Iraqi, Kurdish military hold new round of talks at Fish Khabur
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi military officials and their Kurdish counterparts went into a new round of talks on Monday under the auspices of the United States in Fish Khabur so seek a settlement for recent disputes and the threat of further military confrontation, particularly over the border crossing point.
“Both sides have agreed on some points and are close to reaching a final agreement,” a well-placed source close to the meeting, told Rudaw. “Whenever it is signed, it will be made public.”
The source added the Iraqi military side were adamant that Fish Khabour crossing should be handed over to Baghdad, but “agreed for the Iraqi government and Peshmerga border guards as well as an American force to run the crossing.”
According to information Rudaw obtained, Kirkuk, Tuz Khurmatu, some other areas and airports will be dealt with according to the Iraqi constitution.
The two sides are also working to negotiate a truce after deadly clashes this month in disputed areas that erupted in some of the disputed territories near the Syrian border and south of Erbil.
The most recent clashes occurred at the Fish Khabur border crossing, which is located in undisputed Kurdistan Region territory. One of the main issues to be resolved in the talks is the borders.
After a meeting on Saturday, chief of staff of the Iraqi army General Othman al-Ghanim said they had “reached a mutual understanding on some points,” but a final agreement was in the hands of the Kurdish delegation.
“Both sides have agreed on some points and are close to reaching a final agreement,” a well-placed source close to the meeting, told Rudaw. “Whenever it is signed, it will be made public.”
The source added the Iraqi military side were adamant that Fish Khabour crossing should be handed over to Baghdad, but “agreed for the Iraqi government and Peshmerga border guards as well as an American force to run the crossing.”
Concerning the Kurdistan areas outside the Kurdistan Region administration still held by the Peshmerga including Sheikhan, Mahmodiya, Sahela, Alqosh, Gwer and Khazir, the source revelaed it was suggested for them to be run jointly between the Peshmerga and Iraqi army.
According to information Rudaw obtained, Kirkuk, Tuz Khurmatu, some other areas and airports will be dealt with according to the Iraqi constitution.
The two sides are also working to negotiate a truce after deadly clashes this month in disputed areas that erupted in some of the disputed territories near the Syrian border and south of Erbil.
The most recent clashes occurred at the Fish Khabur border crossing, which is located in undisputed Kurdistan Region territory. One of the main issues to be resolved in the talks is the borders.
After a meeting on Saturday, chief of staff of the Iraqi army General Othman al-Ghanim said they had “reached a mutual understanding on some points,” but a final agreement was in the hands of the Kurdish delegation.