Peshawa Hawramani, the spokesman for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), has made a startling declaration, accusing the Iraqi government of implementing a "policy of deprivation" against the people of the Kurdistan Region. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Hawramani lamented the intertwining of Kurdistan Region's rights with political issues by the Iraqi government.

Hawramani emphasized the KRG's unwavering commitment to honoring the agreements reached with the federal government since the outset of negotiations. Despite repeated efforts to abide by these agreements, Hawramani highlighted that the Iraqi government had recently allocated 500 billion Iraqi dinars (equivalent to over $384 million) for the payment of salaries in the Kurdistan Region. However, the Kurdistan Region contends that an additional 940 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $712 million) is required to meet salary obligations adequately.

Furthermore, he revealed that Prime Minister Masrour Barzani had engaged in discussions with the finance minister to prioritize the salaries of Kurdistan Region employees.

KRG diplomats have consistently voiced concerns over the improper implementation of the budget since its adoption in early June. Allegations suggest that instead of disbursing the Kurdish share, the Iraqi government has allocated allowances to Erbil to cover public salaries. The KRG maintains that the allocated 500 billion dinars (over $384 million) fall short of what is necessary to meet salary obligations.

In addition to these financial concerns, Hawramani expressed deep apprehension over the recent tensions in Kirkuk. He characterized the prevailing mentality that occupies territories in the Kurdistan Region as reminiscent of the primitive mindset that persisted for decades in Iraq.