Shafaq News- Baghdad

Relations between Baghdad and Erbil have faced repeated disputes in recent years over differing interpretations of constitutional, fiscal, and security issues, a member of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s (KRI) Presidency office said on Sunday.

Speaking at a panel organized by the Al-Farahidi Foundation for Dialogue and Development in Baghdad, Kaifi Abdullah said Iraq is a “strategic depth” for the Kurdistan Region.

President Nechirvan Barzani has repeatedly called for the full implementation of the constitution and a review of the shortcomings, gaps, and violations that have affected relations between Baghdad and Erbil, he said.

According to Abdullah, the two sides need to move from managing their disputes to resolving them through strong political will, direct dialogue, and the full and fair implementation of the constitution. “Iraq cannot be strong without a strong Kurdistan Region, just as the Region cannot be secure and stable without a strong and stable Iraq.”

The panel, attended by political and academic figures, also examined the main sources of disagreement between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Participants included Iraqi Prime Minister’s Adviser for Women’s Affairs Ala Talabani, former Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, and former Industry Minister Mohammed Al-Daraji.

Al-Mashhadani said disagreements between Baghdad and Erbil were an unavoidable consequence of their geographic relationship but should not have persisted for nearly 20 years. He argued that they could be resolved “in one or two sessions” if there were sufficient political will.

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Al-Daraji identified the Federal Budget Law, Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, security arrangements, the status of the Peshmerga forces, and the presence of multiple security agencies as major areas of disagreement. He also cited fiscal and oil policies involving production and exports, as well as customs and taxation.

Read more: Erbil-Baghdad disputes: A cycle of missed opportunities