Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Monday chaired a regular session of the Council of Ministers. It was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

Prime Minister Barzani discussed the recent KRG delegation’s meetings with Kurdistan's political parties. He stressed that such visits and talks with the political parties will continue to determine ways to resolve issues related to the current situation and negotiations with Baghdad.

The Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Mr. Falah Mustafa, presented a report about his official visit to the United States and highlighted his meetings with US officials and the discussions about the current situation in the Kurdistan Region, post-referendum tensions, and ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues with Baghdad through dialogue based on the Iraqi Constitution.

He said the United States desires to develop its relations with the Kurdistan Region, supports the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional status, as well as a strong and united KRG. He said, the United States also welcomes the stance of the KRG to resolve all outstanding issues with Baghdad through dialogue.

The Minister of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs, Mr Mahmood Salih Hama Karim, reported on the dire situation of IDPs from Tuz Khurmatu and Kirkuk and their urgent needs including housing, health services, educational facilities and other necessities.

While the Council emphasized these IDPs should safely return to their areas, it requested the relevant KRG institutions to collect evidence regarding the crimes committed against them and other people of the disputed territories. The Council of Ministers called upon the international community to urgently help these IDPs.

The Council of Ministers approved solid waste management plans by the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism to keep the environment of the cities and towns of the Kurdistan Region cleaner.