SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Quabd Talabani met with the British Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Hitchen, on Tuesday to discuss the current state of relations between Erbil and Baghdad.
The main focus of the meeting was the salary issues faced by public employees in the Kurdistan Region.
Deputy Prime Minister Talabani stressed the importance of a long-term agreement, based on the constitution, rather than a short-term solution, when it comes to salaries.
He emphasized that the priority at the moment is to ensure the budget and salaries for the Region’s employees, and called for a swift resolution to the obstacles hindering the implementation of the budget law.
“Our main focus should be on providing the budget and salaries for the Region’s public employees. It is crucial to address the obstacles and challenges hindering the implementation of the federal budget law,” said Deputy Prime Minister Talabani, according to a statement from his office.
Talabani also highlighted the significance of Kurdish parties coming together and reaching a consensus on a common program and plan to advocate for the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region in Baghdad.
He stated that unity among the Kurdish parties is essential in achieving a long-term agreement, as it is the ultimate solution to all outstanding issues.
The meeting also touched upon the upcoming parliamentary elections, with Talabani emphasizing the importance of conducting transparent and fair elections on the designated date set by the Region’s presidency.
