Sudani, Talibani Discuss Elections in Kurdistan Region

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani met Monday with the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Talabani, in Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani met Monday with the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Talabani, in Baghdad
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Sudani, Talibani Discuss Elections in Kurdistan Region

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani met Monday with the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Talabani, in Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani met Monday with the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Talabani, in Baghdad

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani discussed Monday with the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Talabani, the current state of the country and the Parliament elections for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq amid the ongoing disputes between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

“Al-Sudani met with Talabani in Baghdad, during which they emphasized the support of all political forces for the government's program and its list of priorities aimed at benefiting all Iraqis,” the media office of the Prime Minister said.

The two officials also highlighted the importance of relying on the constitution to address national issues and resolve political differences through constructive dialogue.

The meeting stressed the significance of political consensus to successfully fulfill the political commitments, such as the Parliament elections for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

This approach aims to strengthen the democratic experience and foster political stability across the nation, the statement added.



UN Chief: UNIFIL Uncovered Over 100 Hezbollah Arms Caches in South Lebanon

This handout picture provided by the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), shows UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (R), shaking hands with UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz (L), upon his arrival at the forces' headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border on January 17, 2025. (Photo by Pascual Gorriz / UNIFIL / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), shows UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (R), shaking hands with UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz (L), upon his arrival at the forces' headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border on January 17, 2025. (Photo by Pascual Gorriz / UNIFIL / AFP)
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UN Chief: UNIFIL Uncovered Over 100 Hezbollah Arms Caches in South Lebanon

This handout picture provided by the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), shows UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (R), shaking hands with UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz (L), upon his arrival at the forces' headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border on January 17, 2025. (Photo by Pascual Gorriz / UNIFIL / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), shows UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (R), shaking hands with UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander General Aroldo Lazaro Saenz (L), upon his arrival at the forces' headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border on January 17, 2025. (Photo by Pascual Gorriz / UNIFIL / AFP)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday the UN peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, has uncovered over 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah or other armed groups since the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect on Nov. 27.

He reiterated that Lebanese government forces as well as UN peacekeepers are the only sides who should have armed presence south of the Litani river near the border with Israel. He said the presence of other forces, an apparent reference to Hezbollah, “undermine Lebanon’s stability.”

Guterres made his comments Friday during a visit to the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura in south Lebanon near the border with Israel.

Speaking about military operations by Israeli troops inside Lebanon since the announcement of the 60-day truce, Guterres said: “They must stop.”

He said such operations were in violation of Security Council resolution 1701, adding Israel must withdraw from Lebanese territories.

Addressing the assembled leadership of the UN mission, he emphasized the critical role of peacekeepers, stating: “You are not just on the Blue Line of Lebanon but on the frontline of peace. The UNIFIL mission is the most challenging environment for peacekeepers anywhere.”

After returning to the capital Beirut in the afternoon, the Secretary-General held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, who was also visiting the Lebanese capital.

The Secretary-General's visit will continue on Saturday, with a full day of meetings in Beirut.

He is scheduled to meet President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri.