ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has outlined several key demands to the Iraqi federal government, emphasizing the importance of securing the region's rights and financial entitlements.

KRG spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani addressed the media following a Council of Ministers meeting on Saturday, where ministers discussed ongoing issues regarding the region's rights and financial matters.

Hawramani explained that the meeting, which lasted over four hours, was attended by several KRG ministers, including the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Natural Resources, who presented detailed reports on the challenges the region faces, particularly regarding financial entitlements. The ministers also reviewed the KRG's responsibilities to the federal government, assessing which duties have been fulfilled and which remain unmet.

The meeting also included a call for feedback from Kurdish factions in Baghdad, with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and his deputy urging them to present any criticisms, proposals, or suggestions regarding the KRG's performance.

During the meeting, several ministers were appointed to convey the Kurdistan Region's demands to the Iraqi government in Baghdad. Among the key demands for 2025, the KRG emphasized the need for the timely payment of employee salaries, as outlined in the federal budget.

The KRG also called for a greater role in amending the general budget, particularly regarding articles that affect the region, in order to protect the rights of the Kurdish people.

Hawramani highlighted ongoing violations of the region's rights, including in the health sector, assistance to the Peshmerga, and investment budgets. He also raised concerns over the federal government borrowing from international banks while failing to pay the KRG's share of the loan, even reducing the region's budget under the pretext of a civilian budget.

“The Kurdistan Region’s budget must be sent in full,” Hawramani stated, adding that such decisions could impact Iraq's stability. He also underscored the KRG's commitment to flexibility and cooperation in order to maintain social security and stability in Iraq, but warned that continued violations of the Kurdish people's rights may lead to political decisions that could change the region's approach to the Iraqi political process.

The KRG's demands signal growing frustration with the federal government's treatment of the Region's financial and constitutional rights, with the KRG continuing to advocate for fair and equitable treatment in Iraq's political and fiscal landscape.