KRG affirms equal treatment, no discrimination among civil servants: KRG spox

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - In a bid to address concerns over delayed salary payments, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has assured all civil servants, including security forces, that they will receive their salaries next week.

Despite challenges, the KRG remains steadfast in its commitment to its employees amidst ongoing tensions with the federal government.

KRG Spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani, speaking on Kurdistan24’s “X” program, emphasized that the delay in salary payments was not a result of holding funds hostage, but rather a symptom of systemic discrimination against the Kurdistan Region.

He highlighted the “disparity in treatment, where some civil servants received their salaries while others were neglected”, underscoring the need for equity and fairness.

Efforts are underway by the Ministry of Finance to rectify the issue of omitted names from the salary list, ensuring that all eligible employees receive their due compensation.

Hawramani reiterated the KRG's stance that “salary provision by the federal government is not a charitable gesture but a constitutional obligation that the federal government must undertake.”

Addressing misconceptions surrounding the financial situation, Hawramani debunked claims of "humiliation money," attributing such rhetoric to populist dissent rather than grounded reality.

“The actual humiliation is to hand over the Kurdistan Region, its citizens, its nation, and its revenues to the enemies of the Kurdistan Region. It is humiliating to submit to the decisions of the Federal Court,” he stressed.

He emphasized the KRG's commitment to safeguarding the region's interests and resources, highlighting ongoing challenges in oil production and exports.

Despite technical capabilities, the Kurdistan Region continues to grapple with political obstacles hindering oil exports, exacerbating financial strains. Hawramani clarified that while oil revenue remains below expectations, technical constraints are not the primary issue, but rather political dynamics impacting production and pricing agreements with the federal government.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday March 27 instructed the Ministry of Finance and Economy to start distributing February salaries of civil servants and prepare for March and the coming months.

The Prime Minister said that they hold the Iraqi government under a constitutional and moral responsibility to fulfill its promise to provide salaries for Kurdistan Region civil servants.

The premier also stated that the responsibility that rested with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had been fulfilled.