Iraqi President Barham Salih started an official visit to Erbil to discuss outstanding issues and seek to unify the Kurdish discourse.
Some of these issues include the constitution, political alliances and positions on neighboring countries, such as Iran and Turkey.
According to an informed political source, Salih met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Parliament Speaker Rewaz Faiq.
Parties tackled the latest political developments and means of resolving controversial issues between Baghdad and Erbil, the source noted.
Discussions also aimed at addressing internal conflicts in Kurdistan, especially relations between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party, an informed Kurdish source told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“They further included Kurdish ties with Iraqi parties in general, active participation in the upcoming elections and plans regarding the future political process.”
The meeting between Salih and the Premier aimed at finding means to resolve disputes in accordance with the constitution.
The two senior officials discussed the latest developments in Baghdad and Erbil and stressed the importance of resolving outstanding issues in line with the constitution, read a statement by the PM’s office.
Salih also met with members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s political bureau.
Following the meeting, the party spokesman, Mahmoud Mohammed, held a press conference, saying a delegation from the party is currently in Baghdad to discuss the upcoming elections, political alliances with Iraqi parties and the return to Kirkuk, Nineveh, Sinjar and Makhmour regions.
Matters have not been resolved yet, Mohammed affirmed.
Regarding the alliances, he pointed out that the delegation held talks with Sairoon bloc of the Sadrist Movement, yet no official agreement has been reached so far.
The Movement is the largest parliamentary bloc (54 seats) in Iraq’s parliament and is seeking to garner the majority in the elections scheduled for October 10.
