Kurdistan parties say will pursue dialogue with Baghdad over funding
Also in Kurdistan
Erbil authorities destroy over 8,000 vape devices in ongoing crackdown
New marketing book touts Iraq as prime destination for global investment
Human remains found at Zakho construction site
KDP hosts meeting with Kurdish parties as tensions with Baghdad escalate
A+ A-
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - In a joint statement following a meeting of Kurdistan Region political forces on Saturday, the parties denounced the Iraqi finance ministry's decision to halt payments to the Region. They said they would pursue a solution through dialogue, but warned that 'all options' remain on the table.
'After necessary discussion and deliberation on this matter, all parties agreed that this decision is a political decision against the will of the people of Kurdistan and the political and legal framework of the Kurdistan Region,' read the statement.
On Wednesday, the Iraqi finance ministry announced that it would no longer send the Kurdistan Region its financial entitlements from the federal budget, including the salaries of over one million civil servants of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The meeting to discuss the ministry's decision was hosted by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Pirmam, Erbil province. The final statement was signed by 43 parties, including the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Kurdistan Socialist Democratic Party (KSDP), Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU), Kurdistan Communist Party, and the Kurdsat wing of the Change Movement (Gorran).
The parties said Baghdad must not politicize the rights of civil servants and said that they favoured resolving the matter through dialogue.
'We consider dialogue and negotiation as the best solution for this phase, while at the same time we openly see all options before us for the sake of the higher interests of the Kurdistan Region,' the statement said.
The main opposition parties did not attend the Pirmam meeting, including the New Generation Movement, the National Stance Movement (Halwest), the People's Front (Baray Gal), the Kurdistan Justice Group (Komal), and the Zargata wing of Gorran.
New Generation on Friday said such discussions must take place in the parliament.
Finances are a frequent source of friction between Erbil and Baghdad. In stopping the payments, Baghdad accused Erbil of failing to hand over its oil and non-oil revenues and claimed that the KRG has received its full share of the federal budget for 2025.
The KDP said on Thursday that it would take a 'serious stance' if Baghdad fails to pay the May salaries by June 6, which coincides with the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha.
The finance ministry's decision to cease payments to Erbil came on the heels of the KRG inking two new oil and gas deals with American firms, drawing the ire of Iraq's oil ministry, which has taken legal action.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
31 minutes ago
- Shafaq News
Following Shafaq Probe, Iraq orders global hunt for "forgotten" billions in state assets
Shafaq News/ The Iraqi Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to direct ambassadors, consuls, and diplomatic missions abroad to take concrete steps in identifying and reclaiming state-owned assets held overseas. The step came after Shafaq News investigation, citing senior diplomatic sources, revealed that Iraq owns at least 50 properties and investment ventures spread across Europe, Asia, and Africa. These include luxurious palaces, farms, banks, commercial offices, and key industrial facilities, many of which have remained unaccounted for since the fall of the previous regime. Committee member Mokhtar al-Mousawi told Shafaq News that Iraq possesses numerous properties and assets across various countries, all backed by official documentation. However, he stressed that these holdings require serious efforts to be formally registered under the Iraqi state once again. 'These assets include properties that were entrusted to individuals or registered under private names during the former regime. With the right diplomatic engagement, they can be recovered,' al-Mousawi stated. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to instruct Iraq's ambassadors and consuls to intensify their efforts to restore these properties—some of which are worth millions of dollars. According to al-Mousawi, notable examples include a large mosque in Australia, expansive tea plantations in Sri Lanka, and agricultural lands in Yemen. On domestic assets tied to the former regime, al-Mousawi noted that some seized properties in Baghdad's Green Zone are now being sold to current occupants at a rate of four million Iraqi dinars per square meter—a figure he criticized as undervaluing the strategic importance and location of these properties.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Iraqi Defense Minister: Coalition presence in Syria "necessary"
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Defense Minister Thabit al-Abbasi on Friday said the presence of Global Coalition forces in Syria remains necessary, noting that Iraq's security is closely linked to stability in its neighboring country. In an interview with Al Arabiya, al-Abbasi confirmed that coordination with the US-led coalition remains intact, adding, 'Baghdad has not received any official notification regarding changes to the withdrawal schedule of coalition forces from either Syria or Iraq.' The minister stressed that the continued presence of US and coalition forces in Syria remains 'necessary to confront remnants of the terrorist organization, which still poses a cross-border threat.' Currently, around 2,500 US troops remain stationed in Iraq, with approximately 900 deployed in Syria. Discussions on the future of these forces have been ongoing for months.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Over 300,000 visitors: Erbil's tourism sector soars this Eid
Shafaq News/ Large numbers of tourists began arriving in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, on the first day of Eid al-Adha, as the city continues to develop into a prominent tourism destination in Iraq and the wider region. Sirwan Tawfiq, Marketing Director at the Erbil Tourism Board, told Shafaq News that authorities expect to welcome over 300,000 tourists across the Kurdistan Region during the Eid holiday this year—up from 220,000 visitors during the same period last year. 'This growth is the result of extensive government facilitation measures for tourists, from easing entry procedures to offering a wide range of tourism services,' Tawfiq explained, adding that a comprehensive plan was implemented to ensure smooth visitor flow, including strengthened services in hotels and public facilities, expanded operations at tourist information centers, and full preparation of historical and recreational sites to receive guests. Public spaces across Erbil were filled with families and visitors from various Iraqi provinces and neighboring countries. Parks, shopping centers, and main streets were particularly active. Ahmed Salman, a visitor from Baghdad, said, 'This is my first Eid in Erbil, and I was impressed by how well-organized everything is. Access to tourist sites is easy, and the hospitality has been exceptional.' Sara, a tourist from Basra, noted that 'services are well provided, from hotels to transportation. Everything has been smooth, making our trip comfortable and enjoyable.' Mohammed, visiting from Najaf, remarked that Erbil offers entertainment options suitable for all age groups and added that he and his family felt safe while exploring the city.
