The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers has affirmed its support for the upcoming national census in Iraq, stipulating that it must be limited to developmental purposes and conducted without political exploitation. This position was made clear during the Council’s weekly meeting, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

The Council emphasized that the census should remain a neutral, objective tool for data collection aimed at enhancing public services and development initiatives across Iraq. In particular, the KRG stipulated that the census must not interfere with or undermine the implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, which addresses the status of disputed territories between the KRG and federal government.

To ensure transparency, the Council directed its representatives to formally communicate these conditions to federal authorities. By setting these guidelines, the KRG seeks to safeguard the census process from any political misuse, thereby protecting the rights and interests of all Iraqi communities.

The Council reiterated that a fair and unbiased census is essential for fostering trust and supporting equitable development. The KRG remains committed to cooperating with the federal government in conducting an inclusive census, provided it upholds the principles of neutrality and development-focused objectives.