Nazem Dabbagh, the representative of Kurdistan Region of Iraq in Iran in Shargh annual meeting accompanied by Seyyed Ali Mujani (Iraq History Researcher), and Abbasali Mansuri Arani (a member of National Security Commision of Islamic Parliament of Iran) presented to discuss about the depth of Iran strategic.

Nazem Dabbagh, concerning the result of security shared concerns and historical-cultural joints and their reflection upon Iran’s place in Iraq, said: its root has to be observed in Iraq formation. To form this country, pieces of Iran, Turkey and Arabian lands got separated. This has caused many unsolved problems. Thus in my opinion Iran’s strategy’s in the region requires more study for the future, because in Iraq there are religious and tribal agitation. It can likely be said that is why there is a phenomena named ISIS affecting whole region; Iran, Iraq and Turkey’s security are conducted.

He mentioned Turk’s support form Sunni of Iraq which caused ISIS. From this point of view, in this crisis all players considered their benefits, however, Iran’s security is the region’s and contra versa, since countries’ security are interweaved. He insisted that firstly unity should not be destroyed in Iraq; secondly we have to be allied so that Shia can get stronger.

Following Mujani and Arani Dabbagh said: I believe that Iran has both influence and presence in Iraq. In his opinion policy comes out from oil pipelines thus economy, policy and security are interrelated. He said: I repeatedly stated that Turkey’s attitude toward Iraq is economic through which it wants to provide its benefits by economy.

Iran, according to religion, economy and security has to take such an action that it takes advantage of all these competences. In an answer to a question he replied that: the security is shared. In general if security is not established in Iran, insecurity will influence Iraq and contra versa. Similarly, if security is not established in Iraq, it will influence Syria.

Somewhere else Dabbagh said: Associated Press asked me about Iran’s presence I replied what right does USA have more than Iran as an Iraq’s neighbor? History has proved that you have come several times and gone, but Iran has remained and is presence from Shingal to Basra. We always say if Iran had not been, Baghdad would have fallen and Iraqis been homeless . . . . . since we altogether can protect security. Dabbagh stated: I want sincerity and friendship of I.R of Iran already offered to be continued and to be enjoyed. How to enjoy? I mean both our friend ship is preserved and our future is guaranteed. Dabbagh said: we have to pass some cases and do not sacrifice minor concerns to major ones. If we do not study past and present conditions perfectly, we will not be able to draw the future. 

Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (Krp.org)- In a statement to King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud and the people of Saudi Arabia, President Barzani expressed his condolences on the death of Saudi Arabia's former Foreign Minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal.

Regarding Turkey’s policies toward Iraq, Tasnim News Agency with the presence of three experts of Turkey and Iraq affairs Nazem Dabbagh, the representative of KRG in Tehran, Jegarxwin, the Deputy-representative of KRG in Iran along with Dr. Ja’far Haghpanah, the analyzer of regional affairs and scholar, held a meeting concerning Ankara’s approach toward Baghdad of which the underlying points follow:

Dr. Ja’far Haghpanah believes that until Justice and development party and Ahmad Davoud Oghlu personally came to power, toward the Middle East’s affairs Turkey did not take any roles but security. Since Turkey has always desired to join the west, the policy which was pursued at the period of Justice and Development party. In Iraq, after Americans’ departure, Turkey tried to lead the Sunni groups and manage those fighting against central government. Haghpanah added that Turkey was opposed America’s strike to Iraq which was appreciated by some Saddam’s opponents. Therefore, the Middle East has reached peak of its critical point; and if the regional countries do not cooperate with each other, all will expose to this crisis.

To answer Haghpanah’s phrases, Nazem Dabbagh stated that even though Turkey wanted to join Europe, he failed to achieve this aim. Thus after America’s attack to Iraq made an attempt to increase its influence in Sunnis in Iraq. Despite of its advantages in Iraq changes, Turkey has begun to fall. When Baghdad government was established, Ankara tried to strengthen the Sunnis and Turkmens in Iraq and Kurdistan as opposition of Bafgdad. Dabbagh said: I believe that through economic approaches Turkey is about to control Kurdistan; although he could attract Saddam’s attention, and in order to create a security border entered the north of the country, which fortunately with Kurdistan’s rise we could somewhat control Turkey’s authority obtained after Saddam’s fall. They have involved in economy and oil of the north of the country, which is similar to double-edged blade. Concerning oil agreements of KRG with Turkey without the affirmation of central government Dabbagh said: when Baghdad treated with Kurds as before, we had no choice but to act according our benefits. Dabbagh stated that Iraq Kurds disagree with the presence of wearing black ISIS. He continued: we desire Federal Iraq in which everyone is obedient to the Constitution. Haghpanah added that the political position in the Middle East are heading to stability, thus Kurds’ position will be stabilized. So Turkey has to accept the stabilized position. Therefore, Turkey considers Kurdistan region as a tool and the justice and development party do not deem any identity for Kurds. However structurally it regards Copenhagen regulations to join European Union. He also said: I agree with Me. Dabbagh that Turkey has no more capacity to play with the regional affairs. For it confronts serious interior and exterior problems. Due to its special consideration toward ISIS, it is suspicioned by KRG. The center of the next discussions will be assigned to the future of Erbil-Ankara. Dr. Muhammad Seddigh Ahmad (Jegarxwin), in a response to this question said: KRG has a fairly independent existence accepted by regional and international countries. He continued that Erbil-Ankara relations are divided in political, social and economic fields. According to Turkey deeming the economic opportunities available in Kurdistan Region, economic relations have been developed, naturally these relations are so beneficial for Ankara, however in the fields of economy and security is growing more sensible. Turkeys concerns of managing the crisis of Kurds has risen, and in the direction of taking effective steps in order to accelerate its joining to Europe Union, Ankara has had to choose a new look and approaches to solve Kurds’ concern. Simultaneously these changes in Turkey and Iraq flexible policies have been taken toward Kurdistan.

These were all reasons that accelerate to develop multilateral relations, whereas in spite of new political atmosphere it seemed that Turkey has not achieved its desirable goals. Somewhere in his speeches concerning Turkey positions toward ISIS he said: regarding the new conditions Ankara as we expected did not serve any facilities to Kurdistan to dispatch Pishmergah to help Kurdish fighters to defend Kobani. Jegarxwin tried to study that policy taken. In his view, all regional, interior, international pressures caused turkey to try to take the most advantage of the present condition with the least risk. He added: as long as the both sides aim to remove problems through talking and for both nations’ happiness, to develop the Turkey-Iraq relations never disagree KRG’s benefits; and we are interested in relations to be strengthened. Dabbagh altogether agree with Jegarxwin and said: I insist that the condition of Kurds in the Middle East is positive. According to the constitution of Iraq we follow to solve our concern. New conditions have occurred in the region, Kurds has turned to the balance weight.

Haghpanah put a detailed discussion concerning the complicate position of identity in Iraq and described interior difference of Iraq based on this. To complete this, Dabbagh said the warranty of Kurds’ and Shias’ rights are two things: first Kurd-Kurd, Shia-Shia, and after that Shia-Kurd unity. According to this, Jegarxwin stated; I believe in moderate Sunni-Kurd-Shia unity. 

The meeting of tourism of travel agencies of Kurdistan Region (KR) and Iran has been held with presence of Nazem Dabbagh the representative of KRG of Iraq in Iran, Mulavi Jabbar Vahhab and a number of travel and tourism agencies of KR and Iran in the Hall of Tehran Azadi Hotel.

In that meeting, Nazem Dabbagh the representative of KRG of Iraq in Tehran Said: it is the time to be happy that between the tourism system of KR and I.R. Iran is a meeting being held like this. After mentioning the cultures and historical commons and being adjacent of Iran and KR of Iraq, Dabbagh indicated the presence of security and establishing a situation in order to improve the presence of Iran in tourism industry of KR as the potentials of developing cooperation in this field and said that it is possible to really improve it through relying upon and trusting friends like you.     

Simplifying serving passports to Iranian tourists wishing to travel to KR is one of the strategies in the field of improving the tourism industry between both sides, Dabbagh mentioned. He requested Iranian side to prepare facilities in this field for tourists wishing to travel Iran.    

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers yesterday held its ordinary meeting, chaired by Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani and attended by Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani.

Prime Minister Barzani shed light on the latest developments in the relations between Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, and the Iraqi Federal Government, highlighting the differences between the two sides over the implementation of Iraq’s 2015 Federal Budget Law.

The KRG has fulfilled its obligations as stipulated in the Law, while the Iraqi government has not fully honoured its obligations, which consist of the payment of Kurdistan Region’s budget.

The Iraqi Federal Government takes this stance at the moment when the financial burden on the KRG has dramatically increased, due to the ongoing war against the Islamic State terrorist organization, ISIS, and, in addition to its 1.7 million refugees and internally displaced persons, IDPs, Kurdistan Region continues receiving waves of people fleeing the zones under ISIS.

Prime Minister Barzani pointed out that the KRG continues exerting great effort to ease the Region’s financial difficulties. He reiterated that his government aims at settling the problems with Baghdad through dialog and negotiations. However, he added, if the negotiations lead to no result, the KRG is entitled to settle its problems on the basis of law No. 5, Year 2013, which gives authority to the KRG to seek sources helping to stabilise the Region’s financial security, if Baghdad fails to do so.

In another part of the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Talabani and Ministers of Finance and Economy and Natural Resources discussed the issue of loan from international banks under the Kurdistan Region Parliament Law No. 7 of 2015, published in Official Gazette on 25 June.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani briefed the Council about the talks held recently with a number of international financial institutions, noting that the move will help the Kurdistan Region not only in securing financial resources, but it would also further enhance the position of the Kurdistan Region in gaining market credibility.

The members of the Council expressed their support for this project and decided to set up a special committee to be in charge of the implementation of the Law.

Issue of amendment of Kurdistan Region Presidency Law

Regarding the Kurdistan Parliament meeting which held on 23 June 2015 to discuss amendments to the Law of Kurdistan Region Presidency, Prime Minister Barzani pointed out that this move created unease among the people in the Region and was a violation of the principle of consensus, while the session of parliament was held without consulting other parties and not taking into account the current difficulties which the Kurdistan Region passes through.

However, he added, exerting efforts to reach a common understanding among the leaders of political parties continues.

He said, meanwhile, the Kurdistan Parliament move should not reflect in the government work, which as a broad-base government has been conducting its affairs in harmony and unity of ranks.

The Ministers, present at the meeting, unanimously expressed their support for the stance of Prime Minister on the need for the unity of ranks and stances in conducting government affairs, and not to violate the principle of consensus. They also expressed concern about the Parliament move which deals with a sensitive subject at this critical moment.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received a United States congressional delegation, led by Congressman Rob Wittman.

In the meeting, which was also attended by Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, Mr. Wittman commended the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga Forces for having been able to repulse the attacks of the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, as well as their ability and commitment, which he said he observed in the training centres that the delegation has visited.

The issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, and Iraq’s Federal Government were discussed in the meeting, highlighting Baghdad’s refusal to honour its agreement with the Region.

The financial burden, which represents the hosting of over 1.7 million refugees and internally displaced people, IDPs, who fled ISIS repression and took refuge in Kurdistan, was also discussed in the meeting.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Kurdistan Region to President Barak Obama, his administration, the congress, the people and the military forces of the United States that have played a significant role in protecting Kurdistan people from the terrorist threats by providing Kurdistan Region with humanitarian and military assistance.

He expressed his hope that this assistance, particularly in the military fields, will continue.

Prime Minister Barzani also urged the delegation to play a role in solving the issues between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s Federal Government that could lead Baghdad to honour the agreement, reached last December between the two sides, on oil export and budgetary issues.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received Lt. Gen. Mick Bednarek, the United States Chief of Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq, and his accompanying military and diplomatic delegation.

General Bednarek visited Prime Minister on the occasion of termination of his duty in Iraq and introduce his successor, Major General Paul LaCamera.

General Bednarek thanked Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, the Ministry of Peshmerga, and Peshmerga forces, who, he said, have offered full cooperation and assistance during his mission.

General Bednarek commended the role played by Peshmerga forces in confronting Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, stressing the continuation of the United States support to the Peshmerga forces.

The situation of different areas of Iraq, particularly the areas under the control of ISIS, as well as the current and future cooperation among the coalition, Iraqi and Peshmerga forces were also discussed.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked General Bednarek, who during the past two years has fulfilled his duty effectively in Iraq and Kurdistan Region. He expressed his wishes of success in his new position.

Prime Minister Barzani meanwhile welcomed Major General Paul LaCamera, reiterating the cooperation and coordination of Kurdistan Region Peshmerga and security forces with his office.

He expressed his gratitude to the coalition forces, particularly the United States forces that have played a significant role in repulsing terrorist threats from Kurdistan Region.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received Croatia's Ambassador to Iraq, Ambassador Jerko Vukas and his accompanying delegation.

Ambassador Vukas expressed his appreciation for the victories achieved by Kurdistan Region Peshmerga forces on the battlefield against terrorism.

He expressed his country's desire to open its diplomatic mission in the Kurdistan Region and develop diplomatic, economic, commercial and cultural relations with the Kurdistan Region.

In this regard, Ambassador Vukas handed a formal invitation from his government to Prime Minister Barzani to visit Croatia.

For his part, Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region desires developing and strengthening bilateral relations with the government and people of Croatia.

He accepted the invitation, stressing that he will pay an official visit to Croatia in a near future.

Prime Minister Barzani recalled the visit by the Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs to the Kurdistan Region earlier this year, which, he said, marked developing bilateral relations.