ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — High-level Shiite and Sunni delegations from various winning groups arrived in Erbil on Sunday for talks as the next Iraqi governments is currently taking shape — first meeting with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and its president, Masoud Barzani.


"The visiting delegation ... emphasized the need for Iraq to turn a new page of friendly relations between Kurdistan and Iraq,” read a statement from Barzani’s office.

The delegation also said that they support the three principles set by Barzani to be the basis for Erbil-Baghdad relations: Consensus, actual partnership, and balance, according to the statement.

"Kurdistan’s people have a legitimate case. What is important for us is our people's legitimate case and the resolution of those violations which were committed against the legitimate rights of our nation," emphasized Barzani.

He said there needs to be “a clear mechanism” that can guarantee those rights.

The Reform Coalition headed by Ammar al-Hakim along with his accompanying delegates is set to meet KDP President Masoud Barzani and the KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

The KDP, as the largest party in the Kurdistan Region, wants to participate in the next government in Baghdad if certain conditions are met.

The Reform Coalition is comprised of Shiite and Sunni parties, alliances, and groups including of Sayirun, Hikma, Nasr and Wataniya.

The welcoming delegation first was received at Erbil International Airport by KDP Politburo Secretary Fazil Mirani.

Hakim's team also will visit Sulaimani on Monday.


Both sides agreed the meeting was had promising results.

Faisal Mirani, an influential member of the KDP politburo, told reporters the visiting delegation wanted to establish good ties with Kurds, especially the KDP, to draw up a joint working program for the next government, and “insisted” on the KDP participating in the Iraqi government “with strength”.

“So that, first, Iraq becomes more stable, and second, for relations between Erbil-Baghdad to return to their previous form, and to be fair with Kurdistan,” said Mirani.

The “wrong” governance of the past and “sense of superiority” in relations between both sides are also to be abolished, he added.

“We told them it is a good thing. We will contact you. We have given our program to Adil Abdul-Mahdi. We have designated the mechanisms by which Iraq could be ruled. There is no majority or minority. There is no bigger and smaller. We together have shared interests.”

“There is no responsibility without rights,” added Mirani, who announced they will uphold their responsibilities and duties in return for their rights.

Salih Mutlag, a prominent Sunni politician who was part of the delegation, told reporters: “It was an astounding meeting. Good understanding the reform bloc and the brothers in the Kurdistan Democratic Party. I am optimistic that things will progress forth well, understanding between the center and Region for the good of Iraq, including its Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen and all components.”


Rudaw