Council of Ministers convenes to discuss relations with Baghdad
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today chaired a cabinet meeting to discuss the latest developments with the Federal Government over ongoing disputes.
Joined by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, the Prime Minister affirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution within the framework of the constitution to outstanding problems with Baghdad, and will continue to defend the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional rights and financial entitlements. He also stated that any delays in providing the Kurdistan’s fair share of the federal budget constitutes a violation of the rights of the people of the Kurdistan Region.
The Cabinet agreed to send an official request to the Federal Government for its budget shares for the months of May, June, July, and October of this year, which are currently still pending.
The Council of Ministers also called on the United Nations and the international community to assist in resolving disputes with Baghdad, and thanked United Nations Special Representative for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, who, in her recent address to the Security Council, urged the Iraqi government to separate the fulfillment of its financial obligations to the Kurdistan Region’s employees from political disputes.
In addition, the Cabinet unanimously approved the draft bill securing the rights and privileges of the families of martyrs and Anfal.
Minister of Transport and Communication Ano Jawhar raised issues related to land administration the Christian community faces in some areas of the Kurdistan Region. To address these concerns, the Council of Ministers formed a committee to follow up on questions related to the protection of ethnic, religious, and minority rights.
The Cabinet also reiterated the importance of decentralising decision-making capacities and providing local governments with greater independence on executive matters.
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Prime Minister reiterated the Kurdistan Regional Government’s commitment to continue protecting women’s rights and promoting gender equality in the Kurdistan Region. He also extended his deepest condolences once more to the family of the late Governor of Erbil, Dr. Firsat Sofi, as well as of all those who have experienced great loss to the coronavirus pandemic.
