The most recent negative dive in the relationship between Kurdistan and Iraq was sparked by the Kurdistan Region’s decision to hold a vote on independence, said Jan Kubis.
“Challenged by the unilaterally declared independence referendum Baghdad has taken steps to re-assert the constitutional order, re-establish the federal authority,” he stated, lamenting the fracturing of the bonds that had brought Kurds and Iraqis together to fight first Saddam Hussein and then ISIS.
Kubis called for a cessation of military activities and de-escalation of tensions, including “ending public inflammatory statements.”
He suggested Erbil and Baghdad coordinate on providing security in the disputed areas, while “respecting the integrity of the Green Line of 2003” and beginning negotiations within the framework of the Iraqi constitution.
He said the UN is ready to assist in dialogue between the two governments, “if requested” by both sides.
Kubis was in Erbil where he met with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday.
Barzani thanked Kubis for his visit, saying that the Kurdistan Region has always been ready for “serious dialogue” with Baghdad and the UN and Coalition states have a “necessary” role in creating conditions for talks.
Barzani stressed that military maneuvers must be stopped “as they don’t serve the peace and security of the region, but will increase problems.”
Iraqi forces and mainly Shiite Hashd al-Shaabi took control from the Peshmerga of the disputed areas of Kirkuk, Diyala, and Nineveh provinces last week. Clashes have continued this week, with the Peshmerga reporting they repelled Iraqi attacks near Rabia and Makhmour on Tuesday.
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