Kurdistan's diplomatic relations

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(MENAFN - Aswat Al-Iraq) The Council of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has ratified a decision to open a consulate in Arbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan Region, the UAE's English Gulf News newspaper reported on Monday.

The newspaper said that UAE's Deputy President, Prime Minister and Dubai's Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin-Rashid Al-Maktoum, had presided a meeting of the Council of Ministers, that had discussed several issues, including the establishment of a UAE consulate in Arbil, being part of joint efforts by Iraq and the UAE to boost their bilateral relations.

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news ... thern-iraq

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ERBIL-Hewlêr, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', — A large number of Kurdish officials, foreign diplomats and Dutch citizens attended the official opening of the Netherlands Consulate in Erbil, capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, on Monday, October 12.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Netherlands ambassador in Iraq, Peter van Leeuwen, the Polish ambassador in Iraq, Stanislaw Smolen, and Erbil based consuls from the UK, France, Germany, South Korea and the Russian Federation.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Kurdistan Parliament president Kemal Kirkuki, head of the Foreign Relations Department at the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Falah Mustafa, Erbil’s Governor Nawzad Hadi and some other ministers and high officials from the KRG.

Foreign diplomats included the Netherlands ambassador in Iraq, Peter van Leeuwen, the Polish ambassador in Iraq, Stanislaw Smolen, and Erbil based consuls from the UK, France, Germany, South Korea and the Russian Federation.

“The opening of this consulate will further strengthen cultural, political and economical ties between the Netherlands and Kurdistan Region,” said van Leeuwen. He also mentioned that the new consulate will serve the large Dutch community from Iraqi-Kurdish origin, residing in Kurdistan.

The Dutch consulate will not offer consular services like visas and passport renewal. “We are glad that day by day new countries open their representations in Kurdistan,www.ekurd.netbut we urge the Dutch Government to open a fully-fledged consulate as soon as possible,” mentioned Mustafa in his speech.

The Netherlands Consulate is located in a new villa in Ainkawa, Erbil’s Christian neighborhood. Its honorary consul is Salah Awla, a Kurdish businessman with no knowledge of Dutch language. “I hope this consulate will be a bridge between the Netherlands and Kurdistan,” added Awla.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Netherlands ambassador in Iraq, Peter van Leeuwen, the Polish ambassador in Iraq, Stanislaw Smolen, and Erbil based consuls from the UK, France, Germany, South Korea and the Russian Federation.


Photo: Rudaw net
The Netherlands first established a consulate in Iraq 120 years ago in the port-city of Basrah, in Southern Iraq. Official diplomatic ties between the Netherlands and Iraq first took place 70 years ago. Today, the European country has an embassy in Baghdad and a recently opened consulate in Erbil.

Erbil, with an estimated population of 2 million, is the capital of Kurdistan Region. The fast developing city lies 350 km north of Baghdad and is regarded as the safest and most prosperous area in Iraq

The chargé d’affaires of the Republic of Poland in Iraq, Stanislaw Smolen, said that it will open a representative office in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

In November 2007, the Russian consulate was inaugurated in the Kurdistan's capital Erbil to provide Kurdish citizens who wish to enter Russia with the necessary visas.

In June 2008, the French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner inaugurated a new French diplomatic office in Erbil, the Iraqi Kurdistan's capital.

In February 2009, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier opens consulate in first trip to Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Since 1991, the Kurds of Iraq achieved self-rule in part of the country. Today's teenagers are the first generation to grow up under Kurdish rule. In the new Iraqi Constitution,www.ekurd.netit is referred to as Kurdistan region. Kurdistan region has all the trappings of an independent state -- its own constitution, its own parliament, its own flag, its own army, its own border, its own border patrol, its own national anthem, its own education system, its own International airports, even its own stamp inked into the passports of visitors.

http://www.institutkurde.org/en/info/du ... 50541.html

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Egypt’s Foreign Minister on Sunday officially opened his country’s Consulate in Erbil, making Egypt the first Arab country with a consulate in the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

December 28, 2010

ERBIL-Hewlêr, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', — Egypt’s Foreign Minister on Sunday, Dec. 26, officially opened his country’s Consulate in Erbil, making Egypt the first Arab country with a consulate in the capital of the Kurdistan Region. The opening of the Egyptian Consulate, which is one of 18 diplomatic representations in Erbil, paves the way for stronger trade and cultural ties with Kurdistan.

The Visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit has expressed rejoice for his visit to north Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, saying that the motive of the visit had been his meeting with its President, Massoud Barzani, and attending the celebration of opening an Egyptian Consulate in Erbil, reiterating that “Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak looks with great attention towards relations with Kurdistan.”

The opening ceremony was attended by diplomats, the business community, ministers and officials including Iraq’s Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, the Speaker of the Kurdistan Parliament Dr Kamal Kirkuki, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Interior Minister Karim Sinjari, Health Minister Dr Taher Hawrami, and the Governor of Erbil Nawzad Hadi.

Egypt’s decision to open a consulate came after President Masoud Barzani met President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo in July. Mr Abul Gheit said, “What President Hosni Mubarak had promised President Barzani during the latter’s visit to Egypt, has been achieved by the opening of Egypt’s Consulate in the Kurdistan Region. President Mubarak and other Egyptian Officials are looking with great attention towards boosting relations.”

“I am happy to visit Kurdistan Region, during which I met its President Massoud Barzani, and attended the celebration of opening the Egyptian Consulate in its capital of Erbil,” Abul-Gheit said on Sunday night, 26 Dec.
Egyptian Foreign Minister at the celebration of opening an Egyptian Consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan capital, Erbil. KRG photo.


Iraqi Kurdistan president Massoud Barzani (R) met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit. KRG photo
adding that “what President Hosni Mubarak had promised President Barzani during the latter’s visit for Egypt, had been achieved by the opening of Egypt’s Consulate in Kurdistan Region.”

“President Mubarak and other Egyptian Officials are looking with great attention towards boosting relations with Kurdistan Region,” Abul-Gheit said.

Kurdistan President, Massoud Barzani, had received Abul-Gheit and his accompanying delegation, that comprised Egypt’s Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary for Arab Affairs, Mohammed Qassim, the Egyptian Ambassador to Baghdad, Sherif Shahin and Egypt’s Consul-General in Kurdistan Region, Sulaiman Othman, shortly after the arrival of the delegation to Kurdistan.

President Talabani had expressed his gratitude for President Mubarak and the Egyptian government for the step of opening the Consulate, reiterating that “Kurdistan Region looks with attention towards strengthening and boosting relations with Egypt, being an important state, having a joint history with Iraq,” expressing hope that other Arab states would achieve similar steps to that taken by Egypt.

Barzani had also expressed, during his meeting, attended by Iraq’s Foreign Minister, Hoshiar Zibary, Kurdistan’s Interior Minister, Karim Sinjari and Ebil’s Governor, Nowzad Hadi, Kurdistan Region’s satisfaction for “Egypt’s participation in the building and reconstruction process, taking place nowadays in the Region.”

The Egyptian Ambassador on his part, had pointed out after his meeting with Abul-Gheit, that preceded the opening of the Egyptian Consulate, to Barzani’s initiative that had brought closer all Iraqi political parties and helped the formatting of the new Iraqi government,www.ekurd.nethighly appreciating the iniatiative “that brought different Iraqi political forces closer to each other and led to the formation of a government of national-partnership that comprised all political forces in the country.”

http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/mi ... te4477.htm

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Baghdad, June 14 (Rn) – The Kuwaiti Embassy in Baghdad, Tuesday, for the determination of her opening consulates in Irbil and Basra over the next few days.

He said Kuwait’s ambassador to Iraq, to ​​the insured for the Kurdistan News Agency (Rn) “The Ministry of Foreign Alkwytipaazemp to open a consulate general in Erbil, which aims to expand the investment projects and economic development in the three provinces of the region of Arbil, Sulaymaniyah and Dahuk.”

He insured that the “Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry, the process of resolving the outstanding problems concerning the headquarters of the Kuwaiti embassy consulate in Basra in order to resume its work to cover the activities of Kuwait in the southern provinces, particularly the economic and investment”.

He insured that “Kuwait is working to expand diplomatic and economic relations with Iraq by opening diplomatic consulates in various Iraqi provinces.”

Deteriorated diplomatic relations between Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait during the rule of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in 1990, Iraq has undergone a series of United Nations action included to prevent the import of chemicals and nuclear technology that could be used in the programs of secret nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

And allowed the United Nations in 1996, allows Iraq to sell oil in return for food, which Masmi program of “oil-for-lunch” with the number 986.

Included international sanctions prevented the import of chemicals and nuclear technology that could be used in a secret nuclear programs, chemical and biological weapons.

http://wp.me/pZC7o-8Cy

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02 May 2011

Hungary Strengthens Ties with Iraq

Hungary is keen to improve trade and relations with Iraq, and along with the re-opening of its embassy in Baghdad it plans to open a consulate in Erbil.

The announcement came on Sunday after a meeting between Hungary’s deputy foreign minister, its Ambassador to Iraq, and the Chairman of Kurdistan’s department of External Relations.

According to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government, the two sides stressed the importance of economic exchange and trade, and the extent of its positive effect on strengthening political relations.

(Source: KRG)

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September 12, 2011

ERBIL-Hewlêr, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', — Jordan's Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit officially opened on Monday his country's consulate in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq.

The opening of the consulate is expected to facilitate economic as well as diplomatic relations between Jordan and the Kurdish region.

Jordan's PM, Bakhit, told reporters that "I am here to consolidate our bilateral relations and friendship. We are planning to increase info exchange with the Region and therefore we will sign a number of memorandums of understanding to facilitate the transportation of people to and from Jordan"

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Barham Ahmed Salih
Jordan's Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit and Kurdish premier Barham Salih (C) officially opened the Jordanian consulate in Erbil.

told reporters during the opening ceremony that Jordan and Kurdistan Region will cooperate in the fields of economy,www.ekurd.neteducation, health, and trainings.

Dozens of local as well as Jordanian officials including at the ministerial level were present in the ceremony. Kurdish officials believe that the opening of the consulate will drive more investment traffic from Jordan to Kurdistan Region.

KRG Minister of trade Sinan Chalabi told AKnews that he expected more than 50 Jordanian companies to enter Kurdistan by the end of the year to increase the number of Jordanian companies from current 50 operating in the region to 100.

The Jordanian premier arrived in Kurdish region on Sunday leading a delegation of ministers and businessmen for a Jordan-Kurdistan conference.

Since 1991, the Kurds of Iraq achieved self-rule in part of the country. Today's teenagers are the first generation to grow up under Kurdish rule. Kurdistan region has all the trappings of an independent state -- its own constitution, its own parliament, its own flag, its own army, its own border, its own border patrol, its own national anthem, its own education system, its own International airports, even its own stamp inked into the passports of visitors.

http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/mi ... te5614.htm

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November 29, 2011

ERBIL-Hewlêr, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', — The Palestinian Authority has opened its consulate in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region's capital city, to strengthen bilateral relations with the Kurds.

The consulate was officially opened in a ceremony attended by Kurdistan President of Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani, Prime Minister Barham Salih and top Kurdish officials.

In an opening speech, Barzani described the opening of the Palestinian consulate in Erbil as a "historical day for the two brotherly and prosecuted nations"
President of Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani (L)
Barzani recalled a visit by Mahmoud Abbas - president of the Palestinian authority - to the region in 2009 as the first Arab president of visit Kurdistan as a semi-autonomous region. "Abbas removed many barriers with his visit. And here today, we are opening this consulate to continue our historical relations"

Upon the opening of the Palestinian consulate in Kurdistan Region, the number of foreign consulates and representations offices hit 24 since 2003.

Nadhmi Khudhouri, Palestinian Authority's assigned consul in Erbil,www.ekurd.net highlighted "historical" Palestinian-Kurdish relations: "There is a historical relation between Kurds and the Palestinian people. We will try to strengthen the relation. The opening of this consulate is a sign that we have always been trying to consolidate our relations"

Khudhouri praised Kurdish support for the Palestinians and their cause. "You [Kurds] have been with us since the time of Saladin. And you have stood for the just cause of Palestine"

The consul was referring to the Kurdish warrior and leader Saladin who became a legend in the Muslim world and was much admired and respected by Muslims after he defeated the Crusaders from Jerusalem in 1187. He defeated the Christians in several battles, most notably the Hattin Battle.

http://ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc20 ... te5614.htm

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November 6, 2007

Erbil-Hewler, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', -- Ceremonies to re-open the Iranian consulates in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah took place on Tuesday in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan Region, in the presence of the region's Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Iran's ambassador in Baghdad Hassan Kazemi Qomi.

Speaking on the occasion, Barzani said "the two consulates will offer facilities for citizens of the region wishing to visit Iran or develop trade relations between the two countries," extending thanks to Iran over re-inauguration of its two consulates.

U.S. forces had retained five staff of the Iranian consulate in Erbil on charges of offering assistance for armed groups in Iraq.

Iran's government then argued that they were diplomats but the United States denied this.

"We had two consulates in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah but unfortunately the U.S. forces arrested five personnel from our consulate in Erbil and are still under custody," said Qomi, terming the arrests as "illegal and ran counter to Iraq's sovereignty." www.ekurd.net

"We wish the detainees would be released soon so that they return to their jobs in the consulate. The re-opening of those two consulates was in coordination with the central Iraqi government and the Iraqi Kurdistan region's government," Qomi
said.

The Iranian diplomat called on Arab countries to open their consulates in Iraq.

Meanwhile, the US military said on Tuesday it will release nine Iranians detained in Iraqi Kurdistan in recent months on suspicion of aiding the anti-American insurgency and helping Shiite militias.

US military spokesman Rear Admiral Gregory Smith told reporters that the nine would be released in the coming days as they no longer posed a threat to security in Iraq. www.ekurd.net

US forces detained five Iranians in January in a raid in a building in the Kurdish city of Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan region, accusing them of aiding the deadly insurgency in Iraq, although Tehran insisted they were diplomats.

Another Iranian was seized by US forces in Kurdistan region in Iraq in September, suspected of being a member of the Quds Force, the covert operations arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards which is accused by US commanders of helping Shiite militias in Iraq.

VOI | AP

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Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRP.org) – Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani today received the new Turkish Consul General to Erbil, Mr. Mehmet Aydin Selcen.

Turkey is due to open a consulate office in Erbil this month. The decision came following a visit by Turkey ’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Erbil in October 2009.

The President commended the decision by the Turkish government to open a consulate office in the Kurdistan Region and described it as a “courageous step.” President Barzani said that with good will and close cooperation, both countries can benefit from political, commercial and cultural cooperation.

The Turkish Consul General said that the opening of this office in Erbil shows the importance his country attaches to the Region. “This step is part of a strategic and long-term policy to establish good relations,” said Mr Selcen.

http://web.krg.org/articles/detail.asp? ... &anr=34234

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Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – The Australian Ambassador to Iraq, Ms Lyndall Sachs, met with Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations, on Saturday to promote stronger ties with the Kurdistan Region.

This is the Ambassador’s second visit to the Region since November last year, and is part of an effort to change the Australian government’s travel advice towards Kurdistan.

In her efforts to strengthen the Australian presence, she said, ‘We notice the opportunities here in the Region and want to benefit from them. However, we are also here to augment our relationship and to increase our presence.’

In November last year, the Ambassador pledged to visit more often to build meaningful ties with the government of the Kurdistan Region and its people. Reflecting the Ambassador’s pledge and continued efforts, Minister Mustafa said, ‘I appreciate your government’s effort and support and your personal commitment in this endeavour. Your visits to the Region send a message of goodwill and your desire for a strong engagement with our people.’

The Australian government is supporting a number of projects in Kurdistan, including providing assistance to victims of mines, working with farmers to prepare for drought and working with non-governmental organisations to help with displaced persons. Ambassador Sachs also shared their efforts in working with UNHCR to promote the protection of women and children.

Minister Mustafa thanked the Ambassador for all of these efforts and discussed some other initiatives that could use increased Australian support as well. Highlighting the increased opportunities that the safety and stability of the Region provide, he mentioned the possibility of promoting further Australian partnership to provide training and human-capacity development programmes in order to help strengthen Kurdistan’s workforce.

‘Our government will continue to train and support the security forces to ensure the harmony that our people have enjoyed for many years is not threatened’, he said. He encouraged the ambassador to continue her efforts to change her government’s travel advice towards the Region, saying that such a move would promote tourism as well as educational and cultural ties between their peoples.

In addition to these efforts, Minister Mustafa also touched on the political changes in Kurdistan and Baghdad, stressing the need for all parties to respect and honour previous agreements, adhere to the constitution and promote genuine partnership.

Agreeing with the Minister’s assessment, Ambassador Sachs said, ‘The Australian government believes in using peaceful means to resolve differences, and we will continue to play a positive role in the country. Our central cause is for peace and stability to succeed in the entire region’.

http://dfr.krg.org/a/d.aspx?s=000000&l=12&a=41586

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Republic of Austria

Level of Official Representation:
Commercial Office

Date Office was Established:
2006

Office Head:
Kurt Muellauer

Official Rank:
Commercial Counsellor

Office

Address or Location Description:
App.3, Block E
Naz City
Kurdistan Region

http://dfr.krg.org/p/p.aspx?p=39&l=12&s=020100&r=363

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Erbil, 29 January 2009 (KRG)

Erbil, Kurdistan – Iraq (KRG.org) – The Head of the Department of Foreign Relations Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir on Sunday in Erbil welcomed South Korea’s new Consul General, Mr Joongchul Joo.

Mr Bakir expressed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) gratitude for Korea’s humanitarian assistance for the Region. He said, “Kurdistan has benefited from this relationship, from the rebuilding efforts of Korea’s Zaytun military division which first came to Erbil in 2004, to the vocational training courses and scholarships of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in recent years.”

Minister Bakir congratulated Mr Joo as the new Head of South Korea’s Embassy Office in Erbil and wished him success in his mission. He assured him that the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations is ready to assist him wherever possible.

Mr Joo said since his recent arrival he is already impressed with Kurdistan’s security and stability. He said, “I was able to be a part of the KRG’s recent diplomatic Newroz celebration, and I have seen the progress of the Region first hand.”

Minister Bakir and Mr Joo spoke of their desire to strengthen ties in many areas, such as cultural centres, think tanks and university exchange and scholarship programmes. Minister Bakir also suggested that visits by Korea’s media could be a valuable way to show Korean businessmen that Kurdistan’s safety and stability make it the gateway to the rest of Iraq. He said, “We act as a wide open doorway for business in all of Iraq.”

The Kurdistan Region’s economic relationship with Korea could be developed, they both said, through greater collaboration between respective chambers of commerce, business and economic forums, and a greater Korean presence at Kurdistan’s trade shows.

In addition to the humanitarian work of Korean organisations in the Region, there is a thriving mutually beneficial business relationship. Over the past five to eight years brands like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and KIA have become household names easily recognisable in towns throughout the Region. LG was the first mobile handset maker in the world to offer SMS messaging in the Kurdish language. Korea National Oil Corporation has an oil exploration production-sharing contract in the Kurdistan Region.

http://dfr.krg.org/a/d.aspx?l=12&a=39368

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Country of Representation:
Czech Republic

Level of Official Representation:
Liaison Commercial Office

Date Office was Established:
1 May 2006

Office Head:
Mr. Ghazi Sulaiman Mahmood

Official Rank:
Head of Liaison Office

List of Services Provided by Office
Assisting Czech and Kurdish companies improve business
Supplying visa application forms and assistance with their completion

Address or Location Description:
Karez Street – Near Hadyb Hall
Enkawa
Erbil
Kurdistan Region

http://dfr.krg.org/p/p.aspx?p=57&l=12&s=020100&r=363

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12.05.1109:12

An agreement to open an Armenian consulate was reached during the Armenian delegation’s recent visit to Iraqi Kurdistan.

According to the Kurdish “Avestakurd” online press, during the visit to Erbil, the delegation headed by Armenian MP Ruben Sadoyan had a meeting with Iraqi Kurdistan parliamentary speaker Kemal Kerkuki and reached an agreement on establishing an Armenian consulate in Erbil city.

http://en.hayernaysor.am/1305188787

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June 6, 2009

Erbil, Kurdistan region (Iraq), -- A Consulate Office of Greece government is to be opened in the Kurdistan Region, KRG official website reported.

Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of KRG Foreign Relations Office, on Sunday met with Banayuicks Makris Greek Ambassador to Iraq, to discuss many issues.

During the meeting, Bakir and Makris discussed the bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and Greece. They also talked about the economic, commercial and investment relations.

"A Consulate Office of Greece government will soon be opened in Kurdistan region," Banayuicks Makris, the Greek Ambassador to Iraq said.
Greece to open Consulate in Kurdistan region

Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of KRG Foreign Relations Office expressed and showed the KRG fully support and cooperation for the efforts that strengthens relations between KRG and the Greece government.

"We call on EU to have its role for supporting the political process and the reconstructions of Kurdistan region within the Iraqi federal government," Bakir said..

The authorities in Kurdistan have always rejected the Iraqi flag, preferring instead to fly the flag introduced in 1958 after Iraq - previously a monarchy - became a republic.

The regional parliament in May 2006 approved a single administration, uniting two rival parties , Barzani's KDP and the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) to run a unified government.

The KDP and the PUK have divided up most of the cabinet posts between them, with five of the 32 going to other parties.

The PUK had run Sulaimaniyah province, one of the three provinces in the oil-rich region, while the KDP had run the other two provinces of Erbil and Duhok.

Peyamner.com