Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRG.org) – A European Union Delegation led by the Ambassador of the EU to Iraq, Jana Hybaskova, and ambassadors of a number of EU countries visited Kurdistan to hold meetings with the President, the Prime Minister, and other officials, and to attend a Europe Day celebration hosted by the KRG. The delegation discussed a number of strategic issues related to Iraq and Kurdistan, as well as the possibility of opening a permanent European Union representation office in Erbil. The aim of the visit was for the delegation to gain an opportunity to better understand the situation and to gain firsthand information on Kurdistan.

Meeting with the President

Ambassador Hybaskova congratulated President Barzani for the successful parliamentary and provincial elections that were conducted last month and said that this meeting is a reaffirmation of the strategic relationship between the EU and Iraq.  She said, "The elections were truly competitive and democratic, and serve as a very good example for the Middle East,” adding that the EU wants to see a government that is inclusive and that represents all the people of Iraq. President Barzani discussed with members of the delegation prospects for the political process in Iraq and the future direction of the country. President Barzani thanked the EU delegation for the visit and for the endorsement of the electoral process. He said the EU can play an important role in strengthening the democratic process in the country.

“Your positive assessment of our elections gives us strength to continue along this path. Your support will help us address our shortcomings." He added, "The EU can play an important role in Iraq, based on the promotion of democracy, adherence to the Constitution, and genuine power-sharing in the country. I believe this election is the last opportunity for genuine power-sharing and the possibility of stability. If genuine partnership is not implemented in the new government, our people will go for a referendum on a confederation in Iraq.”

EU ambassadors and representatives also raised questions with President Barzani, including some relating to the recent elections, efforts to finalize Kurdistan's regional government, and the situation of Syrian refugees in Kurdistan. On behalf of the EU, Ms. Jana Hybaskova thanked the KRG for its support to the more than 240,000 Syrian refugees currently living in Kurdistan and acknowledged that this has created great strain on the KRG resources. For his part, President Barzani said that the KRG would continue to do what it can to support the Syrian refugees.

Meeting with the Prime Minister

The delegation also met with the KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation and began by expressing his support for a permanent EU representation in Kurdistan to help strengthen relations between Kurdistan and the EU. The meeting was attended by the KRG Deputy Prime Minister Imad Ahmed, the Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa and the Head of the KRG Department of Follow-Up and Coordination, Minister Qubad Talabani.

The visiting delegation explained that the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union will hold a meeting before the end of June to decide on the structure of the future relationship with Iraq. Ambassador Hybaskova highlighted the importance of this visit, as the findings would be sent to the capitals of the 28 EU member states. She added that this visit was evidence of the EU's commitment to Kurdistan and its support for the fundamental principles of democracy, constitutional law, and human rights.

The Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the current disputes with Baghdad, highlighting the problems related to this year’s budget as well as Baghdad's unexpected and unlawful decision to cut the disbursement of salaries of the KRG employees. Regarding the formation of the next government in Baghdad, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of genuine partnership and power sharing.

Prime Minister Barzani also noted the importance of unity and a common vision among the political parties of Kurdistan. Despite healthy and democratic differences of opinions that exist between Kurdish political parties internally, the Prime Minister stated that this will not have any effect on the Region's relations with Baghdad, as all Kurdish political parties are united on issues pertaining to the Kurdish people. He added, "With these elections, we see the last opportunity to correct the ways in which Iraq is governed."

Meeting with the Department of Foreign Relations

Prior to participating in the Europe Day reception hosted by the KRG, the EU delegation met separately with the Head of Foreign Relations Minister Falah Mustafa. In this meeting, the visiting Ambassador assured Minister Mustafa that the EU is now working on the establishment of a permanent representation in Kurdistan.  She explained that with several EU member states having established diplomatic representation in Erbil, an EU representation office in Erbil is essential to furthering KRG relations with the European community.

She also reaffirmed the continuous technical and humanitarian assistance of the EU and member states through ECHO, the humanitarian aid and civil protection department of the European Commission, and other NGO’s in support of the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan. The EU has embarked on a long-term plan to assist these refugees and IDPs.

Minister Mustafa was pleased by the efforts of the EU in assisting refugees with basic needs, as the crisis has taken a toll on the KRG. In this regard, the Minister requested that the international community jointly finds a solution to the conflict in Syria. He then held an interactive question and answer session with the various diplomats to address in detail a wide array of issues related to Kurdistan and Iraq.