KRG Council of Ministers reviews key issues in meeting chaired by PM Barzani
Prime Minister Barzani opened the meeting by congratulating the people of the Kurdistan Region on the successful conclusion of the sixth session of the Kurdistan parliamentary elections, describing it as a victory for the Kurdish people.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24)—The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers, under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's chairmanship, convened for a critical session on Wednesday to address key issues facing the region.
Prime Minister Barzani opened the meeting by congratulating the people of the Kurdistan Region on the successful conclusion of the sixth session of the Kurdistan parliamentary elections, describing it as a victory for the Kurdish people. He emphasized the importance of the democratic process, calling it “a reflection of the high level of consciousness among the Kurdish people” and an important achievement for both the Kurdistan Region and its commitment to democracy.
"The ninth cabinet will continue to fulfill its core duties and provide essential services to the people of the Kurdistan Region without discrimination, up until the new cabinet is formed and inaugurated," Barzani assured, reaffirming the cabinet’s ongoing commitment to public service.
Population Census Developments
The first agenda item focused on preparations for a comprehensive population census in Iraq. Minister of Planning Dara Rashid provided an update on recent developments, including the outcomes of an Oct. 31 meeting in Baghdad, attended by high-level officials from both the federal and regional governments, including the Iraqi President and Prime Minister. The census, a significant undertaking for accurate demographic insights, was further discussed in light of the Iraqi Federal Council of Ministers' recent decisions on its implementation.
Financial Situation and Salary Distribution
The council then turned to pressing financial matters, including civil servants and the economic situation. Umed Sabah, President of the KRG Council of Ministers’ Diwan, along with Abdul Hakim Khasraw, Director of the Department of Coordination and Follow-Up, provided an overview of recent measures taken by Iraq’s Ministry of Finance regarding October salary distribution. The Council emphasized that federal authorities must ensure salary payments to Kurdistan Region civil servants are not delayed or reduced, calling for timely, full disbursements, as in other Iraqi provinces.
Oil Exports and the Article 12 Amendment
In the final agenda item, the Council discussed the federal government’s proposal to amend Article 12 to facilitate the resumption of oil exports. Minister of Electricity Kamal Mohammad Salih presented updates on recent negotiations with Iraq’s Oil Ministry and international oil companies. The Council reiterated the KRG’s position that oil exports via the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) should resume promptly, benefiting both the federal government and the Kurdistan Region. The resumption is expected to boost national revenue and attract greater investment in the region’s oil sector.
The Council’s meeting underscored the KRG’s ongoing efforts to address economic, social, and administrative challenges, with a clear focus on enhancing services and fostering cooperation with Baghdad for the Kurdistan Region’s benefit.