Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRP.org) – Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani received UN Special Envoy to Iraq Ad Melkert in Salahaddin today to discuss ongoing efforts and consultations between the various Iraqi groups to form the next government.

At the outset of the meeting, Mr. Melkert referred to his last visit here, during the drafting of the election law, which he described as very productive and said that he was much encouraged by the position taken by the Kurdistan Region.

After thanking the UN for its assistance and efforts to help Iraqis, President Barzani said that the election law itself was far from perfect and added “we agreed to the law on a provisional basis until a census is held across Iraq .” Despite this, the election was generally successful, he continued.

Both the President and head of UNAMI agreed that the current election law was only specific to this month’s election, and that it will need to be revised.

“Your positions regarding the election law have strengthened the argument for holding a census and I hope the next Iraqi government will conduct one. As the UN, we would be fully supportive in this process,” said Mr. Melkert.

On the possible electoral blocks as potential candidates which the Kurdistan Alliance might consider forging a coalition with, President Barzani said that “we are open to all lists and we have not ruled out any.”

“The period after elections, is a very critical stage. The next Iraqi government must be very clear and transparent in its dealing with us,” commented the President, adding that issues of utmost importance to the Kurdistan Region are commitment to democracy and the Iraqi Constitution, principles of power-sharing, implementation of Article -140 of the Constitution – including the status of Kirkuk, the holding of census, revenue sharing and funding for the Peshmerga forces.

The President stated that stability cannot prevail in Iraq unless these critical questions are addressed and resolved.

Mr. Melkert reiterated that the UN would continue to assist Iraqis to reach common understanding on these issues. On the eve of the Halabja Day, on 16 March 1988 when more than 5000 innocent people were gassed by the former regime, he said that the international community should not let the Kurdish people suffer again.