Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (gov.org) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday met the Pope’s Special Envy to Iraq, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, from the Vatican.

Cardinal Filoni expressed his gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government for the assistance it has provided to the internally displaced people who were forced to flee the violent repression of the Islamic State terrorist organization, ISIS, and take refuge in the Kurdistan Region.

The Cardinal said that the current situation of the displaced people in the Kurdistan Region is significantly better than when they first arrived in the Region, hoping that the situation would return to normal soon and that the displaced persons would be able to go back to their homes and that harmony and fraternal coexistence will prevail again among the country’s various religious and ethnic groups.

The Cardinal also his and His Holiness Pope Francis’ gratitude to Prime Minister Barzani and the Kurdistan Regional Government praising the sacrifices made by the Peshmerga forces in their fight against ISIS, as well as the courage they have demonstrated in confronting terrorists in defence of all the components of the Iraqi society without any distinction.

Both sides discussed the latest political and military developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They also focused on the period after defeating ISIS which would allow the displaced people to return to their homes and properties. The two sides stressed the need to help the displaced and protect them in order to ensure not only their safe return but also to resume their normal life.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his and the his government’s appreciation for this visit by Cardinal Filoni to the Kurdistan Region and highlighted the recent visit that he and KRG officials had paid to the Vatican where they met His Holiness Pope Francis. He noted that the people and government of the Kurdistan Region believe in brotherhood and co-existence as well as unity among all the components that live together in the Kurdistan Region.

The Prime Minister stressed that the KRG will continue to provide aid for the displaced persons, hoping that the situation will soon become normal again so that the displaced can return safely back to their homes. He concluded that the Kurdistan Regional Government is ready to provide all needed assistance and ensure the provision of security for the displaced persons once they return to their place of origin.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, Peshmerga Affairs Minister hailed the role of France for supporting Peshmerga forces, describing the recent visit of the ministry delegation to France, headed by him, and meetings with French President and senior officials as successful and productive.

KRG Minister of Peshmerga Affairs, Mustafa Sayid Qadir, in an exclusive interview with the KRG Website, said that France’s support for Kurdistan Region is very important, as it comes at a time when the Peshmerga forces are in a war with an international terrorist organization, the Islamic State, also known ISIS. Sayed Qader stated that it is the duty of all countries to support Peshmerga forces as ISIS is a threat to the entire world.

France Pledged Further Support

The Minister of Peshmerga Affairs said that the Peshmerga Affairs Ministry delegation, which included a number of field commanders from the battle fronts, briefed the French President and senior officials about the conditions of the war against ISIS.

“France has supported us until now by providing arms, ammunitions, and military advisors. French officials pledged more support, and we asked for further military aid, because we are fighting a continuous tough and unequal war”.

He highlighted that the meeting between the military delegation from the Kurdistan Region and the French President came at the initiative of French philosopher and writer, Bernard-Henri Levy, who visited the battle fronts in the Kurdistan Region last February, and vowed he will urge the highest authorities in France to provide better and more military assistance to Kurdistan Peshmerga forces.

Germany and Other Countries’ Role

KRG Minister of Peshmerga Affairs also shed light on the role of Germany in supporting Peshmerga forces, particularly by providing Milan anti-tank missile which played a significant role in repulsing terrorists’ attacks.

He said that German Defense Minister and several delegations have visited Kurdistan Region, and Germany is currently training the Peshmerga forces.

He also highlighted the participation of the Kurdistan Region delegation led by Kurdistan Region President, Masoud Barzani, at the Munich Conference on international security.

He said that Germany replied positively to several requests by the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, expressing his wishes that Germany and other countries will invite delegations from the ministry.

Ninety five percent of the territories controlled by ISIS, liberated

KRG Minister of Peshmerga Affairs pointed out that more than 95 percent of the territories which were captured by ISIS in Kurdistan have now been liberated by the Peshmerga forces. However, he said, this does not mean that ISIS threat on Kurdistan has been definitively repulsed.

In another part of the interview, he outlined the duty and works of the Ministry of Peshmerga affairs, particularly during war with ISIS, saying that all Peshmerga forces, alongside with security, police, volunteers, retired forces and military units number 70 and 80, are under the ministry’s authority and led by one command, President of the Kurdistan Region, who is General Commander of Kurdistan Region Military Forces. Any force outside this framework, which may belong to any side or party, is considered illegal according to the KRG and Kurdistan Region’s overall policy.

KRG Minister of Peshmerga Affairs said that there was a plan for those Yazidi, Christian, Kakayee, Turkman and Shabak citizens who showed interest to form military units to defend their areas like Peshmerga forces. Those unites were formed within the framework of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, and have been trained by the ministry and sent to the front lines.

He reiterated that Kurdistan Region does not need any other force.

Reorganizing Peshmerga Forces

Reorganization and reunification of all the Peshmerga forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs authority have been one of the main objectives of the KRG eighth cabinet. 

Mustafa Sayd Qadir stressed that the goal of this plan is to restructure Kurdistan military forces “as a national and governmental force, not based on political party affiliation. Moreover, we want to achieve that any member of the Kurdistan Peshmerga Forces, from any religious, ethnic and political background could be able to reach the highest military rank.”

He pointed out that, despite slowing down of the reunification process of the Peshmerga forces due to war against ISIS, little, but significant, steps have been taken.

KRG Peshmerga Minister considered that the prompt implementation of this task has now become a necessity in order to eliminate the threats which face the Kurdistan Region, and create a one united stance, away from religious, ethnic, and political differences.

Sayd Qadir denied that any political party has tried to hamper the reunification of the Peshmerga forces, saying that some statements, which have been made, reflect only individual opinions.

Reassuring citizens

Regarding the current situation on the battle fronts, Mustafa Sayd Qadir said that ISIS terrorists attack Peshmerga positions on a daily basis, but Peshmerga forces stop their advances.

“Now, Peshmerga forces have learned the tactics of the terrorist of ISIS, and I reassure Kurdistan citizens that the Peshmerga forces are capable to defend Kurdistan Region. They have shown that whenever a security problem occurred, they acted rapidly and restored security”.

Liberation of Sinjar

KRG Minister of Peshmerga Affairs stated that there is a plan to liberate Sinjar, “but it has been postponed until the time that we can be sure that the town could be defended and kept away from the range of ISIS shelling, for that its population can return back safely.”

He reiterated that the anticipated operation for liberation of Mosul will also have a significant impact on the process of liberation of Sinjar. The minister pointed out that defeating ISIS in Mosul will further consolidate stability and security of the Kurdistan Region.

He stressed that Mosul will not be liberated by Peshmerga forces alone.

After overpower a large part of Iraq land whose residents are Sunni, speculations about the future of the country and the establishment of Sunni region intensifies.

Meanwhile the positions and attitudes political meetings of Kurdistan region and authorities’ opinions got Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) neighbors after taking the full control of regions under conflict represent Kurds’ views for the changes, expectations and concerns ahead in the political future of Iraq.

Kurds News Agency to analyze the recent changes of Iraq went after Nazem Dabbagh the Representative of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq in I.R of Iran and interviewed him.

In response to a question Mr. Dabbagh described the current situation of Iraq, and that was how he introduced those regions including Mosul, a major part of Tekrit and Salaheddin occupied by ISIS. He continued to mention the areas released by security and army forces of Iraq and Pishmergas. ‘Right now (the moment interviewing ongoing) fighting is progressing’ he said.

  He about the loss of security forces’ reaction in Mosul against ISIS terrorist said all their attacks to this town are suspicious and unclear. The forces surpassing 3000 overwhelmed the town he said. It was happened in the situation that nobody saw them. With only the slogan of “Run away, they come”, all people escaped. He added: ‘this attack was in advance planned and collaborated with the security forces of town’. Just within six hours the whole town was occupied by ISIS.

In his view another reason of which town got occupied by ISIS was tribal combination. %99 of the two-million town are Sunni, furthermore the major elements of the army of Ba’ath Iraq are from this town and its tribes. That is why the same as Kurd rise People collaborated with ISIS in Mosul.

In some areas also Pishmergas could take the control of regions from which Iraq army sit rear; and it cover the regions Khanegheyn, Jelola and Hamrin till Zakhu. I can say the borders of the regions stated in Article 140 are presently under the control of the Pishmerga forces.

About being aware of security forces of Iraq of this attack, Kurd Press asked Dabbagh and he also answered the possible attack of ISIS from Syria land to Iraq have already been warned by major authorities of the KRG. Mentioning former warning by some people to Nuri Al-Maliki about some militaries joining Iraq Army he said some of these fellows were defeated, others escaped and the others joined ISIS.

Nazem Dabbagh the representative of Kurdistan Region of Iraq in Iran concerning the emergence and being strong of ISIS said: this terrorist group has not been generated for one month or so but it has resulted from an extreme percept within a century. The political and social record of ISIS cell dates back to the early years of World War II.

At that time they appeared and emerged in Islamic lands as Arabian Mujahidin. Later in Afghanistan and Pakistan they changed to Al-Qaeda and Taliban and now supported by the regional Arabian countries their name changed to ISIS. In this way the more violence ideology and more Salafist percept of Islam substituted Al-Qaeda thoughts. All these ideologies have been injected to a great part of their fans by the regional country.

About the duration of ISIS’s survival Dabbagh said they have come to stay. Everybody witnessed that some experts’ analyses claiming ISIS would present for just a couple of months and then soon be vanished were incorrect. Concerning the region of Kubanie Dabbagh added that the region does matter to ISIS for by adding Kubanie to their possessions they join the regions of Iraq and Syria under their control.

In addition their Logistic and economical will increase. Relation to Turkey’s role to fail to react them he criticized. He said it was expected that Turkey gave this chance to Kurds and Pishmerga to defend their land. But in addition to support ISIS spiritually and financially it in practice took more steps to block Kurdish forces. Concerning showing the images of Kubanian women to defend their city Dabbagh said: this case is not advert at all, although the number of men are great, there are lots of women as well. At last Dabbagh said soon Pishmerga accompanied by Iran will start a great operation to cripple ISIS in Iraq.

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani met with Iraqi President Fuad Masom today in Salahaddin. The two presidents discussed the fight against the ISIS terrorists, the role of the peshmerga forces in this fight, and relations between Erbil and Baghdad.

The Iraqi President commended the recent successes of the Peshmerga forces against the ISIS terrorists and expressed his condolences to all those who have sacrificed their lives in this fight.

On the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the two underlined the importance of commitment, by both sides, to the Erbil-Baghdad deal on oil exports and revenue sharing. President Barzani stated that the KRG would continue to support the new Iraqi government and the political process in the country.

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani welcomed Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Rob Nicholson in Erbil today. In a meeting between the two, they discussed the fight against the ISIS terrorists, the military and humanitarian assistance by Canada to the KRG, and enhancing bilateral relations between the two sides.

Foreign Minister Rob Nicholson commended the bravery of the peshmerga forces in fighting the ISIS terrorists. He said as part of the international coalition, Canada would continue to support the KRG with military assistance and added that his country is committed to the security of the people of Kurdistan.

President Barzani thanked Canada for its steadfast support for Kurdistan in this fight, adding that the people of Kurdistan are grateful for this support.

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani welcomed Turkey’s National Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz in Erbil today to discuss bilateral cooperation and the fight against ISIS terrorists.

The Turkish defense minister reiterated his country’s commitment to support the Kurdistan Region in the fight against the ISIS terrorists. He added that Turkey would continue to provide training for the peshmerga forces and also help with supplying humanitarian aid. The President and the Turkish defense minister also discussed efforts currently underway to defeat the ISIS terrorists and liberate areas under their control. 

President Barzani stated that there are many opportunities for mutual cooperation.  He reaffirmed KRG's support for the peace process underway in Turkey. 

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (dfr.gov.krd) – Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of KRG Department of Foreign Relations today received the Canadian Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Bruno Saccomani and his accompanying delegation to discuss the tragic incident that resulted in the death of the Canadian Armed Forces Member, Sergeant Andrew Joseph Doiron.

Commenting on the incident, Ambassador Saccomani stated, “It was an incredibly unfortunate incident. We hope that we can increase our level of communication in order to prevent such incidents from happening. Sergeant Doiron lost his life in the line of duty. We will honor and remember his service to Canada.”

He added, “We value our allies and we consider the Kurdistan Region as an ally. Canada is here to support Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the fight against ISIS. Members of international community have a moral obligation to fight terrorism and extremism. We are committed to continue fighting the ISIS as part of the international coalition, within the present Canadian Government Approved Mission.”

Reiterating the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Ambassador stressed, “We are proud of our involvement in the fight against ISIS, and grateful to the men and women to whom it falls to carry out our commitment to peace and security.”

Minister Falah Mustafa said, “In the name of the Kurdistan Regional Government, we express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Doiron as well as the people and the government of Canada. We will honor and remember his service to the Kurdistan Region. We wish those injured a speedy recovery.”

He added, “Since the beginning of the ISIS attacks on the Kurdistan Region, the government of Canada has been at the forefront of the international coalition against ISIS. Canada has been a critical partner in the fight against ISIS. The people and the government of the Kurdistan Region are very appreciative of Canada’s continued support.”

The KRG Ministry of Peshmerga issued a statement today stating that a committee has been formed to investigate the occurrence of the tragic incident and to work on preventing such an incident from happening.