In the discussions, the parties emphasized the importance of local participation and agreed to hold an expanded meeting in the coming week with the participation of Kirkuk stakeholders to begin to address the outstanding concerns.

"UNAMI was pleased by the positive atmosphere and welcomes the commitment of the parties shown today to advance this issue and to fully include representatives from Kirkuk", said the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Mr. Ad Melkert.

The meeting was facilitated by SRSG Ad Melkert and attended by Dr. Rowsch Shawis, Deputy Prime Minister, CoR members Mr. Hassan Al-Sunaid and Dr. Salman Al-Jumaili.