Progress in First High-Level Talks between Baghdad, Erbil

 Passengers arrive at Erbil International Airport, Iraq September 27, 2017. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari
Passengers arrive at Erbil International Airport, Iraq September 27, 2017. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari
TT
20

Progress in First High-Level Talks between Baghdad, Erbil

 Passengers arrive at Erbil International Airport, Iraq September 27, 2017. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari
Passengers arrive at Erbil International Airport, Iraq September 27, 2017. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari

A delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government, who visited Baghdad on Saturday, said that talks with the federal government were positive, noting that representatives from Baghdad would visit Erbil on Monday to discuss the resumption of international flights at Kurdistan airports and controversial issues between the two sides.

Iraqi Interior Minister Qassem al-Araji reiterated the need to discuss solving problems of the international entry points, customs, airports, and dams “on the basis of the constitution and federal laws,” a statement published by the Kurdish delegation said, as reported by Rudaw news agency.

According to the statement, the Iraqi minister told the Kurdish delegation that the Iraqi prime minister has emphasized the need to solve problems between Erbil and Baghdad in a way that allows institutions such as the airports to “resume their activities.”

The two sides have agreed to hold a bilateral meeting in Erbil on Monday to prepare a joint statement that will include “solutions to be reached,” Rudaw said.

Iraqi Interior Minister Spokesman, Saad Maan, described the meeting as productive, adding that the Kurdish delegation showed a “clear understanding” in solving the problems “based on the constitution.”

“The meeting was fruitful and an atmosphere of harmony and understanding prevailed,” he stated.

He added that the two delegations would hold a second meeting on Monday to discuss “details” of pending issues.

On September 28, Baghdad imposed a ban on international flights at the airports of Erbil and Sulaimaniyah, following the referendum on independence that was held during the same month.



Israel Says it Has Recovered Bodies of 2 Hostages from Gaza Strip

Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
TT
20

Israel Says it Has Recovered Bodies of 2 Hostages from Gaza Strip

Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Israel said Thursday that it has recovered the bodies of two hostages taken in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war in the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the remains of Judih Weinstein and Gad Haggai had been recovered and returned to Israel in a special operation by the army and the Shin Bet internal security agency.

“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed,” he said in a statement.

Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the deaths of Weinstein and Haggai, both in their early 70s, in December 2023.

The couple were taking an early morning walk near their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of Oct. 7.

In the early hours of the morning, Weinstein was able to call emergency services and let them know that both she and her husband had been shot and send a message to her family.

The couple were survived by two sons and two daughters and seven grandchildren, the kibbutz said.

Following the recovery of two bodies, 56 hostages are still held by Hamas, with fewer than half believed to be alive, according to Israeli estimates.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the Oct. 7 assault.