ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The United Nations top representative in Iraq categorized ongoing budget negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad as “inherently political,” adding that the failure to reach an agreement has been impeded by Iraq’s current legal framework. “Agreement on the 2021 budget law requires reconciliation and compromise between Baghdad and Erbil. Within that context, I regret to again report that a final, durable agreement on budgetary and larger issues remains elusive,” said Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert at a briefing of the UN Security Council on Tuesday. “Those who have followed the recent budgetary negotiations closely, will have realized that these negotiations were not just centred on technical questions - such as barrels per day. They were also inherently political – about deeper misgivings and mistrust,” she said. Budget disputes have been a source of long-standing tension between Erbil and Baghdad. A Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation, led by Talabani, has visited Baghdad multiple times to come to a deal on the 2021 federal budget, upon which the KRG is dependent on for its funds. “The harsh reality is that constructive negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil continue to be hampered by laws missing since 2005. Laws on, for instance, oil and revenue sharing. Other areas of contention also include the disputed territories,” added Hennis-Plasschaert, noting that stable relations between Erbil and Baghdad are needed for the stability of the whole country. Erbil rocket attacks Fourteen rockets hit various locations across Erbil on Monday night, killing one person and injuring nine others. The person killed was a civilian contractor, and other contractors and military personnel were among the injured, according to the US-led coalition spokesperson. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) head described the attack as an act that could escalate tensions in Iraq "Such heinous, reckless acts pose grave threats to stability,” said Hennis-Plasschaert, urging for restraint on all sides. The official also noted the continued threat the Islamic State (ISIS) poses in Iraq, over three year after the group’s territorial defeat in the country. Iraq elections The UN representative placed an emphasis on the importance of Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections. “For credible elections to take place, it is imperative that parties and candidates operate in a free and safe environment,” noted Hennis-Plasschaert. “I call on all parties, stakeholders and authorities to come together, to agree on a ‘code of conduct’ and to allow all Iraqi candidates to operate freely – irrespective of ethnicity, gender, language, religion, belief or background.” A request for electoral observation from the Iraqi government is currently being deliberated on by the UN. “I also would like to underline that, no matter what your response is [to the request], the elections will be Iraqi-led and Iraqi-owned at all times. And I sincerely hope that all of Iraq’s political leadership truly takes this to heart.”
