Prime Minister Barzani meets UN humanitarian chief

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani today met with Ms Valerie Amos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordination, to discuss the needs of refugees and internally displaced people seeking refuge in the Kurdistan Region.

The Under-Secretary-General and her accompanying delegation presented a summary of views and feedback regarding the humanitarian situation and the most important issues following their visit to camps for Iraq’s internally displaced people and Syrian refugees. Ms Amos conveyed the commendation of the United Nations and the international community for the efforts of the KRG in accommodating the displaced and providing for their needs despite limited capacity and the massive influx of people.

The delegation discussed a number of issues in the camps, including educational and health needs and fears that the number of displaced people and refugees could increase. Under-Secretary-General Amos reiterated her call for more assistance to be provided to the KRG from the international community, donor countries, and Iraq’s Federal Government to better meet the needs of the displaced.

Prime Minister Barzani noted that the KRG had opened its doors to displaced families and refugees from the beginning of this crisis, despite limited capacity, and have thus far managed to provide for their basic needs with help from the international community. The Prime Minister explained that the current situation and the needs of the displaced are well beyond his government’s capacity, particularly because the Region faces an economic crisis. This crisis has been caused by the Iraqi Government’s decision to withhold the KRG’s share of the federal budget for many months. The Prime Minister called upon the United Nations, the international community, and the Iraqi Government to fulfill their humanitarian responsibilities in assisting displaced families.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kurdistan Regional Government requests humanitarian assistance from the international community

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – The Kurdistan Regional Government urges the participants of tomorrow’s international conference held in Paris, which focuses on Iraq’s security, the incidents in Sinjar, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians, to seriously address the situation of the displaced and assist in providing aid to the great number of internally displaced Iraqis, in addition to discussing political and military matters.

The KRG calls upon Arab states to fulfill their humanitarian duties in aiding the displaced, the majority of whom are Yezidi Kurds, Christians, and Sunni Arabs from the Ninevah plains.

The KRG calls upon the international community to come forward and help the KRG in providing necessary aid to the displaced people that fled the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) terrorist attacks on Sinjar and the Ninevah plains and are taking refuge in the Kurdistan Region in general and Duhok province in particular. This is especially important because the winter season will soon begin.

The KRG plea for action comes from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, composed of ministers and other officials, after discussion regarding the humanitarian situation of the displaced people from Sinjar and the Ninevah plains in order to follow-up their needs and resolve related issues. Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani chaired the meeting.

A field report regarding the humanitarian situation of the displaced was presented during the meeting. It focused on educational issues and the schools in the Duhok province currently sheltering the displaced families. In the meeting, it was decided to begin building camps in order to vacate the schools so that the academic year could begin. It was also decided that the Duhok Governor's office and related provincial institutions should be supported to enable them to overcome shortcomings. A similar meeting will soon take place in Duhok to carefully analyse the situation with related officials and institutions and to consider their views.

In the meeting it was also decided that relevant KRG institutions should fully coordinate and follow-up with international organisations. In addition, a KRG delegation will visit Baghdad and meet with federal authorities about the situation of displaced people, because the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding is beyond the capacity of the Kurdistan Region. The Iraqi Government should therefore fulfill its legal and constitutional duty.

Finally the KRG extended its commendation and gratitude to the people of Kurdistan, and especially the people of the Duhok governorate, for all the aid and support they have been providing to the displaced from the earliest days of the crisis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime Minister Barzani visits front lines

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani today visited Peshmerga forces on the front lines at Khazer and Zertek with Dr Rosch Shaways, Commander of the Khazer front.

The Prime Minister listened to detailed accounts of developments on the ground and the situation in the area in general. He took stock of the needs of the Peshmerga forces on the front lines.

In a speech to Peshmerga forces, he hailed the role of the Peshmerga in protecting the people of Kurdistan for many years, sacrificing their blood and lives to attain freedom and victory for their land and country. He stated that today, the Peshmerga forces are once again courageously defending the land and the freedom of the people of Kurdistan in the entire region and on all fronts.

Prime Minister Barzani added that Peshmerga forces symbolise resilience and resistance to invasion and persecution – a symbol of pride for the people of Kurdistan who have always valued the efforts of their Peshmerga forces. Today, Peshmerga forces are recording legendary and historic triumphs and moments of great pride from Sinjar to Gwer and Makhmour, in Jalawla and Saadiyah and Hamaran, he said. They are writing a chapter in the history of the people of Kurdistan, something of which current and future generations will be proud.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Peshmerga forces’ resilience and willingness to volunteer for service on the front lines have been essential in removing terrorists from Kurdistan. He reiterated that the Peshmerga forces’ drive to advance forward and repel the terrorists has inspired confidence and resilience in the people of Kurdistan, adding that reports around the world now highlight the sacred name of the Peshmerga as courageous, a symbol of freedom, and the protectors of Kurdistan’s diverse communities. The forces are internationally recognised as protecting the values of human rights and dignity, a source of pride for every individual in Kurdistan.

Prime Minister Barzani concluded by wishing everlasting success to every member of the Peshmerga forces, the officers, and the commanders.

Statement by Deputy Prime Minister Talabani marking the anniversary of the September 11th attacks

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Today marks the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. These attacks targeted innocent civilians and shocked the world, and the world responded with widespread condemnation and action. The United States reacted by showing its might and the resolve of its proud nation.

The US-led international war against Al-Qaeda targeted terrorists wherever they were, ultimately resulting in the capture and death of many of the organisation’s leaders, including Osama Bin Laden.

Today, a group with the same ideology that spawned Al-Qaeda, employing extreme and barbaric tactics, is targeting the people of Syria, Iraq and the entire region, as well as attempting to disrupt the peace and stability of Kurdistan. Whereas Al-Qaeda hid in caves and was based underground, members of the so-called Islamic State, which is neither Islamic nor a State, walk freely in cities inside Iraq and Syria, causing mayhem, terrorising people and threatening civilians and states alike.

On this occasion, I would like to praise President Barack Obama for the powerful speech he delivered yesterday in which he explicitly stated that with the help of its allies, the United States will destroy this terrorist group. The Kurdistan Region attaches great importance to its friendship and partnership with the United States. After the September 11th attacks and throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, the people and the government of the Kurdistan Region have stood firmly and proudly with our American allies. We extend the same hand of friendship today in this new campaign to eradicate a serious threat to regional and international security.

We have made clear our intention to work with the United States to bring about a democratic and federal Iraq as outlined by the Iraqi Constitution. At the same time, we reaffirm our commitment to the United States to combat the scourge of terrorism. Today we are proud to be fighting terrorism on the front lines, on behalf of the world, and we stand ready to continue this fight for the sake of peace and stability.

We once again express our condolences to the families of those killed in the heinous acts of September 11th, and to those who have lost their lives fighting for freedom and democracy – Iraqi, Kurdish, American, British, or of any other nationality. We pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their sons and daughters so that others may enjoy better, safer lives.

We reassure the American people that just as the United States has stood with us during our most difficult times, we will stand with you in the global fight against the culture of barbarism, ignorance, and intolerance that defines terrorism.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani
Kurdistan Regional Government
11 September 2014

 

 

 

 

Kurdistan Region's Presidency's Statement on the New U.S. Strategy towards ISIS‏

Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (krp.org)- A statement was released by the Kurdistan Region Presidency today regarding the new outlined strategy by the Obama administration vis-a-vis the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS. The statement commences by stating that the terror displayed by ISIS is not only a threat against Iraq and Syria but rather against the free world in its entirety.

The statement also states that the Kurdistan Region Presidency finds pride in the fact that the Peshmerga forces of the Kurdistan Region are in the forefront of the war against terrorism, a war which not only affects the people of the Kurdistan Region, but also the free world as a whole.

President Obama's new strategy of taking ISIS as a direct enemy and launching a campaign against the Islamic State, the statement says is welcomed and appreciated by the Kurdistan Region Presidency, and that such actions should be undertaken by other anti-terrorism forces in the free world. The new U.S. strategy will certainly work towards weakening the ISIS with the ultimate aim of eradication.

The Kurdistan Region has witnessed displacement of tens of thousands of Yezidi, Christian and Turkmen citizens in the recent months as a direct result of the terrorism of ISIS. The statement adds that the Kurdistan Region has allocated and shall continue to allocate its financial and other resources in its war against terrorism.

 

 

 

 

French President Hollande Visits Erbil, Meets President Barzani

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani welcomed French President François Hollande in Erbil on Friday.

After his arrival in Erbil, President Hollande and President Barzani visited a refugee camp in a district in Erbil, and later held a meeting. President Hollande, the first foreign head of state to visit Erbil, was accopamnbied by Foreign Minister Laurent Fabios and Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Following their meeting with President Barzani and KRG officials, the two Presidents held a joint press conference.

President Hollande said France would continue to provide humanitarian and military aid to Kurdistan in its fight against ISIS terrorists. He said that as the Kurdistan Region is at the forefront of the fight against ISIS terrorists, a delegation from Kurdistan is invited to attend an international conference, due in Paris next week, designed to coordinate international effort to confront threat posed by ISIS terrorists.

The French President also highly praised the role of the Peshmerga forces in this fight and pledged increased military aid to the Peshmerga forces. 

President Barzani described the visit to Kurdistan by President Hollande as historic and thanked the president and people of France for standing by the people of Kurdistan in their hour of need, saying that France was first EU country to come to the aid of Kurdistan in the fight against ISIS terrorists. He also added that thanks to the support by France and other countries, the Peshmrega forces are now taking the fight to ISIS and have the upper hand. President Barzani vowed that the Kurdistan Region would continue to fight until the ISIS terrorist group is uprooted and destroyed.


 

 

 

 

President Barzani Receives an Assyrian Church of the East Delegation

Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (krp.org)- President Barzani received a delegation from the Assyrian Church of the East today at his office in Salahadin. The delegation was headed by a special envoy from Mar Dinkha IV, the current Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East.

During the meeting the delegation expressed their support for the Kurdistan Region for its efforts against the terrorists of the ISIS. The delegation also conveyed a message of peace from Mar Dinkha IV and expressed, on his behalf the Church's appreciation for the Kurdistan Region's management of the current IDP crisis facing the Region.

President Barzani reiterated his stance of coexistence to the delegation and added that the Kurdistan Region is home to all religious minorities without exception. President Barzani also stated that the Kurdistan Region has been home to Muslims, Christians and Yezidis for centuries and that ISIS would not be able to alter that way of life.

 

 

 

 

Nazem Dabbagh the representative of KRG of Iraq in Tehran met Hajime Ueda the political counselor of Japan Embassy in Iran. Hajime Ueda visited the office of Kurdistan region in Tehran on Monday, July 7, 2014 and was welcomed by Nazem Dabbagh the representative of KRG in Tehran.

Hajime Ueda visited the office of Kurdistan region of Iraq in Tehran in order to begin his job as new counselor of Japan Embassy in Tehran and to get to know more and to introduce himself; and along with Nazem Dabbagh concerning in between relations of both sides as well as present position and future situation of Iraq exchanged ideas.

Political counselor of Japan Embassy in Tehran in this meeting appreciated Masoud Barzani efforts and Kurdistan region government, as deputy-foreign minister of Japan travelled to this country, for his collaborations to help refugees of Syria and to cooperate with them.

In this visit the representative of KRG of Iraq in Tehran insisting on good collaborations with Kurdistan region with Syrian refugees announced a large number of refugees of central towns of Iraq sought asylum Kurdistan region meanwhile.

Nazem Dabbagh to dissolve the current problem of Iraq and to have good prospects for this country emphasized this point that the future government of Iraq has gotten to include all groups, parties, tribes and religions of the countries.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following Mohammad javad Zarif’s travel to Kurdistan region of Iraq Diplomacy Irani had an interview with Dr. Mohammad Seddiq Ahmad the deputy-representative of KRG of Iraq in Iran of which main points as followed:

 

Mohammad Seddiq Ahmad believes both sides have special place in their own foreign policy for each other and the foreign minister’s travel to the region at this time denotes Iran’s nation’s support from Iraq’s and Kurdistan’s people. KRG of Iraq has turn out to be the most important confrontation center with ISIS and Pishmerga forces more than any other groups have fought them. Thus to support Kurdistan’s people and military forces against this increasingly international threat is so much important to the neighboring country and I.R. of Iran as a regional power was the first country which in this direction gave precious help to KR.

 

About the outcomes of this travel he said I as an international researcher believe that despite of this suppress Kurds are a fact in the region. Nowadays Kurds concern is no longer an interior matter of Iraq but a regional and international. Iran is known as the origin of foreign Kurds. In spite of respecting the national benefits and the principle of foreign policy of Iran I have to say that Iran has not taken any advantages of this in spite of all these powers and effective equipment.  

 

Thus Dr. Zarif’s travel to Iraq at this time represents the relation of both sides as sturdy and inseparable. Definitely Kurds know Iran as their motherland wherever they are and appreciate the relation to be developed. Dr. Ahmad believes that KRG sees Shia as a strategic ally, nevertheless the occurred differences are between the Region and Iraq governments but the Shia. In the direction of solving these problems, I.R. of Iran regarding having ties with both sides can play a prominent role to converge them. Thus the important point about this is concerning establishing balance on the relations with Shia, Kurds and Sunni of Iraq in foreign policy of Tehran in Iraq.

 

In a response to last question, Dr. Ahmad believes that the matter of Kurdistan independency from Iraq is in the field of the right of self-determination. The policies of KRG also are according to keep peace and stability in the KRG and region. Our collaboration with Tehran is not limited to a period of time. So the short-time crises cannot create basic changes in our policy.            

 

 

 

 

 

Nazem Dabbagh the representative of KRG of Iraq in Iran in an interview with Nasim Bidary Monthly, concerning current situation in Iraq, resulting from the attack and occupation of Mosul made by ISIS, gave some speeches of which main phrases as followed:

 

In a response to the first question he answered that one of our concerns with Mr. Maliki dates back to his employing security and intelligence forces of Ba’ath in the body of the Army of Iraq and its security constructions. He said that KRG authorities along with some Shia political personifications about this warned Mr. Maliki many times, but he underestimated our warning.

 

Dabbagh continued to introduce ISIS and considered it derived from Ba’ath. Since just the same as Ba’ath he would follow to unify Iraq and Syria. Dabbagh added that 13 terrorist groups came to an agreement to occupy Mosul. He said the former officers of Ba’ath regime were employed in military and information positions who separated from the Army and joined ISIS.

 

Also Dabbagh stated that witnesses denote that ISIS forces were only 3000 when they attacked to Mosul. But the sleeping kernels including those 13 groups join ISIS. Thus Mosul with two millions only within six hours was under ISIS’s control. In a response to a question Dabbagh mentioned the three main political groups of Iraq including Kurds, Sunni and Shia and recited the interior grouping concisely. Furthermore he said that before ISIS attacking to Mosul nobody said he was a Kurd, Shia or Sunni. Presently such phrases no longer are made. He frankly said now Iraq has divided into three federals.

 

Additionally he said that after ISIS attacking to Mosul Pishmerga forces approached the regions in dispute between Iraq and KR, they did this to prevent this region from being occupied by ISIS and took the control of the posts. Another concern between the central government and KR is Kirkuk. In his view Kirkuk itself matters so much to Kurds but its oil. To prove that whether this area is a part of Kurds or not, the maps and historical documents should be referred.

 

About the Army fall against ISIS he added that in spite of Maliki’s spending $27 billion for the Army it did not put up any resistances against ISIS forces just having Kalashnikov and R.P.G. the reason was that the people was dissatisfied with the government and the authority did not believe in the central government.

He said presently ISIS has taken the control of three million people in a wide area that is larger KR and central government country. To control the people and the regions increasing day by day ISIS needs a budget. Thus the attempt to Kirkuk having oil and Biji having refinery is possible.

 

Dabbagh said adopting non-democratic policy from Maliki caused Sunni and Kurdish political groups were not such encouraged to collaborate with the government. Their cooperation with the government is just accordance with the benefits based on the number of seats of the parliament. In a such situation it is possible for Sunni and Shia to fight. In this fighting we will just preserve our region and will not support neither sides.

 

He continued to say the cases in dispute with Baghdad such as the regions under quarrel and oil in special in Kirkuk and added that Maliki’s second government was basically founded in Erbil, but then after being formed of the government they neglected all agreements and he know the reason as Baghdad concern for the Region’s getting power through oil sources.

 

Concerning Ms. Clinton’s charge of Iraq government’s being affected by Iran he said presently both the USA and Iran support Iraq government, nevertheless the concern of Iraq now is Mr. Maliki’s being unsuccessful in the post of Prime Ministry of Iraq. Dabbagh turned down the loss of a national personification and said Mr. Talibani is national one for all Iraqis. Additionally the president of KRG cannot act as the chairman of the parliament or as the president of the government.

 

The past indicates that Mr. Talibani’s policies were convergent with the policy of unity maintenance. He said now Iraq needs a Gandhi. He added that after eight years of having the reign it is better Mr. Maliki give this up and somebody else from the same party substitutes for him. At last Mr. Dabbagh said presently in Iraq there are national personifications, the politicians who have fought during history, they can be employed provided that they want Iraq to be preserved.        

 

 

 

 

 

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