KDP Convenes to Address Critical Middle East Shifts and Security Developments

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) convened under the supervision of President Masoud Barzani on Saturday, to discuss a range of critical political and regional developments.

The meeting covered global and regional challenges, ongoing changes in Syria and their impact on the Kurdistan Region—particularly on Syrian Kurdistan—the peace process in Turkey, the visit of the Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) delegation to the Kurdistan Region, the evolving situation in Lebanon, KDP’s relations with Iraqi political entities, and the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Global and Regional Challenges

The committee extensively reviewed the ongoing war in Gaza, examining the positions of the U.S., European, and Arab governments.

The meeting also analyzed the war’s impact on both conflicting sides, its broader consequences on the Palestinian cause, and its effect on the stability of Gaza and the region as a whole.

Developments in Syria and Their Impact on Kurdistan

The fall of the previous Syrian regime and the rise of opposition factions led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa were key discussion points.

The committee assessed the role of foreign actors in shaping Syria’s new governance, its policies toward ethnic and religious minorities, and its stance on Kurdish rights.

Additionally, President Barzani’s recent meeting with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi was recognized as a significant step in promoting Kurdish unity in Syria.

The committee emphasized the importance of strengthening intra-Kurdish dialogue to ensure meaningful Kurdish participation in Syria’s reconstruction and future political framework.

The broader implications of these changes on regional relations were also discussed.

Turkey’s Peace Process and DEM Party Delegation’s Visit to Kurdistan

The meeting highlighted the necessity of preparing the groundwork for the peace process in Turkey, emphasizing consensus and cooperation among all involved parties.

The KDP reiterated its readiness to support initiatives that contribute to peace and stability, stressing the importance of prioritizing national and societal interests over political rivalries.

Lebanon’s Political Developments

Following clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, the meeting examined the war’s humanitarian and political consequences, including mass displacement and instability in Lebanon.

The committee noted the shifts in Lebanese political dynamics after the ceasefire and the restructuring of the government, which significantly influenced Lebanon’s relations with neighboring countries and Hezbollah’s regional role.

KDP’s Relations with Iraqi Political Entities

The discussions underscored the KDP’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Iraqi federal government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, based on prior political and administrative agreements with the Coordination Framework and Sunni allies.

The committee addressed the issue of the Kurdistan Region’s share of the federal budget and public sector salaries, reaffirming that all financial disputes must be resolved within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution and established agreements.

The KDP emphasized the need to prevent political interference in the financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region and urged the implementation of constitutional provisions without selective interpretation.

The KDP also expressed full support for the KRG’s efforts to find lasting solutions to ongoing administrative and economic challenges.

Formation of the 10th KRG Cabinet and Government Negotiations

Following the Oct. 20, 2024, elections, the KDP formed a high-level committee to engage in discussions with various political parties.

After the announcement of election results, this committee held meetings with all participating parties to establish a cooperative framework for the new government.

Through several rounds of negotiations, significant progress was made in reaching understandings with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) on key political and administrative issues.

Further discussions are set to continue this week, with expectations that the new parliament leadership and government formation will be announced soon.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of "one region, one government, one army" as the foundation for Kurdistan’s governance structure.

Internal Organizational Matters

The meeting also addressed internal party affairs, evaluating the activities of KDP offices across different regions.

The KDP reaffirmed its commitment to navigating the evolving political landscape with a focus on safeguarding the rights of the Kurdish people, strengthening the region’s political and economic stability, and fostering constructive relations with regional and international partners.