Council of Ministers convenes on dialogue with Baghdad and recent unrest

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today chaired a cabinet meeting to discuss ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government and recent protests in several cities by people impacted by the financial crisis.

Joined by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to families of those killed in recent demonstrations. He reiterated the government's support for civil and peaceful protest, urging protesters not to be swayed by irresponsible individuals or groups who might exploit their fair rights and demands to cause unrest and destabilise the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed the government's commitment to making every effort to resolve ongoing disputes with the Federal Government, and protect Kurdistan Region's constitutional rights and financial entitlements.

During the meeting, the Cabinet agreed for the High-level Committee on Baghdad Relations headed by Deputy Prime Minister Talabani to return to Baghdad this evening to resume dialogue with federal authorities on budget issues.

In addition, the Cabinet reassured the public, government employees in particular, that they have intensified efforts to settle budget disputes with Baghdad, and fully implement the reform programme to enhance transparency, improve public services as well as peoples' living conditions.