Iraqi Prime Minister Stresses Importance of Stable Relations with Kurdistan Region Amid Ongoing Budget Disputes, 4 OCT
In a recent statement, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani expressed the critical need for maintaining stable relations with the Kurdistan Region. He emphasized that the Region’s stability directly contributes to the overall stability of Iraq. According to Al-Sudani, addressing current issues in the Region requires prioritizing the interests of its people and overcoming existing differences.
Delay in Budget Allocation Sparks Criticism
Over the past few months, the federal government of Iraq has repeatedly delayed providing the Kurdistan Region with its share of the federal budget. Experts have described this strategy as ‘hostile’, terming it a ‘deliberate effort’ aimed at provoking unrest among the people in the Region. Due to these delays, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has been unable to pay public sector salaries on time.
Promise of Funds Following Visit by KRG Prime Minister
However, the situation took a turn after a recent visit by KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to Baghdad. Following this visit, the federal government agreed to provide the necessary funds to pay Kurdistan’s civil servants until the budgetary issues are resolved. This move is seen as a step towards better relations between the central Iraqi government and the KRG.
The Impact of Budget Disputes on Public Sentiment
The prolonged budget disputes and resultant delays in salary payments have considerably strained the public sentiment in the Kurdistan Region. The commitment from the federal government to provide necessary funds for civil servant salaries comes as a relief. However, a permanent solution to the budget disputes is still awaited. The current situation underscores the importance of maintaining stable relations between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region, as emphasized by Prime Minister Al-Sudani.
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