Barzani says Iraq faces severe economic crisis, pledges support for Baghdad government

ERBIL, Iraq — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said Iraq is facing a severe economic crisis affecting all of its citizens, telling reporters in Erbil on Tuesday that regional tensions have directly affected the autonomous region. He said his government would work to resolve the crisis and that it would be overcome. Barzani, addressing the people of the Kurdistan Region, emphasized his administration's opposition to war and violence and called for problems to be resolved through peaceful means. He noted that the Kurdish people had shown solidarity despite difficult living conditions and said that larger crises had been overcome in the past. On relations with Baghdad, Barzani said the Kurdistan Regional Government is actively supporting the cabinet led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. He added that his government backs steps to improve the economy, combat corruption and implement reform programs. No further details on specific economic measures or the timeline for reform efforts were immediately available.