Erbil, Kurdistan Region, January 13, 2021

President Nechirvan Barzani received General Shihab Jahid Zangana and congratulated him on his promotion to Commander of the Iraq Air Force and wished him success.

President Barzani reaffirmed the importance of the Iraqi military as a national force confronting terrorism to defend and safeguard the country. He offered his congratulations to the Iraq Army on the 100th anniversary of its foundation.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today presided over a meeting of the Kurdistan Region’s Supreme Economic Council to discuss ongoing efforts to present a comprehensive 2021 budget bill, as well as reforms.

The Prime Minister noted that the government is putting forward every effort to restructure its revenue system, reduce public expenses, reorganise government staff, and eliminate redundancies in the government’s payroll system. This process aims to ensure fairness in the system and compensation for hardworking employees.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasised the government remains committed to increasing its productivity and competitive edge by removing systemic barriers in its bureaucracy, adding that the 2021 budget bill should strive to improve the conditions for doing business while understanding the Kurdistan Region’s unique challenges. He underlined that the draft budget should be realistic and transparent, taking into consideration revenue figures from oil sales and other sources of income. It should address government spending, prospective deficits, and the current financial conditions of the Kurdistan Region.

Minister of Finance and Economy, Awat Sheikh Janab, and Minister of Planning, Dara Rashid, each presented detailed reports on current financial conditions in the Kurdistan Region, as well as details of the budget draft for the fiscal year of 2021. Head of the Department of Coordination and Follow-Up, Abdul-Hakim Khasro, reported on steps taken to implement previous decisions from the Supreme Economic Council. The Council of Ministers will review the draft and submit it to parliament for debate in the near future.

The Prime Minister also reiterated that the Kurdistan Region, having fulfilled its own constitutional obligations toward Baghdad, will continue to hold a dialogue with the Federal Government which has a constitutional duty to live up to its financial commitments toward the Kurdistan Region in the 2021 federal budget bill.

The Cabinet will meet tomorrow to discuss, among other things, details of the budget draft and the financial impacts of the current political climate in Iraq.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nazim Dabbagh the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) representative in Tehran had an exclusive interview with TehranTimes, during which he shared his view on General Qassem Soleimani and his role in the fight against terrorism in Iraq.

TEHRAN – Describing Iran’s role in the fight against terrorism as “vital” and effective”, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) representative in Tehran says that Major General Qassem Soleimani helped the Iraqi Kurdistan by sending weapons and military advisers to defeat Daesh, also called Daesh in its Arabic acronym.

“Martyr Qassem Soleimani not only helped in the framework of consultation but also in the battlefield,” Nazim Dabbagh tells the Tehran Times. “We are thankful and appreciative for Iran’s advisory presence and its arms aid to eliminate the Daesh threat from Erbil.”

The following is the text of the interview:

Q: How do you assess the role of Iran and General Qassem Soleimani in supporting the Iraqi Kurdish Region to confront Daesh? Kurdish leaders say that Qassem Soleimani provided weapons for Arbil when Daesh invaded Iraq.

A: As you mentioned, in fact, the officials of the Iraqi Kurdistan, including Mr. Massoud Barzani, have emphasized that Iran's role in the fight against terrorism in Iraq has been vital and important.

Martyr Qassem Soleimani did not only help in the framework of consultation, but also in the battlefield. He helped the Iraqi Kurdistan in its combat against terrorism. We are thankful and appreciative for Iran’s advisory presence and its arms aid to eliminate the Daesh threat from Erbil.

Q: Given the geopolitical situation in West Asia and the looming threats in the region, how do you assess Iran's role in stabilizing and combating terrorism?

A: Iran has a special position due to its geopolitical situation in the region, especially in the war against terrorism including Daesh. Tehran played an important role.

Indeed, the Islamic Republic of Iran has historically played this role, both during the 8-year war imposed by Saddam Hussein and in the midst of the war against Daesh. Iran has played a constructive role that has brought security and stability to the region.

I have said many times that if it were not for Iran, after the fall of Mosul, Daesh could have captured Baghdad as well as the Kurdistan region, but fortunately, the Islamic Republic and other allies made every effort to be helpful and effective which are commendable.

Q:  Iran has been a victim of terrorism since the victory of the Islamic Revolution and has gained valuable experience in this regard. What are the significance and effect of efforts made by commanders such as Martyr Soleimani to contain the chaotic situation in the region?

A: Iran, especially after the victory of the Islamic Revolution and years of experience in fighting terrorism and confronting various enemies, could create a kind of solidarity and unity among people.

In one of Soleimani’s speeches, I heard him spoke about the role of martyrs and leadership in deterring enemies. In his view, the leadership plays a pivotal role in mobilizing the people to support the revolution and help it to continue and defeats its foes, because the people need leaders on the battlefield who are brave and wise, as Soleimani was. This experience made peoples of the region always ready to fight terrorism under the command of leaders such as Martyr Qassem Soleimani, and we have witnessed this fact.

Q: What characteristics did make General Soleimani popular in the region and make him attract people with different religions and views?

A: If we want to talk about the characteristics and personality of people like Qassem Soleimani, we must mention that he was a faithful person, honest, brave.

Until the day he was martyred, he believed in his cause and was proud of it. I remember one day some of his friends warned him about the U.S. attempts to assassinate him and called on him to be more careful. He laughed and said that we are made for martyrdom and we are waiting to see when we will be martyred. These characteristics were the reason for his popularity. He did not pursue personal interests or power, but rather fought for his goals and aspirations.

Q: Why did some Western states like the U.S put someone like Qassem Soleimani, who was fighting Daesh, on the list of terrorists?

A: Defining terrorism or attributing terrorism to a country or person, or accusing a country or person of supporting terrorism, is made based on the interests of countries. Western and European countries have one policy and Iran has another, but in general, I think the people are entitled to give a real definition.

When the people of Iran or Iraq are satisfied with their own governments, it makes the Western definition unreliable. It is the stance and approval of the people of a country that rejects or approves these definitions.

Q:  How do you describe Qassem Soleimani's relations with Kurdish leaders and Kurdish groups or organizations?

A: My acquaintance with martyr General Qassem Soleimani dates back to 1991 after the uprising of the people of Kurdistan. Certainly, his politico-military position led to good relations with the officials, leaders, and political groups of the Kurdistan region.

These relations were to such an extent that when martyr Soleimani was seen with one of the Kurdish leaders, especially Mr. Talabani and Mr. Barzani, we did not feel distant, but we felt a sense of friendship and honesty.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456510/KRG-rep-in-Tehran-says-Gen-Soleimani-helped-Kurdistan-to-fight