Qubad Talabani Urges Allies to Assist in Resolving Budget, Salary Issues

Deputy Prime Minister's media office

Deputy Prime Minister and British Ambassador to Iraq

During a meeting with British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Charles Hitchen, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani stated, "We are working to find a solution for the budget and salary issues facing the employees of the Kurdistan Region because we cannot allow them to persist into the following year." 

The meeting in Erbil on Thursday focused on Iraq's political and security situation, as well as the relationship between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. "All Iraqi parties have a responsibility to work toward preserving the country's political and security stability," Talabani said, adding that "each party must demonstrate goodwill to rebuild trust." "Until stability and trust are restored, the Kurdistan Region's issues with Baghdad, as well as other political issues, cannot be effectively resolved." 

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the fundamental solution to the problems in the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad is a comprehensive long-term agreement that serves the interests of both parties. "The priority of the government and citizens of the Kurdistan Region is to resolve the budget and salary issues as soon as possible because this issue cannot continue in the coming year," he said. He urged allies and friendly nations to help resolve this issue. 

One of the meeting's additional topics was the internal situation in the Kurdistan Region. According to Talabani, constructive dialogue has already been established to address internal disputes, and the Kurdish parties have made progress in unifying and demonstrating their solidarity. He expressed optimism that if this positive environment persists, a large portion of the issues will be handled, enhancing the Kurdistan Region's standing in Iraq.

In this context, he stated, "The Peshmerga Ministry's reform process will be carried out more quickly and effectively now that the minister is back."



PUKMEDIA