Welcoming Budget Agreement between Iraq, Kurdistan, Secretary-General Urges Parties to Build on ‘Important First Step’, Address Outstanding Issues

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary‑General Ban Ki‑moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the agreement reached between the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government aimed at finding a solution to the issues related to the general budget and oil exports.

He congratulates Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Kurdistan Regional Government's Prime Minister Nechervan Barzani for the willingness to negotiate and conclude agreements that are in the interest of the Iraqi people.

The Secretary-General encourages the federal and regional authorities to build on this important first step and to solve all remaining outstanding issues within the framework of the Constitution.  The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq stands ready, within its mandate, to continue supporting this process.