Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers on Wednesday held its weekly meeting chaired by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

The Prime Minister offered his condolences to the families of the recently martyred Peshmerga and said they are in constant touch with federal and coalition forces trying to eliminate the remaining Islamic State (ISIS) threat.

The Minister of Peshmerga Affairs addressed their visit to the areas recently attacked by ISIS and said there are security gaps. He suggested a number of ways to strengthen bases and providing equipment.

The council promised to implement these suggestions and underlined the comprehensive efforts of federal and coalition forces to tighten security gaps and stop ISIS regrouping.

Later, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research showcased a plan to employ the top three college and institute students of the 2016-2017 school year. The council decided to employ the graduates by the start of the 2022 school year.

The Minister of Labour and Social Affairs presented a report on the creation of more opportunities for local labour, also using Ministry institutions and resources to train workers.
He mentioned the preparation of the labour draft bill and the new draft bill for retirement.

The council highlighted the importance of putting more jobs in the private sector and providing retirement and insurance rights to private sector employees. The council tasked a special committee to look into this.

In addition, the Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources talked about compensation for farmers, whose lands have fallen under municipality projects. The council agreed that they should be compensated and also accepted the Minister’s suggestion that this period will be extended by three months.