Deputy Speaker Hemin Hawrami and UNAMI Director of Political Affairs Mr. Manoj Mathew discuss latest developments

Deputy Speaker Hemin Hawrami on 28th August met with Mr. Manoj Mathew, Director of the UNAMI Office of Political Affairs, to discuss Kurdistan Parliament’s legislative programme, relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and regional developments.

Deputy Speaker Hawrami briefed Mr. Manoj on the Kurdistan Parliament’s legislative priorities for the autumn session starting 1st September. He said that in order for Parliament’s majority coalition to help deliver the Kurdistan Regional Government’s agenda of reform and better services, Parliament will first work on bills submitted by the government. Under Parliament’s procedures, the government, judicial council or a minimum of 10 MPs can propose a bill.

Mr. Hawrami said that legislation is needed regarding government pensions and salary system, a healthcare payments system, the investment law, pharmaceuticals control and food safety, and many other areas.

The Deputy Speaker asked for UNAMI’s support in resolving outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad. The Kurdistan Parliament is looking closely at Iraqi legislation that will have a negative impact on the people of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Region’s institutions, he said.

Mr. Manoj and Deputy Speaker Hawrami also discuss political and security developments in the wider region.