KRG briefs diplomats on security developments and humanitarian emergency
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (DFR.KRG.org) – The KRG Department of Foreign Relations and the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs today briefed diplomats and representatives of international organizations based in Erbil on the latest security, humanitarian and political developments.
The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, thanked the diplomats for their attendance and discussed the security threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the entire Middle East. Minister Mustafa said, “ISIS considers all who do not share their ideology as enemies. They are against the fundamental principles of humanity.”
He added, “We are dealing with a terrorist organization with members across the world, and it is a threat to all. Fighting ISIS is not only the responsibility of the Kurdistan Region. Terrorism is an international threat, and therefore the international community has a responsibility to support the KRG as it combats ISIS.”
The Minister asked diplomats to urge their countries to take action. “We have received expressions of appreciation and gratitude from the international community as we provide a safe haven for refugees and IDPs and combat a ruthless terrorist organization. It is now time for the international community to step forward, urgently, and provide the KRG with humanitarian assistance and military support, particularly air support.”
Jabar Yawar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, briefed diplomats about military developments on the ground. Highlighting the Peshmerga forces’ urgent need for military support, he said, “Prior to the withdrawal of the U.S forces and long before the fall of Mosul, 100,000 Iraqi soldiers, 20,000 American soldiers, and the Peshmerga forces were jointly protecting the line between the Kurdistan Region and the rest of Iraq, which is 1050 km. Unfortunately, the Peshmerga forces are now alone in protecting those areas with their limited military weaponry.”
Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis on Mount Sinjar, Minister Mustafa called upon the international community to provide urgent support, including humanitarian aid and air transportation, for the thousands of families stranded on the mountain.
The Minister addressed the tension between Erbil and Baghdad, stating that “the federal government has not sent the Kurdistan Region any share of the federal revenue, in violation of the Iraqi Constitution. Meanwhile, the political process in Iraq remains at an impasse.”
Egyptian Consul Soliman Osman, Dean of the consular corps, expressed his gratitude for the briefing on behalf of the diplomats. During the meeting, several diplomats and representatives exchanged thoughts on the recent developments.
The meeting was attended by diplomats from Egypt, France, the Russian Federation, Jordan, Palestine, the United States of America, Turkey, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Iran, Italy, Romania, France, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, the United Nations, and the EU’s Humanitarian Aid Organisation, ECHO.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the KRG Department of Foreign Relations.
Prime Minister Barzani and Italian Consul discuss Iraq and internally displaced people
Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Italian Consul Carmelo Ficarra on Saturday discussed the bilateral relationship between Italy and the KRG as well as recent developments in Iraq.
Both sides pointed to the importance and mutual benefit of the growing bilateral relations between Italy and the Kurdistan Region. The Consul explained that his office plays a key role in serving as a channel for communication and information sharing with his government and Italian firms, regularly providing insight to business representatives and delegations visiting the Kurdistan Region.
He also noted that the Italian government is aware of the security and stability in Kurdistan and that the Region is investor-friendly. Italian companies have dramatically increased their trading activity in Kurdistan in recent years, and more than 100 Italian companies are expected to participate in this year’s Erbil International Fair.
During the meeting the recent developments in Iraq, particularly the security challenges and terror threat caused by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), were discussed. Prime Minister Barzani pointed to the fundamental difference in Iraq’s political and security landscape after the fall of Mosul, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian support for Iraq’s internally displaced people (IDPs). He noted that, regrettably, the Iraqi Government has not taken responsibility for the well being of the displaced nor has it provided assistance for Syrian refugees. The Iraqi Government has also cut the Kurdistan Region’s entire budget, making it extremely difficult for the KRG to cope with the humanitarian crisis.
Consul Ficarra asserted that his country would do its utmost to better understand the situation. He said that Italy will continue, as before, to work with the relevant KRG institutions to assist refugees and the internally displaced, explaining that seven Italian NGOs are currently operating in the field. Prime Minister Barzani appreciated this effort, noting that the international community must come forward to assist refugees and IDPs. The Prime Minister added that the KRG has provided equal protection and assistance to all IDPs, regardless of ethnicity or creed, with the majority of displaced people coming from Mosul and the diverse Ninewa Plains area
World should help 'generous' Kurdistan: UN refugee chief
AL-KHAZAR CAMP, July 17, 2014 (AFP) - The head of the UN's refugee agency praised Iraq's autonomous region of Kurdistan for welcoming hundreds of thousands of displaced people and urged the world to offer it "massive" support.
Antonio Guterres told reporters during a visit to the Al-Khazar camp for displaced Iraqis that he was "humbled by the generosity and the solidarity of the government and of the people of Kurdistan in this very difficult moment."
People forced from their homes in Iraq's Nineveh governorate since a jihadist-led offensive that started on June 9 have fled en masse to neighbouring Kurdistan, which has remained largely stable.
Guterres stressed that the autonomous region had already borne a heavy burden with an earlier influx of refugees from war-torn Syria and he added that the strain was made worse by the fact that the government in Baghdad had stopped sending Arbil its share of federal oil revenue.
"And even without those resources, the government and people of Kurdistan have been receiving all these people and sharing with them everything they have," he said.
Kurdistan and the Shiite-dominated federal government have been locked in an escalating war of words in recent weeks.
Arbil blames Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki for the security collapse that saw extremist Sunni militants seize large swathes of land in western and northern Iraq.
Maliki has in turn accused the Kurdish leadership of taking advantage of the chaos to expand the borders of its envisioned independent state by moving into disputed territories, and of illegally exporting Iraqi oil.
Guterres, who met Iraqi leaders in Baghdad on Wednesday, urged the international community "to provide massive support for the Iraqis displaced, for the Iraqi victims of this conflict, but also to provide massive support to the government and the people in Kurdistan."
He said that the population of internally displaced people in Iraq now topped two million.
Prime Minister Barzani calls for urgent assistance to displaced Christians
Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) – KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani has issued a statement regarding the mass exodus of Christian families from the city of Mosul.
He has called upon the people of Kurdistan to help these families, as well as urging the international community to provide emergency aid and relief to the people who were forced to flee the city of Mosul due to intimidation and threats issued by the armed terrorist groups. The terrorists placed deplorable threats throughout the city of Mosul, ordering Christian families to leave the city by noon today.
The Prime Minister’s statement:
Following the seizure of the city of Mosul by armed terrorist groups, the Christians of Mosul have been subjected to continuous threats. Tragically, over the past few days, Christians have been threatened with mass murder and have been forced to leave the city of Mosul in a mass exodus. They have come towards Erbil and Duhok without being allowed to take any of their belongings or necessities.
In the face of this humanitarian catastrophe, the Kurdistan Regional Government is intensifying its efforts and its capacity to assist the displaced. At the same time we call upon the people of the Kurdistan Region in general, and the generous people of Erbil and Duhok in particular, to provide all that they can in terms of aid and assistance to the displaced Christian families.
The Kurdish people enjoy good relations with their Christian brothers and sisters as well as all other ethnic and religious groups, and we are proud to protect the diversity that exists in Kurdistan. This diversity and culture of tolerance have been effective over the past few years in our society. The people of Kurdistan now must also provide assistance to the Christian families that have been forced to flee their homes and abandon their property and belongings.
The Kurdistan Regional Government, in full coordination with the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR), has assisted hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced people who have found refuge in the Kurdistan Region. However, the number of refugees and displaced people is increasing each day. The Iraqi Government, which has cut the Kurdistan Region’s share of the national budget, has at the same time refused to bear any responsibility for the internally displaced people who are now sheltered in the Kurdistan Region.
Due to these circumstances and the dire economic situation that the Iraqi Government has caused in the Kurdistan Region, we call upon countries, charitable organisations, and the international community in general to provide refugees and internally displaced people in the Kurdistan Region with relief. We call for support and assistance to the Kurdistan Regional Government in order to better provide relief to the affected families.
Nechirvan Barzani
Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government
19 July 2014
Statement from President Masoud Barzani
In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate,
Proud people of Kurdistan,
The people of Kurdistan are accustomed, in their culture, to respect and abide by religious pluralism and coexistence. They have not intimidated anyone and throughout history they have always been in a defensive position. However, the enemies never stand still and they aim, whenever possible, to harm our people in every way they can.
Following the events of Mosul, Kurdistan has only defended itself. However, the terrorists started to provoke and attack Kurdistan, resulting in the recent distressing incidents. Therefore, we decided to go beyond the defensive position and fight the terrorists to the last breath. We have ordered the Peshmerga forces to attack the terrorists and the enemies of the people and the land of Kurdistan with all their power.
The recent developments in the areas of Zumar and Sinjar and the tragedy that faced our Yezidi brothers and sisters are heartbreaking. We reassure the people of Kurdistan that we will not relinquish an inch of the territory of Kurdistan and that we will defend Sinjar and our Yezidi brothers and sisters dearly, and that Sinjar Mountain will continue to stand tall. This beloved and indigenous part of our nation will remain proud and it is our duty to protect it.
Terrorism is a global issue and it requires an international response and effort to combat it. For years, Kurdistan has been the victim of terror and terrorists. It is unfortunate that we have been alone and that no one has helped the people of Kurdistan to defend against terror. Yet, in fighting terror we have always relied on the support of our people, the Peshmerga, and security forces. We have always adhered to the principles of freedom and the genuine culture of coexistence and tolerance in Kurdistan, and this is our point of strength when it comes to attaining victory against our enemies and terrorists.
Today, our valiant forces have started offensive attacks against the terrorists and they are marching forward. I urge the people of Kurdistan, the political parties and the Kurdish media to treat the situation with utmost responsibility and to preserve national unity more than ever. I reassure our courageous Peshmerga that the people of Kurdistan will support them using all means at their disposal, and that they are looking up to your courage, bravery and sacrifices.
Finally, I thank the people of Kurdistan for demonstrating resilience – the courageous Peshmerga forces, the voluntary forces, and the proud families of the martyrs. And rest assured that a bright future awaits the people of Kurdistan.
Long live Kurdistan
Glory and immortality to the martyrs of freedom
Masoud Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region
4 August 2014
President Barzani visits President Jalal Talabani
Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (KRP.org / KRG.org) – Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani yesterday visited President Jalal Talabani at his residence in Sulaimaniya. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.
President Barzani expressed his joy for President Talabani's return and wished him a prompt recovery.
Earlier, Prime Minister Barzani issued a statement congratulating the people of Kurdistan on the occasion of the return of President Talabani. He described the political role President Talabani has played in Kurdistan and Iraq as historic.
The Prime Minister said, "Along with President Masoud Barzani, he played an important role in securing the democratic experience for the people of Kurdistan, ensuring political pluralism and the establishment of parliamentary life in Kurdistan. His absence in Kurdistan and Iraq, due to his illness, has been keenly felt in the political life and governance of Iraq.”
He added, "On behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government and in my name, I warmly welcome him back, and I congratulate all the people of Kurdistan and wish him a prompt recovery and longevity. We are confident that his return will bring good and joy to the people of Kurdistan."
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani returned to the Kurdistan Region last Saturday after having received medical treatment in Germany following a stroke he suffered in late 2012.
President Barzani Pays Visit to President Jalal Talabani
Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (krp.org)- President Masoud Barzani visited President Jalal Talabani at his house in Sulaimaniya today. Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani returned to the Kurdistan Region last Saturday from medical treatment in Germany following a stroke a year and a half ago.
During the meeting President Barzani expressed his joy for President Talabani's return and wished for a speedy recovery.
President Barzani Receives Patriarch Louis Sako
Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (krp.org)- President Masoud Barzani received Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako, the Chaldean Patriarch of Babylon at his office in Salahadin today. Patriarch Sako was a accompanied by a delegation of clergymen from the Nineveh plains and other parts of Iraq.
President Barzani warmly welcomed the delegation and reiterated his support for the Christian community of Mosul who have recently been subjected to a number of acts of violence in the hands of the ISIS terrorists. The President stated that the Kurdistan Region will continue to support the fleeing Christians and will utterly condemned the ISIS acts of terrorism against the Christians of the Nineveh plains. President Barzani said that "we will all either die together or we will live together with dignity," adding that the terrorist are a common enemy.
Patriarch Sako and the accompanying delegation expressed their gratitude to President Barzani and to the Kurdistan Region's stance of support, praying to an end of the current crisis in Mosul.
President Barzani Meets UN Secretary-General in Erbil
Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (krp,org)- President Masoud Barzani received a United Nations delegation today in Erbil headed by the Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon. The delegation consisted of several UN officials who were accompanying the Secretary-General in their visit to the Kurdistan Region following the latest political and security issues in Iraq, which have led to the fleeing of tens of thousands of Iraq Arabs to the Kurdistan Region. Mr. Ban Ki-moon took the opportunity to thank President Barzani and the Kurdistan Regional Government for their role in providing security for the displaced Iraqis who have found in the Kurdistan Region a secure refuge in the recent weeks. Mr. Ban Ki-moon added that the Kurdistan Region's response to the current crisis in Iraq is especially appreciated given the fact that there already were large numbers of Syrian refugees in Kurdistan.
President Barzani repeated his stance of Kurdistan Region's readiness to continue and provide aid to the families fleeing from the chaos of the rest of Iraq, adding that he hopes for a better and more peaceful future for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
President Barzani and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon concluded their meeting in Erbil with a press conference where the two expressed their views on the current situation in Iraq to local, national and international journalists.
Statement: meeting between KRG and Peshmerga General Command
Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) – Based on the instruction of Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region and Commander-in-Chief of Kurdistan’s Peshmerga forces, a joint meeting between the military and the government was held in Erbil today, 14 June 2014.
The meeting was held under the supervision of Kosrat Rasul, Kurdistan Region Vice President and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Kurdistan’s Peshmerga forces, and KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. A number of commanders and senior officials participated in the meeting.
The withdrawal of the Iraqi Army from several Iraqi governorates was discussed in detail, as well as the role of the Peshmerga forces filling the vacuum caused by this withdrawal. This decision was taken because of a sense of national responsibility to protect peace, stability, and the people living in these areas, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, Sunnis, and Shia. This is an expression of the loyalty and the commitment of the Peshmerga forces to protect the stability of the country and the lives and well being of its people. Peshmerga forces will act according to their full sense of national responsibility.
Participants in the meeting reassured the people living in areas under Peshmerga control that the stability of these areas and the lives and well being of residents will be protected in every way possible, adding that they have nothing to fear because the Peshmerga will loyally protect them.
Participants in the meeting expressed their sorrow and disappointment regarding the circumstances that Iraq faces today. At the same time, this unfortunate situation has proved that the approach of the leadership of the Kurdistan Region has been true to the people and the leaders of Iraq – that Iraq can only be governed through commitment to the Constitution and the principle of consensus through which all groups of Iraq feel that they are part of the country’s decision-making. Kurdistan’s political leadership has on many occasions warned about the possibility of the emergence of this type of situation. Unfortunately, some did not feel this was a threat.
In the meeting it was agreed that the Peshmerga would hold defensive positions, and have never taken any offensive measures and do not want any complications to be created on the front lines. It was also emphasized that the solution for the ongoing situation can only be reached by genuine political settlement, not through military means and not without consensus. This is why it was reiterated that stability and progress would only return to Iraq through the establishment of consensus among Shia, Sunni, Kurds, and other components of Iraqi society.
Participants also pointed out that since Kurds have been victims of terrorism themselves, they are committed to international obligations to establish stability and contribute actively to the promotion of international peace and security.
In order to supervise and work hard in a coordinated manner during these circumstances, the meeting decided the following.
First: The establishment of a high level security and military operations room in the Kurdistan Region to oversee all security and military activities, in line with the Kurdistan Region’s laws, together with Kurdistan Regional Government institutions; and the creation of temporary rooms in the various areas where they should all work together with a common stance, comprised of all components of the society of Kurdistan.
Second: That only Lieutenant General Jabbar Yawar, the Spokesperson of the Region’s armed forces, is authorised to give official statements regarding the military operations and activities of the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga forces.
The meeting also highlighted the following two requests.
First: Members of the families that have fled violence in Mosul and other cities and entered the Kurdistan Region are our brothers and sisters. We have provided whatever assistance possible to help them and we will continue supporting them. We also extend our call to the generous people of the Kurdistan Region to provide assistance and support to these families, in line with the Region’s security and administrative guidelines.
Second: We urge the international community to take all necessary measures to provide aid and assistance to those displaced people who have left their homes and belongings behind and entered the Kurdistan Region, and to partner with the Kurdistan Regional Government in supporting these families.
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