Reporter: Dear listener, this is an interview with Mr. Mohammad Seddiq Ahmad, care taker of Iraqi Kurdistan mission in Iran. Mr. Ahmad, thank you for having this interview with us. As the first question Mr. Ahmad, earlier the leader the ISIL terrorist group has threatened that future goal is to capture Baghdad. In your opinion Mr. Ahmad, how much is this threat close to reality and is the ISIL capable enough in terms of equipment and manpower to put into action it treats?

Mohammad Seddiq Ahmad: Of course there has always been threat, but regarding to recent clashes between ISIL and the Kurdish Pishmerga forces and the heavy losses of ISIL forces, I think military power of ISIL has diminished. It means it doesn’t have the power and facility to launch a broad attack to a police, like Baghdad.  Capture of Baghdad is not an easy job and ISIL forces cannot do it. For besides the Iraqi Army there are popular forces. In my opinion the threat for capture Baghdad is not a real threat.

Reporter: You have red in the news that Yazidi’s of the northern of Iraq have evacuated the region after a number of them have been a kidnapped. Later we have that Kurdish Pishmerga manage to break the siege of Sanjar region which was used refused by Yazudis. Please tell us, how is the situation of the Yazidis at the moment?

Mohammad Seddiq Ahmad: fortunately, most of the people who lived in the mountainous region of Sanjar have been transformed to Dohuk province and stationed there. A small number of them have remained in the mountain and being given relief work. At the moment, the way is safe and secure to access them and assistance has begun and there is almost no problem. As per to the reports, a number of Izadi Kurds including women and children have been savaged captivated it. Of course, the figures differ. That is to say that we cannot present an exact figure. But what is certain is that some of the Izadi’s women have been taken as captive and will serve maiden according to illusive believes of the ISIL. The Iraqi Kurdistan government and its allies have taken all measures to defend Izadis and we hope that condition will turn in such a way that the captive, God willing, will turn to their families.

Reporter: as the last question Mr. Ahmad, the European Union approved they be all to send weapons for quenching terrorist in Iraq which in the case of west admitting the terrorist nature of the ISIL as a threat to the region and to the entire world. What can be expected from the world community which regard to the current development in Iraq?

Mohammad Seddiq Ahmad: Basically countering terrorism connot be limited to one country. Terrorism is global threat and international community should take wide measure to counter it. The EU and the Security Council statement were too helpful and effective moves in this connection to create the consensus, for struggling against terrorism, specially cutting the ISIL financial sources, blocking their access to these sources and prevent in their commutation are the measures can be affective.

We think that UN, EU, world community, regional countries, progressive forces that support democracy in Iraq should get united to eradicate and sinister phenomenon of terrorism in the region. This phenomenon is not threatful just to Iraqi and Syrian peoples, but it is a threat for the entire region. Furthermore, fortunately, there is a good unity on the regional forces and even inside Iraq to counter ISIL threats and has yielded positive threats. Withdrawal of ISIL forces in the recent days and staunch resistance of the pishmerga forces and with the support of the US air forces and the assistance of allies Kurdish and Iraqi people and have had positive results and we think the ISIL threat will not be a lasting threat. In sum, with the consensus that we expect the political sin of Iraq and the evidence that we witness of the designate of the new candidate for Prime minister and unity of Iraq people enforces supporting freedom democracy an law in the country and the region, God willing, we will be witness to removal of this threat from Iraq the region and the world. I would like to say that in any case there has always been threat in the region and the enemy should not be underestimated in the world. But, considering the recent defeat, inflicted on ISIL in north western front and the enervation of these terrorist groups forces, basically their military strategy will be focus on attack to preserve themselves. Therefore, the threat against Baghdad and other region can be evaluated in this view. Generally I do not think ISIL terrorists have such a power.

Reporter: Thank you for having this interview with us and appreciate you insight.       

http://english.irib.ir/analysis/interviews/item/194585-iraqi-kurdistan-envoy-in-iran-isil,-a-threat-to-region-and-the-whole-world

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani yesterday met with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird and his accompanying delegation to discuss the current situation and Canada’s military and humanitarian assistance.

The Foreign Minister applauded the Kurdistan Region for combating terrorism and providing humanitarian aid for the displaced. He described the acts committed by the terrorists against civilians and the Kurdistan Region as tragic.

The visiting delegation reiterated Canada’s continuous support for the Kurdistan Region in its fight against the terrorists and its efforts to provide humanitarian aid for the displaced.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani applauded Canada’s provision of humanitarian and military aid and hailed the role of Canada’s Ambassador to Iraq. He stressed that the Kurdistan Region is fighting terrorism on behalf of the whole world.

KRG Minister of Interior Karim Sinjari, Chief of Staff to the President of the Kurdistan Region, Dr Fuad Hussein, and other officials also attended the meeting.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received Canada’s Ambassador Bruno Saccomani to discuss the recent visit of the Canadian Foreign Minister to Erbil and discuss the latest humanitarian and security developments.

Prime Minister Barzani conveyed his government’s gratitude to Canada for its important role in providing humanitarian aid to the Kurdistan Region to help alleviate the crisis and assist the displaced, noting the successful visit of Canada’s Foreign Minister last week. The Prime Minister appreciated that Canada was among the first countries to come forward and support the Kurdistan Region in its fight against terrorism.

The Prime Minister and the Ambassador discussed the international effort to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) terrorists and the establishment of an international coalition against the terrorists. Prime Minister Barzani welcomed the NATO coalition to combat the terrorists that followed the initiative of the United States, adding that he hoped the outcome of such a coalition would lead to tangible results on the ground.

Ambassador Saccomani commended the Peshmerga forces, fighting terrorist on all fronts, for their courage and for their victories over the past several days. Prime Minister Barzani explained that the people and the government of the Kurdistan Region are proud of their Peshmerga forces and urged the international community to support the Peshmerga in every way possible so that they are fully equipped to fight the terrorist militants.

Finally, both sides stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Canada. The Prime Minister lauded Ambassador Saccomani’s role in furthering this relationship. The Ambassador noted that a Canadian trade delegation would visit Kurdistan early next year to help expand economic relations, an initiative welcomed by Prime Minister Barzani.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – The political chief of the European Union’s delegation to Iraq, Mr Charles Stuart, met with the Head of the KRG Foreign Relations Department Minister Falah Mustafa to discuss the latest humanitarian, military, and political developments and to express the EU’s continued support for Kurdistan.

Mr Stuart said, “In the context of the current crisis in Iraq, the EU delegation in Baghdad has been tasked by Brussels to gather information and analysis on the military situation and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s need for military assistance to cope with the ISIS threat.”

He conveyed the determination of EU member states to continue support for the Kurdistan Region in terms of humanitarian assistance and the fight against ISIS terrorism. He added, “We salute the resilience of the Kurdistan Region in the face of the current security, humanitarian, and financial challenges facing the Kurdish people. The Kurdistan Region has sheltered hundreds of thousands of members of religious minorities and has been effectively fighting a terrorist organisation that poses an international threat.”

Because the Kurdistan Region faces many challenges simultaneously, “The EU has decided to expand its scope of military and humanitarian engagement in the Kurdistan Region,” Mr Stuart said.

Minister Mustafa welcomed the further engagement of the European Union, stating, “Members of the European Union have played a crucial role in galvanizing humanitarian and military assistance for the Kurdistan Region by communicating the KRG’s message to the international community with appropriate urgency. The government and the people of the Kurdistan Region are grateful for these actions.”

Minister Mustafa briefed the delegation on the latest developments and the formation of Iraq’s new government. He said, “Our participation in the new Iraqi government has once again demonstrated to our friends in the international community that the Kurdish leadership is willing to solve problems with Baghdad through negotiation and dialogue.”

Colonel Rupert Pulvertaft, Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the EU Military Staff, Ms Evija Kravcenko, Advisor to the Crisis Response Managing Director, and Karwan Jamal, Deputy Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations also attended the meeting.
 

Statement by the Prime Minister

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received a delegation representing Mar Dinkha IV, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, to discuss latest developments and the situation of displaced Christian families sheltered in Kurdistan.

The delegation was led by Mar Meelis Zaia, Archbishop of the Assyrian Church of the East, who conveyed the Patriarch’s greetings and expressed gratitude to the Kurdistan Region for all the aid and support extended to the displaced Christians. He said that the incidents over the past weeks have been tragic and a bitter experience, but said that it is temporary and hopefully will soon be over.

Members of the delegation discussed relations among the various religious and ethnic communities in Kurdistan and nearby areas, stressing the historic bonds between Kurds and Christians. They hailed the spirit of tolerance and peaceful coexistence shared by different communities throughout Kurdistan because Kurds, too, have endured similar struggles. The Archbishop expressed confidence that the culture of harmonious coexistence would remain and that this legacy would continue.

Prime Minister Barzani also highlighted Kurdistan’s culture of tolerance, explaining that the various communities in Kurdish society are important and peaceful coexistence is an essential principle for the people of Kurdistan, who have always valued their diverse communities. He added that the events that have recently befallen Christians and other minorities are absolutely tragic and emphasised that all communities stand together in this fight – all are committed to remain together, as the future is shared by all of the people of Kurdistan.

The Prime Minister noted the special place of the Christian community in Kurdistan’s society. The tragic incidents of the past weeks have been awful, and this has encouraged all components of society to work harder to build a better future for everyone in Kurdistan. He reassured members of the delegation that the KRG and the people of Kurdistan are exerting every effort to provide safety, security, and dignity to members of all communities.

Finally, members of the delegation restated that internationally they have always called for further support for the Kurdistan Region and its government to promote prosperity, investment, and a better quality of life in the Region. The Archbishop also reiterated his community’s gratitude and appreciation for the role of the Peshmerga forces and their sacrifices, adding that everyone is proud of them and that their actions will not be forgotten.

Kurdistan region President Masoud Barzani called Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi today to congratulate him as the new Prime Minister of Iraq and wished him success.

In their telephone conversation, they discussed the unanimous decision by Kurdistan’s political sides to participate in the new government, and both sides emphasized the need for all parties to work together to save the country from the current security and political crises.

They both concurred that there is a good opportunity for joint work to ensure that the mistakes of the previous government are not repeated, and that the conditions and demands of the Kurdish side are met. They also agreed to work together to restore stability in the country and defeat terrorists.

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani met Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services in the US Senate, Carl Levin on Wednesday.

In their meeting in Salahaddin, President Barzani and Senator Levin discussed the fight against ISIS terrorists and the political process to form a new government in Baghdad.

Senator Levin said that the people of America admire and feel very close to the Kurdish people, and expressed their support for the Kurdistan Region peshmerga forces in fighting terrorists. He also expressed his admiration for the KRG for protecting Yezidi, Christian and other minorities, and for the traditions of peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance that exist in Kurdistan.

For his part, President Barzani thanked the US President, government and people for their military and humanitarian support in this fight and stressed that the Peshmerga forces are capable to take the fight to ISIS terrorists provided they are supplied with the right weapons. He said that with the support of the US military air strikes, the Peshmerga have made several gains recently and they would continue to push the terrorists back.

Both sides agreed that defeating terrorists needs collective action and cooperation by all sides and that political progress in Baghdad has the potential to offer an opportunity for peace and stability in the country.