ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on Thursday held a high-level meeting in which they urged a unified Kurdish stance in the federal parliament and called on Baghdad to resolve long-standing constitutional disputes such as the implementation of Article 140.

In a statement issued after an expanded meeting of its Central Committee, the KDP said it was a mistake to “mix talks on forming the Kurdistan Region’s cabinet with negotiations with the federal government,” stressing that regional issues must be settled first before moving to joint steps with Baghdad.

“Our party does not see it as correct to link the formation of the Kurdistan Region’s cabinet with the federal government,” the statement said. “The issues of the Region must be resolved first, then the necessary and joint steps should be taken toward Baghdad.”

The Kurdistan Region held its parliamentary elections in October 2024, with the KDP emerging victorious with 39 seats, followed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) with 23. The two main parties have yet to reach an agreement on forming the next cabinet.

The KDP has routinely blamed the PUK for hindering the formation of the next government, accusing the rival party of making unreasonable demands.

The party said a senior delegation has been formed to engage with Baghdad on unresolved constitutional files, most notably Article 140, which concerns the status of disputed territories between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government.

Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution mandates a process to outline a clear and definitive boundary in the disputed areas by introducing a referendum to determine the will of the residents living on the lands. The implementation of the article has been continuously delayed by the Iraqi government for two decades.

The KDP also urged the implementation of other pending issues, including the establishment of the Federation Council, the formation of the Federal Supreme Court in line with the constitution, and the long-delayed oil and gas law.

“The meeting emphasized the need to implement the outstanding files with Baghdad, such as Article 140,” the statement said, adding that these issues are essential to ensuring genuine partnership within Iraq’s federal system.

The party further called for a permanent solution to the budget and public salary dispute between Erbil and Baghdad, saying it should be resolved “in a way that complies with the federal system.”

The KDP said Kurds should negotiate in Baghdad “with one unified voice,” stressing that Kurds must be real partners in governing Iraq alongside other components, in line with constitutional principles of partnership, balance, and consensus.