Kurdistan PM Vows to Secure Salaries Amid Ongoing Dispute with Baghdad

PUKMEDIA

Iraqi dinars with Iraq & Kurdistan’s flags.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Council of Ministers convened on Wednesday to discuss public sector salaries and several other pressing matters.

Following the meeting, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani held a press conference, stating: “The government will do everything within its capacity to ensure that employees receive their salaries and financial entitlements.”

He expressed gratitude to the public, particularly civil servants, for their patience and resilience in the face of what he described as an unlawful and unconstitutional suspension of salaries. “Salary payments should not be entangled in unrelated political disputes. With the backing of the people of Kurdistan, we are determined to overcome this crisis. Our strength lies in the trust and support of our citizens,” he said.

Barzani stressed that the KRG would not forfeit any of the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people. He noted that efforts had been made to engage with both the Chief Justice and the Prime Minister of the Federal Government. As a result, a high-level delegation is expected to visit the Kurdistan Region soon to enter into a substantive dialogue aimed at resolving the salary issue.

“We are hopeful that this dialogue will lead to a positive outcome and allow us to distribute salaries properly. The KRG remains committed to serving its people,” Barzani added.

Regarding the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, the Prime Minister explained that the delays stem from technical issues, specifically linked to oil companies demanding outstanding payments before resuming operations. He clarified that these complications do not originate from the KRG and that continued discussions with the federal government are underway.

“The government will persist in its efforts to resolve the salary issue through dialogue. This is a fundamental right of our people. We are open to discussions and committed to resolving matters through peaceful and constructive engagement,” he said.

Barzani confirmed that the federal government’s delegation would be empowered to make decisions and would focus primarily on settling salary payments and other financial entitlements.

He concluded: “Even if an agreement is not reached with Baghdad, the KRG will not compromise the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people. We will do all we can, using internal revenues if necessary, to ensure salaries are paid and our citizens are supported.”



PUKMEDIA