SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani on Wednesday received Italian Ambassador to Iraq Maurizio Greganti, according to a statement.
In a meeting, the two sides discussed several issues including Erbil-Baghdad relations and the next election of the Kurdistan Region parliament, a statement released by Talabani’s office said.
In the meantime, Talabani expressed his support to the Iraqi government headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudan, hoping the government from Erbil and Baghdad to reach an agreement on oil and gas law in the nearby future, the office added in the statement.
The Deputy Prime Minister also stated that Iraq is a country that heavily relies on oil revenue, therefore, Erbil-Baghdad outstanding issues will not be solved unless there is an agreement on the oil and gas issue.
“It’s is time to not waste time furthermore,” Talabani said, adding that the discussions must be intensified on the oil and gas law and the way to manage and sell the oil.
“Delaying the [Erbil-Baghdad] agreement is not in the interest of the people,” he added, according to the statement.
Moreover, the Kurdish official and the Italian diplomat discussed the next election of the Kurdistan Region parliament, where Talabani expressed readiness to hold the election.
“The meetings on talks to hold the election have begun,” Talabani told the Italian diplomat. “A good understanding has emerged, however, the remaining issue is the quota seats.”
“Our vision for the quota seats is clear. We aim the quote seats to be allocated for the real representation of the Kurdistan Region minorities,” Talabani continued.
