Prime Minister Barzani: We work to prevent sectarian violence in Mosul

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani says his government is working to prevent sectarian violence in Mosul, as joint Kurdish, Iraqi and coalition forces are fighting to liberate the city from the so-called Islamic State terror group. 

Prime Minister Barzani says that the Kurdistan Region is in dialogue with Baghdad, different components of Mosul and other relevant parties to reach an agreement on the future of the city. He says his aim is to prevent a sectarian or ethnic violence in Mosul after the city’s liberation.

Mr. Barzani made the statement during a panel discussion at the Middle East Research Institute forum in Erbil.

Regarding the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, Prime Minister Barzani said “we need to have a serious conversation” with Iraqi officials on the nature and future of these relations.  He said that the federal system in Iraq has become obsolete and a new agreement needs to be reached on Erbil-Baghdad ties after the liberation of Mosul.

On the financial challenges facing the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdish leader said the economic situation is the “biggest threat” facing the region. However he said reform packages are being implemented in coordination with international institutions, such as the World Bank.

The Kurdistan Regional Government has already taken steps to address financial difficulties, such as reducing expenditures, ceasing subsidies and introducing a biometric registration system to prevent duplicate names on public employment and pension systems.  The government is also working to restructure the Ministry of Finance and Economy.