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
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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.



Germany Not Planning to Recognize Palestinian State in Short Term

This aerial view shows a Palestinian flag amid the protest 'Global Pot-Banging for Gaza' in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico on July 24, 2025. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP)
This aerial view shows a Palestinian flag amid the protest 'Global Pot-Banging for Gaza' in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico on July 24, 2025. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP)
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Germany Not Planning to Recognize Palestinian State in Short Term

This aerial view shows a Palestinian flag amid the protest 'Global Pot-Banging for Gaza' in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico on July 24, 2025. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP)
This aerial view shows a Palestinian flag amid the protest 'Global Pot-Banging for Gaza' in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico on July 24, 2025. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP)

Germany is not planning to recognize a Palestinian state in the short term and said its priority now is to make "long-overdue progress" towards a two-state solution, a German government spokesperson said on Friday.

"Israel's security is of paramount importance to the German government," said the spokesperson.

"The German government therefore has no plans to recognize a Palestinian state in the short term," he added.

Recognition of a Palestinian state would only come as one of the final steps in a two-state solution, said the spokesperson.

Palestinians have long sought to create an independent state in the occupied West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem through a mediated peace process.

Many accuse Israel of having destroyed Palestinian statehood prospects through increased settlement building in the West Bank and by levelling much of Gaza during the current war.

Israel rejects this.