Iraqi president says gov't open to dialogue with Kurds

IRBIL, Nov 29 (KUNA) -- Iraqi President Fuad Ma'sum affirmed Wednesday that the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Irbil have the desire to resolve their disputes through "constructive dialogue." "Both sides realize the need to reach mutually acceptable compromises and turn over a new leaf in their relationship as per the provisions of the constitution in order to serve the interests of all components of the Iraqi people," a KRG statement quoted the president as saying.
Earlier today, President Ma'sum held talks with KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Idris Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani on ways to break the stalemate between Irbil and Baghdad.
Their meeting comes after Baghdad rejected the Kurdistan region's self-declared independence brought about after a late September referedum.
On his part, Nechirvan Barzani appreciated the mediation efforts being made by President to bring the views of both sides close to each other.
The Prime Minister affirmed the desire of his government to overcome the problems with the federal government, according to the statement.
President Ma'sum, who arrived here yesterday, held several meetings with leaders of the political parties in Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk. (end) sbr.gb