On Tuesday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Mohamed al-Hassan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), and discussed the outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq.
The KRG said in a readout that both officials agreed on the importance of respecting the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan and the federal status of the Kurdistan Region.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, UN Special Representative to the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of @UNIraq.https://t.co/jDMODh2Uz3
— Kurdistan Regional Government (@Kurdistan) February 4, 2025
Additionally, they discussed the smooth passage of the federal budget law in parliament as a step toward resolving existing disputes, as it is expected to pave the way for oil exports that have stopped since an international arbitration court in France ruled against them in 2023.
UNAMI head al-Hassan commended Prime Minister Barzani’s role in maintaining security and stability in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the broader region.
Prime Minister Barzani, in turn, praised the constructive and balanced role of UNAMI head al-Hassan in bringing together Iraq’s political actors and promoting stability.
UNAMI head al-Hassan also held a meeting with KRG Minister of Interior Reber Ahmed, in which they focused on strengthening cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and UNAMI, humanitarian efforts, and stability in the region.
In a post on X, Ahmed stated that he reaffirmed the KRG’s commitment to supporting UN initiatives and working together to address key issues.
Pleased to receive Dr. Mohammed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for #Iraq and Head of @UNIraq. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between @Kurdistan and #UNAMI, humanitarian efforts, and stability in the region. Reaffirmed #KRG’s… pic.twitter.com/swKt04JBlc
— Rêber Ahmed (@RayberAhmed) February 4, 2025
Omed Khoshnaw, the Governor of Erbil, also welcomed UNAMI head al-Hassan, along with his accompanying delegation, at the Machko Cultural Cafe near the citadel.
The Erbil Governorate in a readout wrote that during the meeting the discussions focused on coexistence and stability, as well as Iraq’s political developments.
“It was reaffirmed that the lack of justice and democracy equally harms all, as these issues were central to the discussion. The meeting emphasized that now, more than ever, the people of Iraq need the support of the international community to regain their footing.
