraq, particularly on the elections in the Kurdistan Region.
We agreed on the need for free, credible elections and independent electoral monitors. pic.twitter.com/hT2ciCfe65
This alignment underscores the international community's interest in the democratic processes of the Kurdistan Region.
The meeting also addressed the planned national census in Iraq, scheduled for Nov. 20 this year.
Prime Minister Barzani reiterated the KRG's support for the census but stressed that it should solely serve to improve public services and benefit all citizens and components of Iraq, without being exploited for political purposes.
The Kurdistan Region has maintained a strong relationship with the United Nations, particularly through UNAMI, which has played a significant role in supporting Iraq's post-conflict recovery and democratic development.
The upcoming Kurdistan Parliament elections are a crucial event for the region's democratic process. The KRG's engagement with the UN on this matter reflects its commitment to international standards and transparency in electoral processes.
The national census in Iraq is a sensitive issue due to its potential impact on resource allocation and political representation, especially in Kurdish territories between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq.
The Prime Minister's cautious approach highlights the political complexities surrounding this process.
The UN's role as a neutral mediator continues to be vital in navigating these complex issues.
As the Kurdistan Region prepares for its parliamentary elections and Iraq moves towards a national census, this high-level meeting underscores the importance of international cooperation and oversight in these critical processes.