Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Amid media reports from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region on prospects of negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad as well as several statements being made by a number of Iraqi officials, the Spokesperson of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Mr. Safeen Dizayee, reiterated that “KRG welcomes any positive step towards initiating negotiations to resolve outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq on the basis of Iraqi Constitution.”

In a statement to KRG’s website, he also said “the Council of Ministers in its latest meeting reiterated its position that it is ready to start negotiations with Iraqi government to resolve all the issues on the basis of the Iraqi Constitution. The KRG welcomes any move that helps start negotiations between the KRG and the federal government of Iraq.”

The Spokesperson added, “in this regard, the KRG welcomes the signs and steps taken by Baghdad last week as they seem to be goodwill gestures, such as a visit by an Iraqi government delegation to the Kurdistan Region, calling for formation of joint commission to hold talks regarding border points, airports, dams in the Kurdistan Region and requesting of the payroll records of both Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education for sending the salaries of both ministries employees.”

Regarding the re-opening of the border crossings with the Islamic Republic of Iran, he said: “the KRG welcomes and commends such step, and the KRG is ready to enter negotiations with the Iraqi Government on the management of border crossings and airports in accordance with the mechanisms that are stated in the Iraqi Constitution and it is ready to support and cooperate with Baghdad to reach an agreement that serves mutual interests.”