Deputy PM Qubad Talabani receives UN Special Representative in Iraq

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani today met with Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Iraq, to discuss the current state of affairs in the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who currently leads the Kurdistan Region’s Baghdad negotiating team, highlighted the regional government’s ongoing efforts to maintain a dialogue with the federal government of Iraq. Deputy Prime Minister Talabani noted that the Kurdistan Regional Government has demonstrated its readiness to work with the federal government, and is already taking measures to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the 2021 federal budget bill.

Ahead of the negotiating team’s upcoming visit to Baghdad, both sides agreed that further efforts are needed to promote a more balanced and respectful relationship between the regional and federal governments. The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that this would contribute to the overall stability of the country.

Regarding the upcoming legislative elections in Iraq, Deputy Prime Minister Talabani welcomed the United Nations playing a role in monitoring the process and ensuring votes are carried out in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

Despite ongoing challenges, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government will continue to implementing its reforms, and called on the international community to support the Kurdistan Region and its efforts to strengthen its democratic principles and freedoms in the region.