Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the European Union Ambassador to Iraq, Ramon Blecua, and the head of the EU Office in Erbil Ms. Clarisse Pásztory.

In the meeting, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, the EU Ambassador expressed his condolences to the government and people of the Kurdistan Region on the loss of life in the wake of the earthquake that hit the Kurdistan Region on the evening of November 12th, stressing that the EU is ready to offer assistance to the victims.

The two sides also discussed the relations between Erbil and Baghdad and stressed the necessity of the involvement of the European Union and the wider international community to prepare the ground for holding a serious dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad in order to resolve all the disputes. The EU delegation also hoped that the current ceasefire between Iraqi and Peshmerga forces would continue.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked the EU delegation for their visit and stance. He discussed his government’s relations with Baghdad and voiced his concern regarding the 2018 Federal Draft Budget Bill which contains many violations of the rights of the people of Kurdistan Region.

He reiterated his call upon the international community to support the Kurdistan Region so that no more injustice is committed against its people.

Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed the KRG’s readiness to start dialogue with Baghdad and resolveall the differences.