PM Barzani’s Baghdad visit key to resolving issues: KDP spox

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Vian Dakhil, spokesperson for the KDP bloc, emphasized the significance of Barzani’s visit in an interview with Kurdistan24 on Thursday, May 30.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) bloc in the Iraqi parliament expressed optimism that Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's visit to Baghdad would address numerous unresolved issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

Dakhil noted that many issues remain unresolved, and Prime Minister Barzani is committed to securing the rights of the Kurdistan Region’s citizens and salaried employees.

"Although these are constitutional rights, misunderstandings among some politicians in Baghdad have hindered the resolution of major issues," she stated.

Highlighting the importance of the Prime Minister's talks, Dakhil remarked, "The source of solution for the outstanding issues is through the constitution."

She underscored that the budget law, which includes provisions for the salaries of the Kurdistan Region’s civil servants, Peshmerga, and security forces, is a critical topic of negotiation between Erbil and Baghdad.

"They will vote on the budget in a few days. Through this visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks about issues related to the budget and will make every effort to protect the rights of the Kurdistan Region’s citizens," Dakhil explained.

Dakhil emphasized that Prime Minister Barzani’s visit is crucial for solving many problems and that there is a mutual understanding to resolve the issues facing Kurdistan.

However, she noted that implementation challenges persist, which necessitates frequent visits by the Prime Minister and Kurdistan Region’s President to Baghdad.

Addressing the issue of Kurdistani areas outside the Kurdistan Regional Government’s authority, Dakhil asserted that Article 140 of the constitution, which pertains to these areas, should be implemented.

She reaffirmed that Prime Minister Barzani and the KDP are determined to realize the rights of the Kurdistan Region’s citizens.

Before meeting with Qais al-Khazali, Prime Minister Barzani had consultations with Hadi al-Amiri, Secretary General of al-Badr Organization and leader of the Construction Coalition, as well as Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem al-Araji.

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During his visit, Prime Minister Barzani met with Hadi al-Amiri, Secretary General of al-Badr Organization and leader of the Construction Coalition.

Read More: PM Barzani, Hadi al-Amiri stress solving provision of KRG’s civil servants’ financial entitlements

Earlier, Prime Minister Barzani held meetings with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem al-Araji.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani have reiterated the importance of resolving issues through constitutional dialogue.

Read More: KRG, Iraqi Prime Ministers emphasize constitutional dialogue in Baghdad meeting

The affirmation came during their meeting in Baghdad on Thursday, according to the prime minister's press office.

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The discussions focused on the general situation in Iraq, addressing national-level issues, and reviewing the federal government's initiatives in the fields of services and economy.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region met with Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem Al-Araji on Thursday, May 30, in Baghdad.

Read More: PM Masrour Barzani in Baghdad "to bring renewed certainty"

In a post on social media Platform (x), the Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister explained the reason for his visit to Baghdad as a way "to bring renewed certainty to this important relationship."

Read More: PM Masrour Barzani meets Iraqi National Security Advisor to enhance cooperation

"We must resolve our differences through dialogue and understanding to prioritize cooperation and economic growth," the post continued.

These engagements are part of Barzani's broader efforts to foster stronger relations and collaboration between Erbil and Baghdad, addressing both longstanding and emerging challenges in the process.

Additionally, Kurdistan24 reporter Dylan Barzan reported that Prime Minister Barzani is scheduled to meet with Khamis al-Khanjar, the leader of the Sunni Sovereignty Alliance, during his visit to Baghdad.

These meetings aim to strengthen cooperation and address various challenges facing the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole.