ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Shiite leader Hadi al-Amiri met with KDP leaders on Thursday, discussing Kurdish participation in the Iraqi political process.

Meeting with Nechirvan Barzani, Kurdistan Region prime minister and deputy head of the KDP, the two discussed Iraq’s future and the necessity of a “healthy political process” that is responsive to the needs and wishes of all Iraqis, according to a readout from Nechirvan Barzani’s office.

“In the meeting, Mr. al-Amiri stressed the importance of active participation of the Kurdistan Region in the Iraqi political process and resolving Erbil-Baghdad relations per the constitution,” added the readout.

Amiri also said that success of Iraq’s political process is dependent on the participation of the Kurdistan Region and encouraged more meetings between Baghdad and Erbil.

As head of the pro-Iran Fatih alliance in the parliament, Amiri supported Adil Abdul-Mahdi for prime minister. Iraqi President Barham Salih tapped Abdul-Mahdi as prime minister-designate, a move welcomed by the KDP though they have raised objections to Salih’s presidency.

Masoud Barzani spoke with Abdul-Mahdi by phone on Thursday, wishing him success as he puts together a cabinet.

Amiri and Nechirvan Barzani discussed supporting Abdul-Mahdi throughout the cabinet-forming process.

Amiri discussed similar issues when he met with the president of the KDP, Masoud Barzani.

The Shiite leader expressed his “sadness” that the Kurdish parties had not agreed on a single candidate for the presidency, according to a statement from Masoud Barzani’s office.

Amiri’s third meeting was with KRG Security Council Chancellor Masrour Barzani.

In addition to discussing developments in Baghdad, Amiri congratulated Masrour Barzani on the KDP’s success in the recent regional parliament elections, according to a statement from the chancellor’s office.

According to preliminary results, the KDP secured 45 seats.

Rudaw