Talks between Erbil, Baghdad reach final stages: PM

By Haydar Hadi

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Ibadi stated on Tuesday that the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) had agreed to deploy security personel affiliated to the central govenrment, and that the ban on international flights would be lifted in the near future.

At a news conference in Baghdad, the Iraqi premier said talks between Erbil and Baghdad over the control of border gates, airports and other issues had reached the final stages.

“The KRG accepted the condition of security and customs personel appointed by Baghdad,” al-Ibadi said. “Airports and border entries are controlled by the central government [...] and international flights will be resumed when the KRG meets all the conditions of Baghdad. If not airports will be remain closed,” he added.

On Sept. 29, Iraq’s central government imposed a ban on all international flights into and out of the Kurdish region.

The ban against Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports came in response to the Sept. 25 illegitimate referendum on Kurdish regional independence.

Ties between Baghdad and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) have been deeply strained since then.