Iraq, Kurdistan Region Move to Resolve Security Disputes in Baghdad Talks

Iraq’s National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji said federal and Kurdistan Region authorities have reached broad agreement to resolve outstanding disputes, following talks in Baghdad with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. The two sides discussed security problems and unresolved issues as part of a wider effort to ease tensions between Erbil and Baghdad. Araji said a joint high-level security delegation from Erbil and Baghdad will travel to Tehran and will operate under the Iraq-Iran Higher Security Committee previously established between the two countries. The delegation is set to review attacks that targeted Iraq and the Kurdistan Region during military clashes in the area, along with other issues affecting both sides. Barzani said Araji rejected those attacks as targeting not only the Kurdistan Region but all parts of Iraq. The remarks underscored the shared security concerns now being handled through direct coordination between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region.