Kurdistan Economy

[Anthea]

Potato Boom in Duhok:

Exports Planned to Gulf and Southern Iraq

The Directorate of Agriculture in Duhok announced on Thursday that the province is on track to achieve a record-breaking harvest of 600,000 tons of potatoes this year, following the successful cultivation of 48,000 hectares of farmland.

Ahmed Jameel, Director of Agriculture in Duhok, told Kurdistan 24 that this year’s output marks a significant milestone in the province’s agricultural productivity. “We have planted 48,000 hectares with potatoes across Duhok, and we estimate the total harvest to reach around 600,000 tons,” he said.

With a government-imposed import ban in place, Duhok’s potato reserves have been fully consumed by domestic demand, making local production the sole supply source. “The quantities currently in storage are only sufficient for the ongoing season,” Jameel confirmed.

As local market demand has now been met, the Directorate is turning its attention toward international exports. Jameel revealed that surplus produce will be shipped to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and southern Iraq.

Thanks to sustained support from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Duhok’s potato exports have grown year by year. “Each year, with government backing, we export potatoes to various countries. While shipments to the Gulf are made by air, the majority of our produce is transported to southern and central parts of Iraq,” Jameel explained.

In 2024, Duhok exported approximately 5,000 tons of potatoes within Iraq—a figure expected to increase significantly this year as production reaches new heights and market access widens.

As one of the Kurdistan’s leading agricultural zones, Duhok continues to solidify its status as a strategic center for food security and regional trade. With record yields and expanding export networks, the province is playing a growing role in Iraq’s broader agricultural landscape.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/882420

[Anthea]

Erbil to Host Region’s Largest Tourism Expo

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Erbil is set to host the largest tourism exhibition in the Middle East as the Middle East Tourism Exposition (METEX) returns to the city for its third edition, starting Tuesday at the Erbil International Fairgrounds in Sami Abdulrahman Park

The three-day event, which has grown into a major regional platform for tourism and investment, is being closely overseen by Kurdistan’s Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism. Minister Sasan Awni visited the site on Sunday to inspect final preparations and reaffirm the Ministry’s full support for ensuring the success of the exhibition.

"We are committed to providing all necessary assistance to make METEX a success and to highlight the growing potential of the tourism sector in the Kurdistan Region," Awni stated during his tour.

The exhibition will feature a wide range of tourism-related projects and services, with participation from major tourism companies as well as public institutions. Among the participants are the General Directorates of Tourism for Erbil and Sulaimani, and the Erbil Municipality.

METEX 2025 aims to attract local and international stakeholders and strengthen Erbil’s position as a key tourism and investment hub in the Middle East.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... metex-2025

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PM Barzani urges shift from tragedy to tourism

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday called for a renewed focus on showcasing the Region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, moving beyond its historical narrative of tragedy. He delivered the remarks at the Middle East Tourism Expo (METEX2025), held in Erbil with the participation of around 200 companies from 11 countries

“For years, our efforts to introduce Kurdistan to the world centered on our national identity through the lens of suffering,” said PM Barzani, adding that “Kurdistan has much more to offer… It is a place of deep history, rich culture, and peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and ethnic communities.”

“Kurdistan’s beauty lies in its diverse nature and how hospitable and friendly its people are, which is a common trait throughout Kurdistan, to make our guests feel at home.”

PM Barzani also emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening the tourism sector.

“Improving our tourism sector will help us introduce Kurdistan to the world so that more people come and visit us and get to know our people and the different parts of our Region better,” he said.

“We must continue to develop services so that more people, whether from Kurdistan or abroad, benefit more from this sector.”

PM Barzani underscored the role of events like METEX2025 in elevating the Kurdistan Region’s profile as a key tourist destination.

“One of the factors that will help us introduce Kurdistan to the world more effectively is our focus on the tourism sector,” the premier said, stressing that “by working together and with the [Kurdistan Regional] Government’s [KRG] support, such events can serve all of the Kurdistanis.”

The Kurdistan Region premier additionally stressed the importance of restoring and renovating historical sites and cultural relics across the Region “as each possesses its own unique natural and cultural beauty.”

According to the Kurdistan Region’s Tourism Board, nearly eight million tourists visited in 2023, primarily from Iraq’s central and southern provinces.

For its part, the KRG in March 2024 announced that 1.7 million tourists had visited the Region in the first three months of that year.

Geographically, the Kurdistan Region is characterized by predominantly mountainous terrain, offering particularly striking natural landscapes in its northern and northeastern areas, especially along the borders with Turkey and Iran.

In addition to its breathtaking natural scenery, the Kurdistan Region is rich in cultural and historical heritage, positioning it as a significant part of ancient Mesopotamia

The Region is also home to a wealth of archaeological sites, ancient cities, and religious landmarks that bear witness to thousands of years of continuous civilization. These include remnants from the Sumerian, Assyrian, and Median eras, highlighting the Region's deep historical roots.

At the heart of this archaeological landscape stands the Erbil Citadel, widely regarded as the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement. Dating back to 6000 BC, the Citadel serves as a symbolic and cultural centerpiece of the Kurdistan Region’s enduring legacy.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/060520252

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Delegation Attends SelectUSA
Investment Summit in Washington

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A delegation of 46 business leaders from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region is participating in the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit, held from November 11 to 14 in Washington, D.C., the US Embassy in Baghdad announced on Sunday

The delegation, which has already arrived in the United States, represents a broad array of sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, tourism, hospitality, food and beverage, trade, agriculture, construction, investment, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and oil and gas. Their participation underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and investment ties between Iraq and the United States.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the largest US event dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment. Organized by the US Department of Commerce, it brings together international investors with representatives from US state and local governments to explore business opportunities and streamline the investment process.

The US Embassy highlighted the importance of the initiative in supporting Iraqi entrepreneurs and business leaders in identifying opportunities for growth and partnership in the US market.

Earlier in April, more than 100 members of the Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce and Industry took part in a major business forum in Baghdad, reflecting the deepening commercial engagement between the two nations.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/83 ... nomic-ties

[Anthea]

Cement Plant Gateway to
Broader Economic Growth

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Dabin Cement Factory and Power Station in Erbil, framing the project as a symbol of industrial ambition, environmental responsibility, and the Kurdistan Region's economic transformation

Standing on the very site where the foundation stone had been laid less than two years ago, PM Barzani lauded the completion of the complex on schedule, crediting the combined efforts of local engineers and international partners for turning vision into reality. The project, a joint initiative between Dabin Group and Power China, is now one of the largest industrial installations in the region.

"It is truly commendable that work of this nature and quality has been completed so quickly," the Prime Minister declared. “It is a source of pride and honor to see local capabilities, together with the cooperation of our friends from abroad, able to establish the industrial sector in Kurdistan in this way."

With an annual production capacity exceeding two million tons of cement, the Dabin factory is expected to meet a significant share of both regional and Iraqi market demand. The adjacent 52-megawatt power station ensures energy self-sufficiency for the facility while contributing to the local power grid.

Barzani paid special tribute to the project's adherence to environmental standards, praising the installation of advanced smoke and gas filtration systems. “I commend the project implementers for considering environmental protection,” he said. “I hope that all other places will take this into consideration and make it a fundamental part of their work—how we respect our nature and protect our environment.”

Beyond industrial output, the project has already created over 1,200 jobs for local residents, aligning with the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) wider economic policy of supporting the private sector and expanding employment opportunities. “This is another part of the KRG’s promise,” Barzani said, “that, with the support of the private sector, we provide job opportunities for the people of the Kurdistan Region.”

Barzani’s speech also pointed to broader economic development plans, referencing the nearby Gomespan Dam tourism project as evidence of a multi-sectoral strategy encompassing agriculture, tourism, and industry. He emphasized that the KRG’s long-standing policy of revenue diversification and economic infrastructure development was proving both correct and necessary.

“These are the initial steps,” Barzani stated. “Kurdistan is very rich and there is more potential for us to focus on developing economic infrastructure in all other parts of Kurdistan, in every city and town.”

The Prime Minister also reiterated the importance of maintaining political stability and regional security as preconditions for sustained economic progress. “As long as stability and security continue in the region, Kurdistan will undoubtedly take more steps toward progress,” he said.

Barzani closed his address with a message of optimism and national pride, thanking Dabin Group and Power China for their contributions and expressing hope for more large-scale development projects across Kurdistan. “We look forward to similar projects being implemented in other parts of our beloved Kurdistan, God willing. May Kurdistan always prosper.”

Transcript of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's speech:

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Distinguished attendees, honored guests, you are very welcome, and I am very pleased that today we are participating with you in the opening ceremony of this large company. It was at this site, two years ago, that we came and laid the foundation stone for the cement factory constructed by Dabin Group and Power China, who both designed and undertook the implementation.

Less than two years ago we were here, and now, on schedule, we see the results. It is truly commendable that work of this nature and quality has been completed so quickly. It is a source of pride and honor to see local capabilities, together with the cooperation of our friends from abroad, able to establish the industrial sector in Kurdistan in this way, marking the beginning of even greater steps in the future.

What is especially pleasing is seeing the great importance given to environmental protection here, with filters for all the smoke and gases that would otherwise become an environmental problem. This issue has been resolved. I commend the project implementers for considering environmental protection, and I hope that all other places will take this into consideration and make it a fundamental part of their work - how we respect our nature and protect our environment.

The production of this factory is more than two million and nearly 100,000 tons of cement annually, which will undoubtedly meet a large portion of the Kurdistan Region's needs and at the Iraqi level as well. There are several other similar projects in the Kurdistan Region. This indicates that Kurdistan is a suitable place for developing the industrial sector. We will continue to encourage, support, and back the private sector in implementing such projects that serve the people of Kurdistan.

What is gratifying, as we have heard again, is that more than 1,200 job opportunities have been created for the local people. This is another part of the Kurdistan Regional Government's promise that, with the support of the private sector, we provide job opportunities for the people of the Kurdistan Region. I commend you for the excellent work you are doing.

Right next to this project, there is another large tourism project, the Gomespan Dam. Therefore, the promises made by the Kurdistan Regional Government for developing the agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors are gradually being realized, and many of them are being implemented. But this is just the beginning, these are the initial steps. Kurdistan is very rich and there is more potential for us to focus on developing economic infrastructure in all other parts of Kurdistan, in all other places, in every city and town. Where needed, we give importance to the industrial sector, and where needed, we focus on the tourism sector. As you know, for the agricultural sector as well, we have been investing considerably for some time and have encouraged our farmers to continue developing the agricultural sector.

All these sectors together remind us once again that the Kurdistan Regional Government's policy for diversifying and expanding the Kurdistan Region's revenue and developing economic infrastructure has been correct and legitimate. We will continue to enhance our relations with friendly and neighboring countries and abroad to further focus on Kurdistan's development, so that prosperity in Kurdistan continues to advance day by day. As long as stability and security continue in the region, Kurdistan will undoubtedly take more steps toward progress, and our hope is that our people, the people of Kurdistan, and those who visit Kurdistan, can live in peace, security, and confidence, looking toward a brighter future.

Once again, I commend the implementers of this major project. I commend Dabin Group and Power China, and I hope they will always be successful. We look forward to similar projects and other projects being implemented in other parts of our beloved Kurdistan, God willing.

Once again, well done, thank you for your attendance, and may you always be successful. May Kurdistan always prosper.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/839887/this-is-just-the-beginning-pm-barzani-sees-cement-plant-as-gateway-to-broader-economic-growth

[Anthea]

Kurdistan and US Multi-Billion Dollar Energy Deals

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — “A new phase of Kurdistan-USA ties begins as we sign two multi-billion dollar deals with HKN Energy and WesternZagros Resources. These deals will power millions, create jobs, and strengthen the foundation of Kurdistan’s economy,” Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani declared Tuesday on X, unveiling two historic energy agreements between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and American firms HKN Energy and WesternZagros

Signed in Washington, D.C. during a high-profile ceremony hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the agreements mark a pivotal development in Kurdistan’s economic strategy and deepening partnership with the United States. The event brought together senior U.S. officials and business leaders, including Steve Lutes, Vice President of Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber, to witness what PM Barzani hailed as a “milestone in U.S.-Kurdistan relations.”

“These agreements underscore Kurdistan’s commitment to peace and progress through economic development,” Barzani said in his keynote remarks. “Both HKN and WesternZagros have long operated in our region and have played a vital role in driving growth that benefits not only the people of Kurdistan but all of Iraq.”

Barzani emphasized the importance of the deals as part of the KRG’s broader reforms in the energy sector, aimed at solving long-standing electricity shortages, decreasing dependency on fuel imports, and enabling future exports of surplus power. “Our government is focused on long-term, sustainable energy solutions. These new investments are critical for realizing that vision,” he added.

Billions in Value, Power for Millions

The first agreement, signed with Miran Energy—a joint venture between HKN Energy and ONEX—targets the development of the Miran gas field, which contains an estimated 8 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas. According to Acting Minister of Natural Resources Kamal Mohammed, initial production is expected to range between 50 to 70 million standard cubic feet per day (scf/d) following an 18- to 20-month exploration phase. This production is intended to be integrated into the Kurdistan power grid, relieving pressure on electricity generation facilities and reducing reliance on imported fuel.

The second agreement, signed with WesternZagros, focuses on the development of the Topkhana field, containing 5 tcf of gas and an estimated 9 million barrels of oil. This will further enhance Kurdistan’s energy output and help fuel industries that are currently reliant on less efficient black oil.

Minister Mohammed explained that Kurdistan’s actual electricity generation hovers between 4,000 to 4,500 megawatts (MW), despite having an installed capacity of 8,189 MW. The region’s gas-based power plants require around 1.1 billion scf of gas daily, yet current output from fields like Khor Mor and Khurmala only supplies approximately 650 million scf/d. The new deals are expected to significantly close this gap.

“This is not just about powering homes,” Mohammed said. “It’s about fueling our cement, steel, and manufacturing sectors. It’s about building an economy rooted in local resources.”

$110 Billion in Untapped Potential

The combined estimated market value of the Miran and Topkhana fields is around $110 billion—$40 billion for Miran and $70 billion for Topkhana. While these figures are preliminary, they underscore the vast potential these resources hold for transforming Kurdistan’s economy.

Beyond domestic supply, surplus gas could be routed to southern Iraq or even exported regionally, creating long-term economic benefits and further anchoring the Kurdistan Region as a key energy player in the region.

Political and Economic Strategy

These agreements come at a critical time. Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have faced delays due to legal and financial disputes with Baghdad. Although over 11.8 million barrels of Kurdish oil have been delivered to the Iraqi Oil Ministry over the past five months, the KRG has yet to receive payments or reimbursement for company entitlements and regional dues.

The deals also symbolize a strategic pivot in U.S.-Kurdistan relations—one that builds on a shared legacy of security cooperation and now evolves toward economic partnership. “This marks the beginning of a new era for our region,” Barzani said. “Economic development and energy investment are powerful tools that can deepen our relationship and strengthen our bonds.”

Looking Ahead

As Kurdistan looks to the future, these investments are poised to generate thousands of jobs, stabilize electricity for millions, stimulate industrial growth, and reinforce the KRG’s autonomy in managing its natural resources.

Prime Minister Barzani closed the Washington ceremony by thanking the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and expressing optimism about future cooperation. “I congratulate the people of Kurdistan and Iraq, as well as our American partners. This is a great achievement—for all of us.”

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... ergy-deals

[Anthea]

Cucumbers and Commerce:
Erbil's Agricultural Push Eyes Regional Markets

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a major boost to the Kurdistan Region’s agricultural economy, the General Directorate of Agriculture in Erbil has announced that cucumber production is expected to exceed 35,000 tons this year, marking a significant increase from last year’s output

The announcement reflects the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) broader strategy to strengthen local agriculture and expand access to domestic and international markets.

Hemin Sayed Murad, General Director of Agriculture in Erbil, told Kurdistan24 on Friday that the area designated for cucumber cultivation in 2025 has grown to 7,136 dunams. “We anticipate that production will exceed 35,000 tons, and harvesting will commence next week. We expect this year's yield to be greater than that of last year,” he stated.

The figures represent a notable rise compared to 2024, when 6,373 dunams of land were used for cucumber cultivation, resulting in a total yield of 28,679 tons.

Murad also emphasized that the local market has already been saturated with domestic cucumber supply and that, since early May, shipments have been steadily dispatched to southern and central Iraqi provinces.

This shift toward outbound trade underscores the region’s advancing capacity not only to sustain local demand but also to engage actively with regional markets.

“To support this effort,” Murad noted, “a tax will be imposed on the import of cucumbers from April 15 through November 6, 2025.” The measure is intended to protect local producers and encourage greater consumption of homegrown products.

This announcement aligns with the KRG’s wider agricultural development goals, which prioritize reducing import dependency, increasing farmer income, and enhancing food security.

By incentivizing local production and investing in logistical outreach to southern Iraq and potentially neighboring countries, the KRG aims to transform its agricultural sector into a cornerstone of economic resilience.

With harvesting set to begin imminently, Erbil’s cucumber output stands as a model for how targeted planning, supportive policies, and regional coordination can bring locally grown products to broader markets. As Kurdish farmers prepare for another fruitful season, the region moves one step closer to transforming its agricultural potential into sustainable economic strength.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... al-markets

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$100 Billion Energy Deal

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Treefa Aziz, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United States, has announced the successful outcome of a series of high-level meetings held by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani with members of the U.S. Congress, alongside the signing of a landmark $100 billion energy agreement with American companies

Over the past two days, Prime Minister Barzani met with key lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives to discuss strengthening ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States. “These meetings have gone very well,” Aziz stated, adding that the engagements were part of a broader effort to enhance long-standing bilateral relations.

A central achievement of the visit was the announcement of a massive energy sector deal involving American companies. “This is a major achievement for both the Kurdistan Region and the American companies involved,” Aziz said, underscoring the strategic importance of the investment.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to boost energy cooperation and business development between the U.S. and the Middle East, in line with American policy goals to deepen regional economic engagement.

Aziz emphasized the significance of Prime Minister Barzani’s visit at a time of political transition in Washington. “We are doing our part to promote and develop energy and business ties, and we are grateful to the United States government for its continued support,” she noted.

The visit not only highlights the Kurdistan Region’s expanding role as a reliable energy partner but also reinforces the enduring partnership between Erbil and Washington.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... l-us-visit

[Anthea]

20,000 Olive Trees in Erbil

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources announced on Sunday the completion of a project to plant 20,000 olive trees in the capital, Erbil, with funding from Germany

KRG Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Begard Talabani announced the conclusion of this "strategic and important project" on Sunday morning, in the presence of members of the diplomatic community, NGOs, and other government officials.

The afforestation initiative involved the planting of 20,000 olive saplings in Dilopa, a picnic area just outside Erbil. The green project began last year and concluded this week.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH implemented the project with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

In addition to its environmental benefits, the project created job opportunities for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and members of host communities, including women and persons with disabilities.

Minister Talabani expressed gratitude for Germany's continued support, stating, “GIZ has played an important and remarkable role in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture in various fields,” and expressed hope for continued collaboration.

Olive cultivation is a growing agricultural sector in the Kurdistan Region. Hundreds of local farmers have been planting olive trees for years, with the produce being processed into olive oil at seven regional factories.

Shakir Mohammed, a local gardener, highlighted the region's potential: “Kurdistan is a land of gold — very suitable for planting olive trees. Currently, we can export thousands of tons of olive oil,” he told Kurdistan 24.

The Kurdistan Region's seven olive oil factories play a key role in both domestic supply and international export, providing significant benefits to local farmers.

On Feb. 22, 2024, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani visited the Rasan Olive Oil Factory in Halabja Province.

Established in 2018 and currently undergoing expansion, the factory has become a cornerstone of regional olive production, directly and indirectly supporting more than 250 residents of Halabja Province.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... s-in-erbil

[Anthea]

Halt of Kurdistan’s Employees’ Salaries

The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Ministry of Finance and Economy issued a statement Thursday responding to the Iraqi Federal Ministry of Finance’s decision regarding the salaries of Kurdistan’s public employees and the Region's share in the 2025 federal budget

According to the statement, the KRG has a remaining balance of 9.1 trillion Iraqi dinars for the 2025 budget, after deducting the 4.2 trillion dinars currently held in the Central Bank of Iraq branch in Erbil.

The ministry criticized the federal government's method of calculating non-oil revenues transferred to the federal treasury. It stated that the calculations violate the Federal Budget Law and Article 29 of the amended Financial Management Law No. 6 of 2019.

The ministry also objected to the way oil revenues are being handled — particularly the exclusion of oil extraction costs, the dues owed to oil companies operating in the Region, and the quantities allocated for power generation and domestic consumption. According to the statement, these revenues were used by the Region to cover salary shortfalls and operational costs due to the lack of federal funding.

Citing the constitution, rulings of the Federal Supreme Court, and current laws, the KRG’s Ministry of Finance emphasized that the federal government is obligated to continue funding salaries for employees, retirees, families of martyrs and victims of the Anfal campaign, and social welfare beneficiaries in the Kurdistan Region—just like in other parts of Iraq.

The ministry further accused the federal government of failing to meet its legal obligations, particularly with regard to compensating victims of chemical attacks, genocide, and the Anfal campaign. Instead of fulfilling these commitments, the statement said, the federal government continues to use various excuses to avoid sending funds for public employees’ salaries in the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/885020

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Iraq Suspension of KRG Salary Payments

Citing Article 14 of the Iraqi Constitution, which guarantees equality and justice for all citizens, the Kurdish representatives said the Finance Ministry’s actions represent a clear constitutional violation

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdish factions in the Iraqi parliament on Thursday expressed deep concern and surprise over the Federal Ministry of Finance's decision to suspend salary payments for public employees in the Kurdistan Region.

In a joint statement, the factions warned that the move has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis facing thousands of civil servants, many of whom are now struggling to meet basic needs. They emphasized that the dignity and well-being of citizens must be upheld regardless of political or technical disagreements.

Citing Article 14 of the Iraqi Constitution, which guarantees equality and justice for all citizens, the Kurdish representatives said the Finance Ministry’s actions represent a clear constitutional violation. They called for the immediate resumption of salary payments and urged that the rights of public employees not be used as leverage in political disputes.

“This is not merely a political complaint—it is a constitutional and human rights issue,” the statement read. “Delaying salaries is tantamount to collective punishment, and public employees are unjustly bearing the consequences.”

The Kurdish parliamentary factions appealed directly to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to act in accordance with moral responsibility to resolve the issue. They also urged the Iraqi President and Kurdish ministers in the federal government to take a firm and united stance against what they described as an unjust and hostile measure targeting public sector workers in the Kurdistan Region.

The factions concluded their statement by calling for a comprehensive and lasting solution to salary disputes, and said they are awaiting the Prime Minister's response on concrete steps to address the crisis.

Previously, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) issued a stern warning to the Iraqi federal government, declaring that it will adopt a "serious stance" if salaries owed to the Kurdistan Region are not disbursed before the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... y-payments

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KDP Seeks Unified Kurdish Stance
as Baghdad Withholds Salaries

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has called for an expanded meeting of all Kurdish political parties to address the ongoing salary dispute with the Iraqi federal government

According to Shafaq News Agency, the meeting is scheduled to take place on Saturday morning in the town of Pirmam in Erbil province, where the Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the KDP, is expected to attend.

The report noted that several invited parties have confirmed their participation.

The main focus of the meeting will be to discuss the recent actions of the Iraqi Ministry of Finance concerning the salaries of public employees in the Kurdistan Region. Kurdish parties are expected to seek a unified stance on the issue.

The KDP on Thursday criticized the federal government’s decision to suspend salary payments to the Kurdistan Region, calling it a clear violation of constitutional and political commitments. The party warned it would take firm action if the Region’s financial dues are not paid before Eid al-Adha.

The statement came in response to a letter from the Iraqi Finance Ministry a day earlier, which said Baghdad would stop sending salaries to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), claiming the KRG had failed to hand over 19.2 trillion dinars in oil and non-oil revenues.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/885085

Iraq and it's puppet Bafel Talabani are trying their hardest to destroy Kurdistan, because they are all JEALOUS IDIOTS and fail to realise that they and their country are sinking while Kurdistan rises in GLORY

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Civil Servant Salary Halt

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Presidency of the Iraqi Parliament on Wednesday voiced strong concern over the Federal Ministry of Finance's recent decision to suspend salary payments for public employees in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), warning that the move could spark a severe economic crisis in the Region

In an official statement, the Parliament Presidency described the decision as harmful to the citizens of the Kurdistan Region and a violation of both constitutional principles and rulings issued by the Federal Supreme Court. It stressed that the rights and livelihoods of people should not be subject to political or technical disputes.

“This decision will cause significant harm to the citizens of the Kurdistan Region and create an economic crisis,” the statement said, calling on the federal government to urgently reverse the decision, particularly as the Eid al-Adha holiday approaches.

With thousands of public servants depending on their salaries, the Parliament Presidency highlighted the importance of upholding constitutional guarantees and ensuring equal rights for all Iraqis, regardless of region.

"The livelihood of citizens and their rights should not be entangled with political and technical issues. To resolve this matter and other disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, dialogue and understanding must be prioritized," the statement concluded.

The call adds pressure on the federal government to seek a swift and peaceful resolution through cooperation, as tensions between Baghdad and Erbil continue over financial and administrative disputes.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... alary-halt

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Civil Servant Salary Halt

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Presidency of the Iraqi Parliament on Wednesday voiced strong concern over the Federal Ministry of Finance's recent decision to suspend salary payments for public employees in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), warning that the move could spark a severe economic crisis in the Region

In an official statement, the Parliament Presidency described the decision as harmful to the citizens of the Kurdistan Region and a violation of both constitutional principles and rulings issued by the Federal Supreme Court. It stressed that the rights and livelihoods of people should not be subject to political or technical disputes.

“This decision will cause significant harm to the citizens of the Kurdistan Region and create an economic crisis,” the statement said, calling on the federal government to urgently reverse the decision, particularly as the Eid al-Adha holiday approaches.

With thousands of public servants depending on their salaries, the Parliament Presidency highlighted the importance of upholding constitutional guarantees and ensuring equal rights for all Iraqis, regardless of region.

"The livelihood of citizens and their rights should not be entangled with political and technical issues. To resolve this matter and other disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, dialogue and understanding must be prioritized," the statement concluded.

The call adds pressure on the federal government to seek a swift and peaceful resolution through cooperation, as tensions between Baghdad and Erbil continue over financial and administrative disputes.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/84 ... alary-halt

[Anthea]

Kurdish Leaders Accuse Baghdad of
Eid-Time Financial Punishment

As Muslims across the region prepare to celebrate Eid al-Adha, Kurdish leaders have strongly criticized the federal government in Baghdad for withholding the financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region, leaving hundreds of thousands of public servants without salaries during the holiday

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), echoed these concerns, stating that the Kurdistan Region will “welcome this blessed Eid at a time when the salaries and entitlements of the people of the Kurdistan Region are being cut off by an unjust and oppressive decision from the authorities in Baghdad.”

Barzani further described the policy of withholding salaries and collectively punishing the Kurdish population as “no less heinous than the Anfal campaigns, chemical bombardments, and acts of genocide committed by the former regime against the people of Kurdistan.”

Despite these challenges, Barzani affirmed the resilience of the Kurdish people: “The will of the people of Kurdistan is strong. Our history is marked by courage and resistance to oppression. We will remain steadfast until we secure justice and dignity.”

In a statement late last month, the Iraqi Finance Ministry announced that it has halted the delivery of salaries for public employees in the Kurdistan Region, claiming it has already transferred the KRG’s 12 percent share of the federal budget and will not send any additional funds until the end of the year.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also marked the occasion with a message of unity and constitutional resolve. He emphasized the deeper meaning of Eid as a time for “prayer, compassion, and reconciliation,” while calling for dialogue and national cooperation.

“The issue of salary entitlements in the Kurdistan Region must be resolved through mutual understanding and constitutional mechanisms,” the president said. “We are committed to defending the rights of our citizens and will take all necessary steps within the constitutional framework to do so.”

The Kurdish leader also appealed to all parties across Iraq to uphold shared responsibility and reason, urging efforts toward a stable and just future for all Iraqis.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani lamented the difficult circumstances under which the holiday is being observed this year. “Unfortunately, we are celebrating this holiday in a difficult financial situation due to the mass punishment of Kurdistan Region citizens by the federal government,” PM Barzani said in a statement.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defending the rights of the people, pledging: “We assure you that we will make every effort to remove this oppression against Kurdistan's salaried employees.”

The coordinated statements from Kurdish leadership underscore mounting tensions between Erbil and Baghdad, particularly over budget allocations and the payment of public sector wages—an issue that has persisted for years and resurfaced with greater urgency ahead of this Islamic holiday.

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