President Nechirvan Barzani meets with US Ambassador to Iraq
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 11, 2023
President Nechirvan Barzani received US Ambassador to Iraq, Ms. Alina Romanowski and her accompanying delegation.
The US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the efforts to resolve the outstanding problems between Erbil and Baghdad- especially the issues of budget and salaries of the Kurdistan Region employees and the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region were highlighted during their meeting.
Both sides stressed the importance of a constructive dialogue between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to reach a common understanding aimed at resolving their differences in a way that ensures the constitutional rights of all sides, and maintains peace and political stability in the country.
President Nechirvan Barzani stressed the importance of implementing the federal system in Iraq as enshrined in the constitution, and pointed out that the Kurdistan Region must be treated as a federal region, and that the continuing disagreements between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government do not serve the interests of the country.
Both sides agreed on the importance of resolving the issues and providing the financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region in accordance with the laws and agreements. They also stressed the solidarity and unity among the political parties in the Kurdistan Region, especially between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
The opportunities for foreign and domestic investments, strengthening the private sector in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the situation of the Yezidis and the importance of implementing the agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq on the status of Sinjar, were also highlighted at the meeting.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/kurdistan-regional-government-president-barzani-meets-with-us-ambassador-to-kurdistan/
President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Iranian Ambassador to Iraq
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 11, 2023
President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Mohammad Kazem Al Sadegh, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Iraq, and his accompanying delegation.
During their meeting, discussions were held on the development of Iranian relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the security agreement between Iraq and Iran, as well as Erbil-Baghdad relations and efforts to resolve their differences.
In his speech, the President noted the significance of maintaining good relations with Iran, an important neighbor of the Kurdistan Region. Furthermore, the President assured that they will not allow any security threat from the Kurdistan Region to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Ambassador Al Sadegh highlighted the importance of Iranian relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and thanked the President of the Kurdistan Region for his assistance in providing transportation for Iranian pilgrims during Ashura and Arba’in commemoration.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-iranian-ambassador-to-iraq/
PM Masrour Barzani welcomes Canadian Parliamentary Friends of the Kurds group
Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received the Canadian Parliamentary Friends of the Kurds group led by MP Tom Kmiec in Erbil today. The delegation presented a brief about their work and activities with the aim to support the Kurdish cause and develop relations between Canada and the Kurdistan Region. The delegation commended the culture of peaceful coexistence, religious freedom and freedom of expression in the Kurdistan Region.
Prime Minister Barzani thanked Canada's assistance and support to the Kurdistan Region, especially in the fight against ISIS. They also discussed developments with the federal government and stressed that the Kurdistan Region has fulfilled all its obligations within the framework of the Constitution. Prime Minister Barzani expressed regret that the rights of the people of Kurdistan is still being violated and the agreement between the parties forming the government and the Federal Government Agenda that was approved by a majority in the Iraqi parliament is not respected.
Prime Minister Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistani people will not give up their legitimate and constitutional rights and will not submit to any pressure and threats from those who want to return Iraq to an era of dictatorship and oppression.
https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/september/pm-masrour-barzani-welcomes-canadian-parliamentary-friends-of-the-kurds-group/
President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Al-Sudani discuss the situation in Kirkuk
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 2, 2023
President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, discussed the latest developments in the security situation in Kirkuk.
Both sides stressed the need to take immediate measures to maintain peace and stability in Kirkuk and prevent any attempt to disrupt the coexistence and security of the city and the safety of its citizens.
The two leaders emphasized that the security forces in the city must maintain peace and stability in Kirkuk, and ensure the safety of all communities in the city. They also stressed that the security forces must prevent further chaos and tensions in the city, and find and prosecute the shooters who killed and injured protesters.
A statement from the President of the Kurdistan Region on the security situation in Kirkuk
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 2, 2023
The blockade of the Erbil-Kirkuk highway in the past six days was illegal. Unfortunately, this illegal act has not been addressed by the Kirkuk administration yet. Kirkuk needs the implementation of the law and the constitution, and does not need more illegal activities.
As the city administration did not address the roadblock, which has affected the lives of the residents of the city, Kurdish citizens in Kirkuk today protested against the blockade, but unfortunately they were responded with violence, as a result of which a young man lost his life and several others were injured.
While we look at the security tensions with great concern, and closely monitor the situation, we strongly condemn the shooting and the use of live ammunition against civilian demonstrators. Inciting chaos in Kirkuk poses a serious threat to coexistence, security and stability.
The relevant parties of the Federal Iraqi Government must take the necessary measures immediately as it is the duty of the security forces to protect the safety of all communities in Kirkuk without any discrimination, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
It is the responsibility of all parties to maintain peace and security, and not allow the security situation in Kirkuk and the province to deteriorate under any pretext. We call on everyone to exert maximum restraint; the roads should be opened and peace and normal life must be restored for all the citizens of Kirkuk.
Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region
September 2, 2023
KRG Prime Minister Meets New US Consul General in Erbil
On Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, welcomed Mr. Mark Stroh, the recently appointed US Consul General to Erbil.
In their meeting, Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Mr. Stroh on his new role and highlighted the Kurdistan Region's continued commitment to strengthening relations with the United States. He further acknowledged the enduring and close ties between the Kurdistan Region and the US.
Consul General Stroh reciprocated the sentiment, emphasising the US's commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering strong bilateral ties with the Kurdistan Region.
Central to their conversation was the imperative of upholding the Kurdistan Region's constitutional rights and addressing unresolved issues between Erbil and Baghdad under the federal constitution.
https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/august/krg-prime-minister-meets-new-us-consul-general-in-erbil/
KRG Prime Minister Hosts Türkiye's Foreign and Energy Ministers
On Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, welcomed Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.
During their discussion, they addressed the latest developments in Iraq and the region, and explored avenues to further bolster the bilateral relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Türkiye.
Prime Minister Barzani emphasised the significance of enhancing ties, particularly in facilitating trade and easing the movement of travellers between both regions.
A key topic of their discussion was the urgency of continuing the oil exports from the Kurdistan Region to Türkiye’s Ceyhan port. They also stressed the importance of resolving any issues causing delays, as prolonging such matters would be detrimental to all parties involved.
They further deliberated on the “Road of Development” initiative, a proposed railway network aiming to connect the Gulf States and Iraq to Türkiye and beyond. Prime Minister Barzani asserted that the project should proceed with the full coordination and approval of the Kurdistan Region, ensuring the benefits are extended to all Iraqi citizens, regardless of their diverse backgrounds.
Foreign Minister Fidan expressed his pleasure at visiting the Kurdistan Region and conveyed Türkiye’s desire to fortify its relationship with the region across various sectors.
Concluding their discussions, at a joint press conference, both Prime Minister Barzani and Minister Fidan highlighted the necessity of enhancing economic, trade, and security relations, safeguarding the stability of Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and the wider region.
https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/august/krg-prime-minister-hosts-tuerkiyes-foreign-and-energy-ministers/
KRG Prime Minister Meets German Bundestag Delegation
On Tuesday, August 24, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government met with Lamya Kaddor, a member of the German Bundestag. Klaus Streicher, Germany’s Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, also attended.
They discussed the peaceful coexistence of various ethnic and religious groups in the Kurdistan Region, emphasising cultural tolerance and countering extremism. Discussions also addressed concerns about refugees, internal displacements in the region, and the threat of the so-called Islamic State.
https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/august/krg-prime-minister-meets-german-bundestag-delegation/
President Nechirvan Barzani’s statement on the anniversary of the genocidal Anfal campaigns in Badinan
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 25, 2023
As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Anfal operations in Badinan, we remember and honor the innocent people who fell victim to these genocidal campaigns. In 1988, 182,000 innocent people across Kurdistan, including children, women, old and young, were systematically targeted and killed by the former Iraqi regime.
The crime of Anfal is recognized by the Iraqi High Criminal Court as genocide, crime against humanity and war crime. Therefore, we reiterate that the Iraqi government must compensate the families of the victims as soon as possible; more services must be provided to the families of the victims and every effort should be made to document the crime of Anfal and make it internationally recognized as genocide.
We thank and remember the courage of the people of Erbil, Bahrka and their surroundings who came to the aid of the victims of Badinan in the forced camp of Jezhnikan. Their kindness and humanity will never be forgotten.
The best way to honor the victims of the Anfal is to provide better services to the families of the victims, to strengthen our internal solidarity and unity, to prevent the repetition of crimes such as Anfal and to work for its further international recognition.
The bitter history of the Iraqi people must be a lesson and encourage us to work together towards mutual acceptance and ensuring the rights of all communities in the new Iraq, so that the tragedies of the past are not repeated and freedom and constitutional rights of all communities are protected.
Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region
President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 24, 2023
President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil Mr. Hakan Fidan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.
At the meeting, attended by the Vice Presidents of the Kurdistan Region, the two sides discussed Turkey’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, areas of mutual cooperation, Erbil-Baghdad relations and differences, and the ongoing negotiations between them. They also discussed the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
President Nechirvan Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region attaches great importance to its relations with Turkey, as the two sides share common economic and trade interests. The President expressed the Kurdistan Region’s keenness to expand Erbil-Ankara relations in all fields. He also thanked Turkey for its support to the Kurdistan Region in all areas, especially during the difficult periods, stating that the Kurdistan Region remembers Turkey’s support and assistance.
For his part, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed that Turkey attaches special importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Mr. Fidan praised the peace and stability of Erbil and the Kurdistan Region and expressed his country’s readiness to expand relations and cooperation between the two sides in all sectors. He also thanked President Nechirvan Bazrani for his role in promoting relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Turkey.
The two sides also exchanged views on the issue of exporting oil from the Kurdistan Region through the Turkish Ceyhan Port.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-turkeys-minister-of-foreign-affairs-2/
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