Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received a delegation of Christian patriarchs to discuss the situation in Kurdistan and Iraq and the plight of internally displaced people.

Christian delegation appreciates KRG protection for minorities

The delegation was led by Patriarch Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros al-Rahi, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and the East, and included several Catholic and Assyrian patriarchs, bishops, and Christian officials representing the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and global communities.

The delegation applauded the KRG for coming to the rescue of the Christians in Mosul and the Ninevah plains, as well as accommodation for Christians that have fled central and southern parts of the country and taken refuge in the Kurdistan Region. Members of the delegation noted that Christians recognised the safety and security in the Region and it has brought them hope.

Members of the delegation emphasised the importance of sharing details of the crimes perpetrated against the Christians and other minorities with the Vatican and with Washington, and sought international aerial protection for Christians, Yezidis, Shabak, Turkmen, and other minority communities in the area. This would be necessary to ensure their safety and allow them to return home. The delegation also praised the people and the government of Kurdistan for the aid and support that have been provided for the displaced.

Prime Minister Barzani underscores the need for international involvement

Prime Minister Barzani noted the importance of this visit, which demonstrates the solidarity of the Christian delegation with the various communities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. He said, “The KRG supports minorities and will spare no effort in protecting them. These communities have roots in this area stretching back millennia. However, the KRG cannot resolve the current situation alone, as this fight requires resources beyond our government’s capacity. We are fighting a terrorist state, not just a terrorist organisation.” In this regard, the Prime Minister agreed with the call for international aerial protection for Christians and other minority groups.

The Prime Minister added that even after the fall of the previous regime in 2003, Iraq’s federal government had not contributed whatsoever in providing arms or training to the Peshmerga forces. Iraq had not even sent small arms to use in the fight against the terrorists, who looted the most advanced weaponry from the Iraqi army. The Kurdistan Region’s military capabilities therefore had been quite limited and this had hindered the Peshmerga forces’ ability to combat a terrorist state with access to heavy and advanced weaponry.

Prime Minister Barzani stated that Peshmerga forces are now on the offensive and have retaken several areas, but that this war requires an international coalition. The KRG is therefore liaising with the international community and with Baghdad to defeat the terrorists. He also urged the delegation to discuss the crisis. He said, “Your voices are meaningful in promoting the establishment of an international coalition, and you can play an important role.”

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani:

“We are sad and shocked by the news of the killing of an innocent American photojournalist, Mr James Foley, by a terrorist from the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). This was a horrendous act committed with utter disregard for human life and the feelings of Mr Foley’s family, friends, and the entire world.

This act was a blatant demonstration of the behavior and values of the ISIS terrorists and their ideology. This cruel act is difficult to understand.

Like Mr Foley, several hundred innocent members of the Yezidi and Christian communities have been killed in the same manner. There is no way to overstate the extent of this inhumanity, and it illustrates the true, dark nature of the terrorists that we are confronting. I have no doubt that they will be defeated.

I offer my condolences to Mr Foley’s family and the American people. They have lost a brave son who wanted to document the horrible aspects of war and conflict and shed light on their human costs. Mr Foley was a respected professional who risked his life using a camera to share with the world the suffering of civilians and innocent people in Syria.”

Nechirvan Barzani
Prime Minister
Kurdistan Regional Government
Erbil

Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (krp.org)- The Kurdistan Region Presidency strongly condemns the cowardly act of beheading the American journalist, James Foley, by the terrorists of ISIS. This shameful act serves as a reminder of the cruelty of the terrorists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.  The Kurdistan Region Presidency is hereby extending, on behalf of the people of the Kurdistan Region, condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Foley and the government of the United States of America.

Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi arrived in Erbil today and met with President Masoud Barzani and Prime Minster Nechirvan Barzani in Erbil today. He also visited a refugee camp near Erbil which is home to a large number of IDPs from Ninawa province.

In his meeting with the KRG leadership, Prime Minister Renzi expressed his country’s support for the KRG in its fight against ISIS terrorism and stated that Italy would provide both humanitarian and military aid to the KRG. He added that there is a consensus in the EU that both humanitarian and military aid must be provided for the KRG. On the fight against terrorism, Prime Minister Renzi said that Italy stands by the KRG in this fight, as ISIS is a threat to Italy and not just to Kurdistan.

President Barzani expressed his gratitude to the people and government of Italy for their show of solidary and offer of support and said that this public support gives the people of Kurdistan more hope and strength in the face of terrorism.

In their meeting, they also discussed the plight of the hundreds of thousands of IDPs and refugees who have sought refuge in Kurdistan. President Barzani said that the KRG would spare no efforts to tend to the needs of the IDPs. He added that Kurdistan is proud to be a place where people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds live side by side in peace and that the KRG would do whatever it takes to protect this tradition.