Politics

US Envoy Welcomes Direct Talks Between Baghdad and Erbil on Oil, Salaries

"Baghdad and Erbil talking directly is how the hard issues get solved: oil exports, salaries, revenue," Barrack wrote.

Kurdistan Tom Barrack Erbil-Baghdad relations

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Syria and Iraq, has welcomed direct talks between the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), describing dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil as essential to resolving longstanding disputes over oil exports, public-sector salaries and revenues.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, Barrack praised Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for demonstrating leadership through their direct engagement.

"Baghdad and Erbil talking directly is how the hard issues get solved: oil exports, salaries, revenue," Barrack wrote.

He reaffirmed Washington's support for both governments, saying the United States stands with Baghdad and Erbil as they work toward building "one prosperous, sovereign Iraq."

The U.S. envoy's remarks followed a meeting between al-Zaidi and Barzani in Baghdad on Monday, during which the two leaders discussed the Kurdistan Region's constitutional entitlements, its share of the 2027 federal budget, oil management, revenue distribution and public-sector salaries.

They also condemned the attack on the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region on Sunday night, stressing the need to protect the Region's economic and energy infrastructure.

The meeting underscored both governments' stated commitment to addressing outstanding disputes through dialogue and coordination, although no comprehensive agreement or specific implementation timetable was announced.

 
 

 

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