Assertions of a strategic alliance between Kurds and Shiites

In Baghdad, a Kurdish delegation headed by Kurdistan Regional Prime Minister Nechervan Barzani, met with Ibrahim Jaffari, Head of the National Alliance in Iraq. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of the strategic relations between the Kurds and Shiites, stressing the importance of the agreements signed between the two parties and to continue discussions with a view to resolving the outstanding problems between Erbil and the central government in Baghdad. Along with Prime Minister Barzani, the delegation comprised of Minister of Planning and Natural Resources, Governor of Kirkuk and the General-Secretary of the Ministry of Peshmerga, arrived in Baghdad on Monday to negotiate with the central government and officials to solve the crisis between the two sides. The Kurdish delegation also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and the Iraqi Parliament Speaker Osama Najafi during the two meetings on finding solutions to outstanding tensions between Erbil and Baghdad. The delegation confirmed they will adhere to easing strains in accordance to the Iraqi constitution and the agreements signed between the two parties. The world media paid tribute to the Kurdish delegation in visiting Baghdad to solve problems.