Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (Krp.org) President Masoud Barzani strongly condemned the terrorist act by the Islamic State today in Erbil. The attack took place in the town of Ainkawa in the outskirts of Erbil. The attack resulted in deaths and injuries of a number of citizens of the Kurdistan Region. The suicide terrorist attack had aimed to affect the morale of the citizens of the Kurdistan Region, though these miserable acts only continue to strengthen the will of the people of Kurdistan and further demonstrate to the world the cowardice of these terrorists.

President Barzani expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were killed as a result of the terrorist attack and wished speedy recovery for the wounded.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.KRG.org) – Hungary’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mr Tibor Szatmari, met with the Head of the KRG Foreign Relations Department, Minister Falah Mustafa, to express his government’s support for Kurdistan.

Ambassador Szatmari said that Hungary understands the gravity of the humanitarian situation facing Kurdistan, applauding KRG efforts to provide shelter and basics needs to the hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) taking refuge in the Region.

The Ambassador briefed Minister Mustafa on the humanitarian assistance provided by Hungary to IDPs and Syrian refugees currently in the Kurdistan. Last week, Hungary distributed $60,000 of humanitarian aid to IDPs at Saint Joseph Church in Ainkawa and to refugees at the Bahirka and Darashakran refugee camps.

He noted that Kurdistan shoulders the burden of a humanitarian emergency as well as a fight against an international terrorist organisation; therefore, the international community is responsible for providing humanitarian aid and acting to combat terrorism.

Minister Mustafa expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian assistance provided by Hungary. He noted that this support demonstrates friendship and partnership, and the people and the government of Kurdistan are grateful. He explained the importance of continuous support to alleviate the humanitarian emergency.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius yesterday met with leaders of the Christian and Yezidi communities to convey his sympathy regarding the tragic events of the last few days.

After meetings with President Masoud Barzani and Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Foreign Minister Fabius visited the French Consulate General and French Institute, meeting with diplomats and the French community in Kurdistan. He was accompanied by the Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, as well French Consul General Alain Guepratte.

The Foreign Minister then visited Ainkawa and met Bishop Bashar Matti Warda, of the Chaldean Archbishop of the Diocese of Erbil, and representatives of Christian families displaced from Mosul and elsewhere. He listened to the details of their suffering at the hands of terrorists and how they were forced to flee to avoid mass killing.

Foreign Minister Fabius then met with Yezidi representative Hazim Mir Tahsin Bag and with Baba Sheikh, the religious leader of the Yezidis. He expressed to the Yezidi leaders his government’s sympathy and condolences regarding the crimes committed against their people in Sinjar. The Yezidi representative described the tragedy caused by the terrorists.