In a wide-ranging interview, PM Masrour Barzani outlined his vision for stability, fairness in Baghdad relations, and stronger regional diplomacy based on mutual respect.
In an exclusive interview with Al Sharq News, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani spoke about the latest political developments in the region, relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and the future of governance in the Kurdistan Region. Below is a summary of his key remarks:
Kurdistan’s stability amid regional instability
PM Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region remains significantly more stable and secure compared to the rest of Iraq, despite the overall volatile environment.
He noted: “The Region is calm and continues to provide refuge for many Iraqis who feel safer here. But this doesn’t mean that the threat of ISIS and extremism is over. These groups still exist across the region and must be closely monitored. That’s why we are coordinating with our partners and allies to ensure they never return or repeat past atrocities.”
Peace process and PKK disarmament
The Prime Minister reiterated support for the Turkey-PKK peace process and welcomed steps toward PKK disarmament.
He stated: “Kurdistan Region supports peaceful dialogue between Turkey and the PKK. We view Abdullah Ocalan’s message about disarmament as an important step. We want to see an end to this prolonged conflict, which has harmed the Kurdistan Region for decades. Due to this unrest, 800 Kurdish villages remain uninhabited.”
Forming the new KRG cabinet
Barzani said discussions to form the new KRG cabinet are ongoing. “There is agreement on the government’s next-term agenda, which will likely continue the current government’s path. Talks are now focused on specific ministerial roles, especially between the KDP and PUK. We hope the outcome satisfies all sides and reflects the results of the latest election.”
He added: “The KRG cabinet formation is not tied to the Iraqi parliamentary elections. That’s why we want to finalize our new cabinet before Iraq heads to the polls.”
Budget and Kurdistan’s constitutional rights
The Prime Minister emphasized the constitutional right of Kurdistan to receive its fair share of Iraq’s federal budget. “It is deeply concerning that the salaries of KRG employees and pensioners have been turned into a political tool amid disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. According to both Iraqi law and the constitution, these salaries must be paid regularly and unconditionally. The Federal Court has ruled that KRG salaries must not be part of political disagreements.”
Barzani continued: “As a constitutionally recognized entity, the Kurdistan Region should not only receive salaries for public employees, but also its own designated share of Iraq’s national budget. That’s the legal and correct path forward. However, the federal Ministry of Finance has recently interfered in Kurdistan’s budget details, which is a constitutional violation.”
He added that the only durable solution is a formal budget agreement between Erbil and Baghdad that recognizes the Kurdistan Region’s share in the federal budget.
He also noted: “Despite multiple technical delegations visiting Baghdad, it is clear that Baghdad continues to politicize the issue. For instance, it has employed 3.5 million individuals—many of whom do not even reside in Kurdistan—as recipients of budget allocations.”
KRG reforms and 24-hour electricity
In another part of the interview, the Prime Minister spoke about the reforms initiated by the Kurdistan Regional Government. He stated that meaningful improvements and reforms have been achieved in recent years—especially through major structural changes in the electricity sector. As a result, the three provinces of the Kurdistan Region—Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok—are now the only provinces in all of Iraq that receive 24-hour electricity. He added that there are plans to expand 24-hour electricity coverage to the entire Kurdistan Region next year, and even to supply electricity to other Iraqi provinces.
Regional relations with neighboring countries
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region remains committed to respecting its neighbors. Speaking about the state of relations with neighboring countries—particularly Iran—he said: “Iran is an important neighbor of the Kurdistan Region, and we share a long border. The Kurdistan Region understands Iran’s core security concerns, especially those tied to national security.”
He added, “At times, there have been tensions, and Kurdistan has at times been wrongly blamed or targeted by false propaganda. However, the Region has consistently shown respect toward Iran and all its neighbors, and it has never been part of any hostile plan, nor will it ever be a source of threat to them.”
He continued, “Iranian officials are present in the Kurdistan Region and frequently visit. They have expressed appreciation for Kurdistan’s responsible stance—particularly in dealing with the latest regional issues.”
Position on Syria and the Syrian Kurds
Barzani stated that the Kurdistan Region does not interfere in Syrian affairs, but is always ready to help mediate if needed.
“We have invited Syrian Kurdish leaders to visit the Kurdistan Region, so they can unite and engage with Damascus for a better future. However, this is a two-way process—Damascus must also approach the Kurds in good faith and respect their legitimate demands.”
He concluded: “Kurd, Arab, Druze, and Alawi communities in Syria must come together under a shared framework that protects everyone’s rights. The Kurdistan Region supports a more stable and peaceful Syria.”
The Kurdish Globe