PM Barzani meets French Ambassador, stresses swift government formation and equitable census process

During the meeting, Ambassador Durel congratulated Prime Minister Barzani on the smooth completion of the Kurdistan Region’s recent parliamentary elections.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right) during his meeting with French Ambassador to Iraq Patrick Dorrell, Nov. 12, 2024. (Photo: KRG)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right) during his meeting with French Ambassador to Iraq Patrick Dorrell, Nov. 12, 2024. (Photo: KRG)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with French Ambassador to Iraq Patrick Durel on Tuesday to discuss regional governance, financial entitlements, and preparations for Iraq’s upcoming general population census.

During the meeting, Ambassador Durel congratulated Prime Minister Barzani on the smooth completion of the Kurdistan Region’s recent parliamentary elections. Both officials emphasized the urgency of forming a unified and effective government to address the evolving challenges faced by the Kurdistan Region and its citizens.

The discussion also covered ongoing issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government, with both leaders underscoring the importance of securing the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements and constitutional rights. Ambassador Dorrell expressed France’s support for ensuring equitable treatment and resources for the region within Iraq.

In a key segment of the talks, Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s support for the upcoming general population census, underscoring its potential to aid development. However, he stressed that the process must remain neutral and free from political motivations, particularly to avoid any impact on the implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution, which addresses disputed territories.