KRG minister slams Baghdad for failing to uphold constitutional obligations
Explosion reported at Duhok oil field: American firm
Two explosive drones intercepted southwest of Erbil
President Barzani, US coalition commander talk regional security, Peshmerga reform
Kurdish parties push for unity amid financial standoff with Baghdad
A+ A-
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region's interior minister on Monday criticized Baghdad for failing to uphold its constitutional obligations, particularly regarding paying the Region's public sector salaries, saying the salary cuts are affecting Kurdish Peshmerga forces who were instrumental in defeating the Islamic State (ISIS).
'The most pressing challenges and difficulties the Kurdistan Region faces are the continued failure of the federal government of Iraq to meet its constitutional obligations toward the Kurdistan Region, particularly in ensuring the salaries of our country's public sector employees,' Rebar Ahmed said in a speech on sidelines of Bastille Day - the French national day celebrations in Erbil.
Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad escalated in late May when the federal finance ministry halted all budget transfers to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), including the salaries of over 1.2 million public employees. The ministry said the KRG had already received more than its 12.67 percent share of the 2025 federal budget and had failed to deliver its agreed share of oil to Baghdad.
'The Peshmerga forces who once protected Baghdad at the beginning of the formation of the Iraqi government after 2003 and helped defeat ISIS on behalf of the international coalition have had their salaries unfairly cut,' Ahmed stressed, further criticizing Baghdad of 'politicizing at the expense' of the Region's citizens.
He emphasized that Erbil remains committed to resolving disputes within the framework of the Iraqi constitution and applicable legal mechanisms.
Ahmed made his remarks during a Bastille Day ceremony in Erbil, also attended by high-ranking Kurdish officials such as Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani, and Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, along with French Consul General to Erbil Yann Braem.
He described France as a steadfast friend and longtime partner rooted in decades of shared struggle, mutual respect, and enduring support.
'When our people faced existential threats and their dictatorship during displacement or in the war against terrorism, France stood with us,' Ahmed said, adding that,' French humanitarian organizations were among the first on the ground, and the French people opened their heartsand homes to Kurdish refugees with compassion and dignity.'
Braem highlighted the strong relationship between Erbil and Paris, emphasizing the Kurdistan Region's continued commitment to stability and a peaceful approach in addressing regional challenges.
Through recent business forums in Paris and Baghdad, Braem said that France and the Kurdistan Region have 'strengthened our economic relationship.'
In late May, officials and business leaders from Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and France gathered in Paris for a major forum aimed at boosting trade and investment ties.
'We would not have been able to achieve them without the active commitment of all our Kurdish partners - the institutions and the government of the Region, of course, but also the Kurdish companies, the associations, whose determination to strengthen our ties I want to salute today,' he said.
The diplomat called for dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve outstanding disputes.
He said that France supports 'Kurdish unity, along with our shared conviction that dialogue is the best means to resolve disputes, particularly with Baghdad.'
On Monday, top delegations from the Kurdistan Region's ruling parties – the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) – met in Erbil to solidify a united stance on key issues, including the long-running dispute with Baghdad over public sector salaries and financial entitlements.
On Saturday, the KDP issued a warning and said it is giving Baghdad a 'final chance' to resolve the ongoing budget dispute.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rudaw Net
18 minutes ago
- Rudaw Net
Iraq eyeing 'sustainable' diversification away from oil: PM advisor
Also in Iraq Diyala council seeks to block Qaratapa district upgrade Iraq's ruling coalition condemns drone attacks on Kurdistan Region Iraqi parliament fails to discuss drone attacks on Kurdistan Region Iraq's top court rejects lawsuits against Kurdish parliament A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq is implementing sweeping reforms aimed at building a sustainable, diversified economy less dependent on volatile oil revenues, a financial advisor to the prime minister said on Tuesday. 'The government has sought to implement a package of fundamental reforms aimed at increasing non-oil revenues and reducing dependence on volatile oil revenues,' Mazhar Mohammed Salih told state media, citing tax reform, service fee adjustments, and customs modernization as key measures. He said Iraq's 'internal stability' is 'a key pillar' of these efforts, creating an improved investment environment supported by positive international credit ratings. "These combined indicators give Iraq a real opportunity to build a more stable and prosperous future,' Salih added, noting that dozens of previously stalled major projects have resumed. The reforms include automating tax collection, combating evasion, revising government service pricing, and digitizing customs and border procedures in cooperation with international bodies such as the United Nations. 'What distinguishes this stability is its superiority over its turbulent regional surroundings,' he said, highlighting Iraq's relative calm amid regional tensions. Iraq is undertaking a significant push to overhaul its economy, aiming to reduce its entrenched dependence on volatile oil revenues and foster sustainable growth. 'The government is working to build a sustainable revenue base that is independent of oil market fluctuations, supports economic growth plans, and enhances the country's financial stability, which is the main goal of prosperity and the essence of economic reform,' Salih explained. Iraq's economy is heavily reliant on its oil sector. It is also among the global nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including food and water insecurity. This winter, Iraq has received just a fraction of the rainfall it saw the year before. Iraq passed its highly-contentious budget bill for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 in June 2023, which includes a record $152 billion in spending. The massive expenditure sparked concerns of instability should oil prices drop below the $70 per barrel threshold set in the bill. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said at the time that the record-high budget was aimed at addressing pressing social needs, enhancing infrastructure development, and fostering economic progress.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
SDF: Disarmament currently impossible
Shafaq News – Damascus The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will not disarm under current conditions, SDF spokesperson Abgar Dawood said on Tuesday, citing ongoing instability and security threats. Speaking to Kurdish media outlets, Dawood added that the SDF could integrate into the Syrian army if a constitutional framework acknowledging the Kurdish community's distinct status is established. 'The SDF is not in favor of war, but it will defend its people wherever it is present.' The SDF has recently deployed additional units to front-line areas in eastern Aleppo province, as well as northern and western parts of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria. The move follows skirmishes with public security forces and Turkish-backed armed factions, amid rising tensions linked to developments in Suwayda. On March 10, interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi signed an agreement under which Kurdish fighters would be incorporated into the armed forces of the transitional government.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Leader Barzani hails Kurdish resolve as Baghdad releases KRG salaries
Shafaq News – Erbil On Tuesday, Kurdish Leader Masoud Barzani expressed gratitude to the people of the Kurdistan Region for their resilience, as the Iraqi government began disbursing public sector salaries. 'Thank you, people of Kurdistan. Despite all the pressures, you remained steadfast as always,' Barzani declared in a message. 'You are a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice, and I am proud of you.' The message came shortly after the Iraqi Ministry of Finance announced the release of May salaries, following the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)'s transfer of oil and non-oil revenues under a recent agreement with Baghdad.
