Iraq: Call to resolve the Kurdistan Region crisis through dialogue and the regional prime minister visits Baghdad
Masoud Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, called for a political settlement in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, while the regional prime minister, Masrour Barzani, heads to Baghdad to discuss outstanding issues and financial entitlements, following the withdrawal of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan from the regional government and its threat to establish a parallel authority.
Amid escalating disputes between the two main parties in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani called for a political settlement and the formation of a broad-based government. The call comes after the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Talabani, announced on Thursday his party's withdrawal from the regional government, non-recognition of its parliament's decisions or any government emerging from it, while hinting at establishing a parallel authority. The regional parliament held its first session in nearly two years last Wednesday, electing a speaker and deputy, boycotted by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the New Generation Movement. Masoud Barzani said in a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "the interest of the people of Iraqi Kurdistan transcends all other interests and goals," and called on the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan to sit with the Kurdistan Democratic Party and work together to resolve differences. He expressed hope for the participation of other political forces in the region in forming a "broad-based national government" that responds to the demands and aspirations of the people of Iraqi Kurdistan. Separately, regional government spokesperson Peshwa Horamani announced in a statement to INA that Masrour Barzani will visit Baghdad on Monday for a series of meetings with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and leaders of political parties and forces.