Statement by the Spokesperson on the elections in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The people of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq yesterday voted in elections for the Region's Parliament, following the postponement of the elections from their initial November 2017 date.

The holding of these elections is important as it offered the Region's voters a crucial opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.

It is positive that first reports confirm a peaceful and orderly ballot. Vote counting should now be completed speedily and transparently, the results should be accepted by all parties and any claims of irregularities addressed through the available procedures, leading to the swift constitution of a new Parliament and Government.

The European Union will remain a strong partner and supporter of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, and looks forward to working with the new Government of the Kurdistan Region.