Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq welcomes UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo

Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq on 24 January 2023 welcomed Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, with Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UNSG’s Special Representative for Iraq, and their delegation.

Speaker Faiq and Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo discussed the latest political developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and the issues surrounding the upcoming Kurdistan Parliament elections, including renewing the mandate of the Kurdistan High Election Commission and possible amendments to the Election Law.

Speaker Faiq briefed the UN delegation on the 23 January meeting of Parliament’s Presidency with the heads of the parliamentary parties, where they each gave their views on proposed amendments to the Election Law and renewing the mandate of the Election Commission.

The Speaker said that there is some convergence between the parties, who agree that elections must be held this year.

Dr. Faiq stressed that according to the law the election must be held before this Parliament’s extension ends on 31 December 2023, and the election’s legalities, technicalities and administrative procedures must be prepared.

Speaker Faiq asked the United Nations to help the political parties find more common ground on the election issue.

Speaker Faiq and Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo also discussed the rights and welfare of Yazidis, helping them return to their areas, abducted Yazidi women who are still missing, and the need for ongoing psychological and humanitarian assistance.

The Speaker briefed the UN delegation on the important laws that have been passed in Parliament’s current term.

Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo commended Parliament for its legislative work and offered the UN’s help to bring the parties closer together and reach an agreement.