Nechirvan Barzani, US envoy to Iraq discuss recent Iraq federal court against Kurdistan Region

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and the United States’ Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Matthew Tueller and his accompanying delegation, held a meeting in Erbil where they discussed a wide range of issues including the latest political developments in the country, particularly following the recent ruling of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq regarding oil and gas sectors in the Kurdistan Region.

On this subject, Barzani shared his opinion about how the ruling was issued and also ways to resolve the question, reiterating that the current critical period in Iraq requires that the Federal Court and all Iraqi sides seek resolution of the issues, the Kurdish presidency website said.

He also clarified in the meeting on Wednesday that "the Kurdistan Region has always demonstrated its readiness to solve the problems with the Iraqi Federal Government on the basis of the constitution," emphasizing that such measures will not help stability in the country, and that all sides should seek solutions and preserve stability.

At the meeting, both sides agreed that following the last October parliamentary elections, the friends and allies of Iraq looked forward to the formation of the new government, preserving stability and promoting the democratic progress in Iraq. They reiterated the importance of partnership and coordination between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi Federal Government especially in the fight against terrorism which still poses real dangers in Iraq and Syria.

Discussions also focused on the elections in the Kurdistan Region as Nechirvan Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Region Presidency will work together with the relevant authorities on this subject and continues to communicate with the political parties to ensure that elections are held on time.

The status of the Peshmerga and its reform and unification process with the support from the United States and other partners were also highlighted. Both sides agreed that despite the progress achieved in this regard, the process still needs further efforts and that the support of the US and allies of the Kurdistan Region continues to be needed.

Other topics of discussion included the economic sector and the importance of encouraging foreign investments and capital in the Kurdistan Region, the importance of the independence of the courts in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and the continuing partnership of Iraq with the international community.

Barzani, said on Tuesday, February 15, the decision from the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court on the Region’s independent oil and gas sales stemmed from a law from Iraq’s former regime.

Barzani said in a statement the verdict "managed to overlook the principles of federalism and the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region,” and would worsen the disagreement between the Region and the federal government on oil and gas.

He also stated the ruling was "not applicable in practice or reality.”

Iraq’s top court on Tuesday issued a verdict ruling the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) law on the independent sale of the Region’s oil and natural gas was unconstitutional.

Barzani called on the supreme court to review the verdict to prevent political tension.

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani yesterday stated the supreme court’s decision was completely political, adding he hoped the KRG and the Iraqi government would be able to reach an agreement.

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