At the UN Security Council briefing on Iraq, several countries called for dialogue to solve the tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, and urged the swift formation of a new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
“Six months after the successful parliamentary election in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq last October, the formation of a regional government is still pending. Needless to say, a spirit of compromise focusing on shared objectives rather than partisan division is the key to overcoming this protracted impasse,” Mohamed al-Hassan, the Special Representative for Iraq and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), said.
Briefing (As Delivered) by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, at the 9933rdmeeting of the United Nations Security Council on the situation… pic.twitter.com/rAbKC443bu
— UNAMI (@UNIraq) June 10, 2025
“There is no doubt in my mind that the concerned parties in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will be able to form a competent government that will serve the interests of the people of the Kurdistan Region at large.”
Iraq’s Ministry of Finance has refused to disburse salaries to the Kurdistan Region for 2025, causing economic distress in the Kurdistan Region and leading to more tensions between Baghdad and the KRG, which is calling the move a policy of economic starvation.
“I would further like to emphasize that the Baghdad-Erbil relationship is a partnership that necessitates ongoing dialogue and collaboration grounded in the Constitution of Iraq to effectively address and resolve any outstanding issues between the two sides,” the UNAMI head added.
At today’s #UNSC Briefing on the situation in Iraq, PR of ?? Ambassador @evasekeris:
— Greece to the United Nations (@GRUN_NY) June 10, 2025
➡ welcomed the efforts of the Government of Iraq, in its pursuit of #peace, #stability & #development
➡ expressed full support for UNAMI’s invaluable contribution, through the Independent… pic.twitter.com/l55odjB6lE
“It is imperative to address unresolved tensions, especially those involving the Kurdistan Region. We therefore stress the importance of sustained dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil on complex security and economic matters,” Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the UN Joonkook Hwang said at the briefing.
“It is also crucial to expedite the formation of a new KRG, building upon last year’s successful parliamentary elections,” he added.
Greece’s Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris underlined that they “welcomed the holding of elections in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq last October as a positive development.
“Now, it is crucial for its political leadership to work together for the swift formation of an effective regional government. Equally, it is imperative to advance Erbil’s cooperation with Baghdad toward solving pending issues and overcoming domestic challenges. We echo the calls for permanent and sustainable solutions to be found in this regard.”
Russia’s Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia underlined that they “believe it is important to advance constructive dialogue between the federal center in Baghdad and the Kurdish autonomous region on unresolved, contentious issues.”
Pakistan’s Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that the “peaceful conduct of elections in the Kurdistan Region last year was a welcome step toward strengthening democratic governance.”
Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator to the UN, stated that they “continue to closely follow efforts in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to form its regional government.
“This is vital for the stability of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and should ideally precede the federal elections. We hope that the political leaders and parties of the Kurdistan Region can overcome their differences and form a government soon.”
Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN, underlined that they “support the dialogue between the federal level and the KRG, which are both needed and timely.”
Jay Dharmadhikari, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the UN, stated that France “calls for the continuation of constructive dialogue, specifically focusing on economic development and security. At stake is the interest of Iraq as a whole.”
China’s Ambassador Geng Shuang also underlined that they “support the central government of Iraq and the KRG in continuing to strengthen dialogue and consultation on outstanding issues for sustainable solutions.”
