KDP ends Kirkuk Provincial Council boycott after dialogue with local blocs

KIRKUK, Iraq — BAGHDAD — The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has reversed its boycott of the Kirkuk Provincial Council following appeals from political blocs in the province and a renewed round of contacts with party leaders. The decision came after several Kirkuk-based political groups reached out to the KDP and reopened dialogue channels, according to local political figures. The KDP's return to the council is expected to allow stalled commission work and outstanding municipal service files to be taken up again. KDP officials said the party remained committed to protecting the rights of all components of Kirkuk within a political dialogue framework. The party had previously withdrawn from the council, disrupting local decision-making and challenging the sustainability of the provincial administration. No further details on the timing of the council's next session were immediately available.