Peregraf
According to the Iraqi Prime Minister’s media office, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met today with Ali Bapir, leader of the Kurdistan Justice Group (KIG) also known as Komal to discuss ongoing disputes between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), particularly financial entitlements, oil revenues, and budgetary arrangements.
The Prime Minister highlighted the federal government’s responsibility toward all citizens and emphasized that political disagreements must not translate into hardships for ordinary people, whether in the Kurdistan Region or in other provinces. He said his government is pursuing “appropriate constitutional, legal, and legislative solutions” to ease the burden on the public while safeguarding national interests.
The question of oil exports and revenue-sharing has long been a central point of contention between Baghdad and Erbil. Disputes have led to repeated delays in public sector salary payments in the Kurdistan Region, most recently in June and July, which provoked frustration among employees and pensioners. The standoff has often been tied to broader negotiations over the federal budget law and KRG’s oil policy, with Baghdad seeking stronger control over revenues.
Ali Bapir welcomed Al-Sudani’s assurances, praising his efforts to secure the rights of citizens in the Kurdistan Region and underlining the importance of stability and prosperity across Iraq.
The meeting comes as pressure mounts on both governments to prevent financial disputes from escalating into deeper political rifts, particularly ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections later this year.