We strongly condemn the terrorist attack, occured today in the Turkish capital, Ankara, which targeted a gathering held by several organizations, killing and injuring a large number of civilians who were preparing for a peaceful rally.

We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, the government and people of the Republic of Turkey, and wish prompt recovery for the injured.

While the rise in terrorist attacks indicates the development of terrorist activities to comprise larger areas in the region, it is also the evidence that the regional countries and the international community in general need to work together and increase their cooperation to fight terrorism and eradicate it.

We hope that the perpetrators of this terrorist attack will be captured and brought to justice. 

We also hope that this crime will not lead to tensions and problems to affect the democratic process and the forthcoming general elections in Turkey.

Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers
10 October 2015

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani issued the following statement on the recent events and protests in Kurdistan:

Following the events of recent days and the tensions in the town of Qaladize, I have asked KRG security and administrative authorities and political parties to prevent further escalation of the situation. I have also called on all relevant authorities to show restraint and do everything they can to calm the situation. All those responsible must face justice. 

In the time when the Kurdistan Region goes through a difficult situation, leads a fierce war against the most barbaric enemy of humanity, and faces severe crisis and challenges, the public demonstrations have, unfortunately, turned into violence in some places, that caused civilian casualties.

We express our sadness and deep concern for the violence that occurred that led to casualties. We ask all protestors, people, and political parties to deal calmly, and in a civilised manner, with the situation.

We call upon all the sides to work to control the situation and not further complicate it.

Police, security forces, and all relevant bodies are requested to exert all their efforts to maintain security and protect the safety of the people and governmental and political parties' properties and institutions.

We ask the media outlets to deal responsibly with the situation and be a factor of stability.

Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers

9 October 2015

Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (Krp.org)- President Masoud Barzani received a United States delegation headed by ambassador Stuart Jones. During the meeting President Barzani and ambassador Jones discussed the latest military developments in the war on the terrorists of the Islamic State in Kurdistan, the rest of Iraq and beyond. Ambassador Jones expressed his appreciation for the well coordinated cooperation between the coalition and the Peshmerga forces.

President Barzani and ambassador Jones spoke of the importance of focusing on widening and strengthening the coalition so that there is speedier riddance of the terrorists of the Islamic State.