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Prime Minister Barzani praises Canada for actively supporting Kurdistan

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.

European Union expands scope of military and humanitarian engagement in Kurdistan

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.

Prime Minister Barzani welcomes the formation of Iraq’s new government

Statement by the Prime Minister

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Following the formation of the new Iraqi government, we congratulate the peoples of Iraq and Prime Minister Dr. Abadi and we wish him success.

We hope that the new Iraqi government will be a government for all, will bring all Iraqis together, and will improve the situation of the country in all aspects. We hope it will be a government capable of addressing outstanding issues, especially regarding the provision of security and safety and the elimination of terror, and will exert all efforts to bring forth prosperity and ensure the provision of services to the people of Iraq.

We hope that Iraq’s new government will learn from the mistakes of the previous cabinet and will take serious steps to resolve disputed issues between Erbil and Baghdad, so that such issues no longer weaken Iraq or contribute to the failure of its governments.

Once again, we wish Iraq’s new government success.

Nechirvan Barzani
Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government
September 9th, 2014

Prime Minister Barzani meets with Assyrian Church of the East delegation

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.

President Barzani Congratulates New Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi

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 Welcomes US Senator Carl Levin

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.

President Barzani Welcomes Canada's Foreign Minister Baird

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani met with the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in Salahaddin today.

The President and the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister discussed Canada’s humanitarian and military support for the KRG, the fight against the ISIS terrorists, and the political process in Baghdad.

Foreign Minister Baird praised the leadership of President Barzani and the role of the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga forces for standing up to ISIS terrorists and said that Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with the KRG in this fight. He added that his country would continue to support the KRG with humanitarian aid and military equipment. Mr. Baird also paid tribute to the peshmerga for their sacrifices in protecting and saving Yezidi, Christian, and other minorities and for offering a safe refuge for them. He said the world appreciates the KRG and its leadership for their generosity towards the IDPs and refuges.

President Barzani thanked Foreign Minister Baird for visiting Kurdistan, saying that the visit in itself is a strong message support and solidarity to our people. The President also thanked Canada and all other countries for their humanitarian and military support and for standing by the people and government of Kurdistan.

Both the President and the Canadian Foreign Minister agreed that the ISIS terrorists pose a threat to the whole world and confronting them needs cooperation and collective action by all sides.

They also discussed efforts to form an inclusive government in Baghdad. President Barzani said that the KRG would do its best to ensure a genuinely inclusive government is formed in Baghdad.

Former French Prime Minister visits Erbil and calls for further support to Kurdistan

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – François Fillon, former Prime Minister of France, visited the KRG Department of Foreign Relations yesterday to express solidarity with the people of Kurdistan and the Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

The former Prime Minister appreciated the role of the Peshmerga forces in fighting a terrorist organization that poses a serious threat to international peace and security.

Regarding French support for Kurdistan, Mr Fillon said, “France’s decision to support Kurdistan was the right decision but the support needs to be expanded and expedited, because the Islamic State is not only a regional but also an international threat as well. It is a threat against civilization.”

Minister Mustafa thanked Mr Fillon for his visit and expression of support at this important time. He said, “At critical stages in our recent history the people, government, and leadership of France have been supportive of Kurdistan. This was true in 1991 and it is true today, and we are very grateful for the military and humanitarian aid.” He added, “The KRG is determined to fight and defeat the terrorists, but continuous support from the international community is absolutely necessary.” The Minister indicated that the American decision to commence air strikes was a critical turning point in the fight against the militants, also lauding French leadership for responding immediately to the crisis and raising international awareness.

Former Prime Minister Fillon praised the KRG for providing a safe haven and humanitarian assistance to the hundreds of thousands of displaced members of religious minorities who have taken shelter in Kurdistan. The KRG has called upon the international community to urgently assist in providing for the basic needs of approximately 1.4 million Iraqi IDPs and Syrian refugees currently sheltered in Kurdistan.

Minister Mustafa emphasized the necessity of humanitarian and military assistance to support the IDPs and refugees in Kurdistan and also prevent terrorist militants from attacking more civilians. He asked for the support of France in launching an international humanitarian conference in Kurdistan to support the KRG in its efforts to provide for displaced people and refugees, and to advocate for international recognition of the terrorist attacks against the Yezidis, Christian, and other minority groups as acts of genocide. The Minister also welcomed the French initiative to arrange an international conference on Iraq and hoped that the conference would result in more humanitarian and military assistance for the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding minority communities, Minister Mustafa said, “The KRG is determined to protect all religious and ethnic minority groups. Our people and government are proud of Kurdistan’s reputation as a model of peaceful coexistence and tolerance in the Middle East.”

In the meeting, both sides highlighted the importance of an inclusive and democratic federal government in Baghdad as well as opportunities for French firms and investors in Kurdistan’s free market economy.

Several Members of the French Parliament, former French Ministers, and French Consul General Alain Guépratte attended the meeting, as did Deputy Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations Karwan Jamal.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani: ISIS cannot be allowed a foothold anywhere in Iraq

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and senior KRG officials yesterday met with a high-level British delegation in Erbil aimed at expediting humanitarian aid delivery and coordination.

The UK Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening, and the Minister for the Middle East, Tobias Ellwood, arrived in Erbil to accelerate provision of humanitarian support for displaced families sheltered in the Kurdistan Region.

Both sides discussed educational, health, and humanitarian challenges facing Iraqi internally displaced people (IDPs) and Syrian refugees now residing in the Kurdistan Region. The KRG, with help from the international community, is providing for the needs of these families. The British delegation noted a decision to increase humanitarian aid and coordinate directly with the KRG and non-governmental organisations in Kurdistan. The delegation also noted the importance of working closely with the relevant United Nations agencies.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani emphasised that the Kurdistan Regional Government, despite enormous financial difficulty, has managed to come to the rescue of displaced people and refugees who have sought shelter in the Kurdistan Region. He stressed that the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) terrorist organisation cannot be allowed a foothold anywhere in Iraq, calling for further coordination between the KRG and Baghdad in combating the terrorists and providing humanitarian aid for IDPs in Kurdistan, where Baghdad should take on a more active role.

Minister of Interior Karim Sinjari, Minister of Planning Dr Ali Sindi, Minister of Health Dr Rekawt Rashid, Head of Foreign Relations Minister Falah Mustafa, and KRG Representative to the UK Bayan Rahman also attended the meeting on behalf of the KRG.

Belgium to send 13 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Kurdistan

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, today welcomed the Ambassador of Belgium to Jordan, Mr. Thomas Baekelandt, upon his first visit to Kurdistan.

Ambassador Baekelandt said that Belgium is fully aware of the challenging humanitarian crisis facing internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees now sheltered in Kurdistan. He informed Minister Mustafa that Belgium is sending 13 tonnes of humanitarian aid to be distributed to IDPs and refugees in the Kurdistan Region.

The Ambassador noted that his country would continue to engage with Kurdistan, offering further support, after the formation of Belgium’s new government. He praised the role of the KRG and its Peshmerga forces in protecting civilians and members of religious minority groups from the terrorist militants.

Minister Mustafa thanked Ambassador Baekelandt for his visit to Kurdistan, expressing appreciation to the government and the people of Belgium for the provision of much-needed humanitarian assistance. He also pointed to the Peshmerga forces’ commitment to fight against the terrorists, a fight waged on behalf of the entire world in the name of tolerance, decency, and human rights for all civilians regardless of ethnicity or religion.

More...

President Barzani Meets Commander of US Central Command General Austin

President Barzani Welcomes UK Government Security Envoy to Kurdistan

Prime Minister Barzani discusses key issues with the press

President Barzani Welcomes Iran Foreign Minister Zarif

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