“We are willing to solve all the problems with Baghdad using the constitution and we are sure we will succeed,” Barzani said according to a KRG press release.

Under Article 121 of the 2005 Iraqi constitution, Regions are able “to exercise executive, legislative, and judicial powers” and “have the right to amend the application of the national legislation within that region.”

They also receive an “an equitable share of the national revenues sufficient to discharge their responsibilities and duties, but having regard to their resources, needs, and the percentage of their population.”

According to NRT Halbusi said that the federal government also wanted to reach an agreement with the Region to solve the problems and “they will not accept any damage dealt to the Kurdistan Region’s residents.”

“The meeting with our loved ones in the Kurdistan region is a good opportunity. I am pleased when I see the Region progressing in various areas,” he added.

Halbusi is the latest senior official to visit Erbil from Baghdad for talks, following on the heels of visits by Iraqi President Barham Salih and a delegation led by federal Minister of Finance Fuad Hussein.

Over the summer, technical working groups from the federal government and the KRG met to discuss outstanding issues, including the budget, oil and gas revenue, and the disputed areas.

KRG Spokesperson Jutyar Adil said on September 18, that the talks have been positive so far and that both sides are working hard to resolve their disagreements.

However, the 2020 budget process has now begun in earnest and promises to be difficult, given the Region's failure to abide by the terms of the 2019 budget.

Reporter’s code: 50101