Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, today welcomed the Ambassador of Belgium to Jordan, Mr. Thomas Baekelandt, upon his first visit to Kurdistan.

Ambassador Baekelandt said that Belgium is fully aware of the challenging humanitarian crisis facing internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees now sheltered in Kurdistan. He informed Minister Mustafa that Belgium is sending 13 tonnes of humanitarian aid to be distributed to IDPs and refugees in the Kurdistan Region.

The Ambassador noted that his country would continue to engage with Kurdistan, offering further support, after the formation of Belgium’s new government. He praised the role of the KRG and its Peshmerga forces in protecting civilians and members of religious minority groups from the terrorist militants.

Minister Mustafa thanked Ambassador Baekelandt for his visit to Kurdistan, expressing appreciation to the government and the people of Belgium for the provision of much-needed humanitarian assistance. He also pointed to the Peshmerga forces’ commitment to fight against the terrorists, a fight waged on behalf of the entire world in the name of tolerance, decency, and human rights for all civilians regardless of ethnicity or religion.

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani met with a German parliamentary delegation today to discuss bilateral relations as well as political and security developments in Iraq.

Chairman of the German parliament’s CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Volker Kauder, and Deputy Chairman of the group Andreas Schockenhoff, relayed the greetings of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to President Barzani and expressed their country’s strong support for the KRG in its war against the ISIS terrorists.

They said Germany would support the KRG, both on the humanitarian front in dealing with the hundreds of thousands o IDPs, and on the military front by proving military equipment to the peshmerga forces. The German parliamentarians praised the KRG and its leadership for providing a safe refuge of Yezidis, Christians, and other minorities fleeing from ISIS and seeking refuge in Kurdistan.

For his part, President Barzani stated that the KRG is proud to fight the ISIS terrorists on behalf of the free world, adding that with international support, the peshmerga forces soon defeat the terrorists. The President also expressed his appreciation for Germany for its support and solidarity with the people of Kurdistan.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received a delegation of Christian patriarchs to discuss the situation in Kurdistan and Iraq and the plight of internally displaced people.

Christian delegation appreciates KRG protection for minorities

The delegation was led by Patriarch Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros al-Rahi, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and the East, and included several Catholic and Assyrian patriarchs, bishops, and Christian officials representing the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and global communities.

The delegation applauded the KRG for coming to the rescue of the Christians in Mosul and the Ninevah plains, as well as accommodation for Christians that have fled central and southern parts of the country and taken refuge in the Kurdistan Region. Members of the delegation noted that Christians recognised the safety and security in the Region and it has brought them hope.

Members of the delegation emphasised the importance of sharing details of the crimes perpetrated against the Christians and other minorities with the Vatican and with Washington, and sought international aerial protection for Christians, Yezidis, Shabak, Turkmen, and other minority communities in the area. This would be necessary to ensure their safety and allow them to return home. The delegation also praised the people and the government of Kurdistan for the aid and support that have been provided for the displaced.

Prime Minister Barzani underscores the need for international involvement

Prime Minister Barzani noted the importance of this visit, which demonstrates the solidarity of the Christian delegation with the various communities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. He said, “The KRG supports minorities and will spare no effort in protecting them. These communities have roots in this area stretching back millennia. However, the KRG cannot resolve the current situation alone, as this fight requires resources beyond our government’s capacity. We are fighting a terrorist state, not just a terrorist organisation.” In this regard, the Prime Minister agreed with the call for international aerial protection for Christians and other minority groups.

The Prime Minister added that even after the fall of the previous regime in 2003, Iraq’s federal government had not contributed whatsoever in providing arms or training to the Peshmerga forces. Iraq had not even sent small arms to use in the fight against the terrorists, who looted the most advanced weaponry from the Iraqi army. The Kurdistan Region’s military capabilities therefore had been quite limited and this had hindered the Peshmerga forces’ ability to combat a terrorist state with access to heavy and advanced weaponry.

Prime Minister Barzani stated that Peshmerga forces are now on the offensive and have retaken several areas, but that this war requires an international coalition. The KRG is therefore liaising with the international community and with Baghdad to defeat the terrorists. He also urged the delegation to discuss the crisis. He said, “Your voices are meaningful in promoting the establishment of an international coalition, and you can play an important role.”

(courtesy AFP)

Financial Times

Peshmerga forces are fighting for the world and must be armed now, writes Bayan Rahman

Sinjar, a Kurdish border area that has seen more prosperous times as a trading and farming hub famed for its figs, olives and Syrian-influenced cuisine, is suddenly on the world map as a genocide unfolds before our eyes.

As a Kurd whose family comes from Sinjar, I find it wrenching to see the suffering of our people as yet another genocide is committed against us. We had thought the dark days were behind us as we rebuilt the 4,000 villages, and the physical and social infrastructure, that were destroyed by Saddam Hussein.

Kurdistan has a tradition of peaceful coexistence, with Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, Turkmen, Kurds and Arabs all living side by side. The first school my Muslim mother attended in Sinjar was run by Christian nuns. Religious festivals, she told me, were always celebrated by neighbours of different faiths, too...

Because of copyright regulations, KRG.org cannot reprint the entire article. To access this article, please click here.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, today welcomed Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Lapo Pistelli and his delegation to discuss the latest security, humanitarian, and political developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Minister Mustafa thanked the Deputy Minister for his visit and the attention that the government of Italy has paid to the recent developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The Minister highlighted the latest developments and expressed the KRG’s disappointment in the lack of humanitarian and military support offered by the international community. He said, “We expected more than expressions of gratitude and appreciation. The international community is turning a blind eye to the urgent security and humanitarian challenges facing the people of Kurdistan.” 

He spoke of the security threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), stating, “Kurdish Peshmerga forces are facing a terrorist organization with members across the globe. This is a serious situation. Peshmerga forces are left alone and are fighting on behalf of the entire international community. ISIS poses a global threat; therefore, the international community has a moral responsibility to actively support the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in fighting ISIS militants.” 

Deputy Foreign Minister Pistelli praised the role of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the KRG in response to recent security and humanitarian developments. He also condemned in strongest terms the violence perpetrated against Christians and Yezidis, lamenting the plight of these communities. He said, “The world is fully aware of the humanitarian assistance provided by the KRG to the refugees and IDPs, and the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are doing an excellent job.”

In response to the KRG’s call for urgent humanitarian and military assistance, the Deputy Minister stated, “I will convey the message of the Kurdistan Regional Government to the government of Italy and the European Union. We understand the situation in the Kurdistan Region. You are shouldering a heavy burden on behalf of the international community, and you can not be left alone.”

Minister Mustafa reiterated the determination of the Kurdish leadership and Kurdish Peshmerga forces to continue to fight ISIS terrorists.

Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq, Massimo Moratti, and the Head of the Foreign Ministry’s Iraq Desk, Alessandro Motti, also attended the meeting. Deputy Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Karwan Jamal, and KRG Representative to Italy Rezan Kadir participated as well.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (DFR.KRG.org) – The KRG Department of Foreign Relations and the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs today briefed diplomats and representatives of international organizations based in Erbil on the latest security, humanitarian and political developments.

The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, thanked the diplomats for their attendance and discussed the security threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the entire Middle East. Minister Mustafa said, “ISIS considers all who do not share their ideology as enemies. They are against the fundamental principles of humanity.”

He added, “We are dealing with a terrorist organization with members across the world, and it is a threat to all. Fighting ISIS is not only the responsibility of the Kurdistan Region. Terrorism is an international threat, and therefore the international community has a responsibility to support the KRG as it combats ISIS.”

The Minister asked diplomats to urge their countries to take action. “We have received expressions of appreciation and gratitude from the international community as we provide a safe haven for refugees and IDPs and combat a ruthless terrorist organization. It is now time for the international community to step forward, urgently, and provide the KRG with humanitarian assistance and military support, particularly air support.”

Jabar Yawar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, briefed diplomats about military developments on the ground. Highlighting the Peshmerga forces’ urgent need for military support, he said, “Prior to the withdrawal of the U.S forces and long before the fall of Mosul, 100,000 Iraqi soldiers, 20,000 American soldiers, and the Peshmerga forces were jointly protecting the line between the Kurdistan Region and the rest of Iraq, which is 1050 km. Unfortunately, the Peshmerga forces are now alone in protecting those areas with their limited military weaponry.”

Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis on Mount Sinjar, Minister Mustafa called upon the international community to provide urgent support, including humanitarian aid and air transportation, for the thousands of families stranded on the mountain.

The Minister addressed the tension between Erbil and Baghdad, stating that “the federal government has not sent the Kurdistan Region any share of the federal revenue, in violation of the Iraqi Constitution. Meanwhile, the political process in Iraq remains at an impasse.”

Egyptian Consul Soliman Osman, Dean of the consular corps, expressed his gratitude for the briefing on behalf of the diplomats. During the meeting, several diplomats and representatives exchanged thoughts on the recent developments.

The meeting was attended by diplomats from Egypt, France, the Russian Federation, Jordan, Palestine, the United States of America, Turkey, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Iran, Italy, Romania, France, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, the United Nations, and the EU’s Humanitarian Aid Organisation, ECHO. 

The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the KRG Department of Foreign Relations.

Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) – Based on the instruction of Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region and Commander-in-Chief of Kurdistan’s Peshmerga forces, a joint meeting between the military and the government was held in Erbil today, 14 June 2014.

The meeting was held under the supervision of Kosrat Rasul, Kurdistan Region Vice President and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Kurdistan’s Peshmerga forces, and KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. A number of commanders and senior officials participated in the meeting.

The withdrawal of the Iraqi Army from several Iraqi governorates was discussed in detail, as well as the role of the Peshmerga forces filling the vacuum caused by this withdrawal. This decision was taken because of a sense of national responsibility to protect peace, stability, and the people living in these areas, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, Sunnis, and Shia. This is an expression of the loyalty and the commitment of the Peshmerga forces to protect the stability of the country and the lives and well being of its people. Peshmerga forces will act according to their full sense of national responsibility.

Participants in the meeting reassured the people living in areas under Peshmerga control that the stability of these areas and the lives and well being of residents will be protected in every way possible, adding that they have nothing to fear because the Peshmerga will loyally protect them.

Participants in the meeting expressed their sorrow and disappointment regarding the circumstances that Iraq faces today. At the same time, this unfortunate situation has proved that the approach of the leadership of the Kurdistan Region has been true to the people and the leaders of Iraq – that Iraq can only be governed through commitment to the Constitution and the principle of consensus through which all groups of Iraq feel that they are part of the country’s decision-making. Kurdistan’s political leadership has on many occasions warned about the possibility of the emergence of this type of situation. Unfortunately, some did not feel this was a threat.

In the meeting it was agreed that the Peshmerga would hold defensive positions, and have never taken any offensive measures and do not want any complications to be created on the front lines. It was also emphasized that the solution for the ongoing situation can only be reached by genuine political settlement, not through military means and not without consensus. This is why it was reiterated that stability and progress would only return to Iraq through the establishment of consensus among Shia, Sunni, Kurds, and other components of Iraqi society.

Participants also pointed out that since Kurds have been victims of terrorism themselves, they are committed to international obligations to establish stability and contribute actively to the promotion of international peace and security.

In order to supervise and work hard in a coordinated manner during these circumstances, the meeting decided the following.

First: The establishment of a high level security and military operations room in the Kurdistan Region to oversee all security and military activities, in line with the Kurdistan Region’s laws, together with Kurdistan Regional Government institutions; and the creation of temporary rooms in the various areas where they should all work together with a common stance, comprised of all components of the society of Kurdistan.

Second: That only Lieutenant General Jabbar Yawar, the Spokesperson of the Region’s armed forces, is authorised to give official statements regarding the military operations and activities of the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga forces.

The meeting also highlighted the following two requests.

First: Members of the families that have fled violence in Mosul and other cities and entered the Kurdistan Region are our brothers and sisters. We have provided whatever assistance possible to help them and we will continue supporting them. We also extend our call to the generous people of the Kurdistan Region to provide assistance and support to these families, in line with the Region’s security and administrative guidelines.

Second: We urge the international community to take all necessary measures to provide aid and assistance to those displaced people who have left their homes and belongings behind and entered the Kurdistan Region, and to partner with the Kurdistan Regional Government in supporting these families.