Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani met with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in Salahaddin today. The President and the EU’s foreign policy chief discussed the fight against ISIS terrorists, including recent peshmerga gains in Sinjar, and the plight of hundreds of thousands of IDPs in Kurdistan.

Following their meeting, the two held a joint press conference, in which Federica Mogherini congratulated President Barzani for the recent victories by the peshmerga against the ISIS terrorists, especially in Sinjar district. She said the purpose of her visit to Kurdistan is to find out how the EU can further support Kurdistan in this fight, adding that the EU would ask its member states to continue to provide both military and humanitarian aid to Kurdistan.

The EU High Representative said that Kurdistan has scored three victories: the recent military successes against the ISIS terrorists, a psychological victory that ISIS can be defeated, and thirdly that Kurdistan has shown to the world that it is possible for different communities to live together in peace.

President Barzani thanked the EU and the international coalition countries for their military and humanitarian support for Kurdistan, and added that this support further strengthens the resolve of the peshmerga forces in their fight against the biggest and most vicious terrorist organization. The President said that it is a source of pride for the peshmerga to be fighting this terrorist organization on behalf of the whole world.

Link to their joint press conference.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (KRG.org) - The Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received the US Senator, Pat Roberts.

Senator Roberts expressed his pleasure for visiting the Kurdistan Region, particularly as the visit coincides with the victories marked by Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga forces in Sinjar and its environs.

The Senator stressed that the Islamic State terrorist organisation, also known as ISIS, poses a threat to peace and stability and its barbaric acts make it an enemy of mankind and needs to be defeated and eradicated.

He also stressed the importance of the relations between the United States and the Kurdistan Region and further strengthening them, including through the increase of US aid to Kurdistan that would help to defeat terrorism.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude for Senator Roberts views and stances, and briefed him on the latest political and military developments in the fight against ISIS and Peshmerga forces victories, particularly in the Mount Sinjar.

He also stressed that although the Peshmerga had made significant progress, they need heavy weaponry and more training in order to maintain the region secured. The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the United States and the international coalition for their military support and air strikes, which helped Peshmerga forces to achieve these victories.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the conditions of the displaced people, particularly the Yezidis and Christians who fled to the Kurdistan Region, where the Kurdistan people and its government have provided them with as much assistance as possible as well as the provision of security.

He also stressed that the KRG will continue providing assistance to the internally displaced persons for as long as they stay in the Kurdistan Region. He stated that, however, there is no doubt that they are in dire need of greater assistance from the international community. 

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (KRG.org) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, on Sunday received Bert Koenders, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and his accompanying delegation.

The two sides discussed the latest Peshmarga forces victories and advances in the town of Sinjar and its environs. The Dutch Minister, who visits Kurdistan Region for the first time, congratulated Prime Minister Barzani for these victories and reiterated his country’s humanitarian and military support for the Kurdistan Region.

He highlighted the Netherlands military activities in the fight against terrorism and the participation of his country’s air force at the international coalition against the Islamic State terrorist organization, also known as ISIS.

Bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Netherlands were another topic discussed in the meeting. The two sides expressed their willingness to develop these relations, particularly in the sectors of trade, agriculture and energy. They have also discussed the Dutch companies’ activities in the Region and ways to develop them.

Regional political and military developments were also discussed, including the breakthrough agreement, which was concluded earlier this month, between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq, Kurdistan Region’s role in rebuilding post-2003 Iraq, Kurdistan Region’s relations with the neighboring countries, the Kurdish issue and the peace process in Turkey and Syrian crisis.

Joint Press Conference

In a press conference, held following the meeting, both sides shed light on the topics discussed and answered questions from the press.  

Prime Minister Barzani praised the role of the Netherlands, which is currently involved, as part of the international coalition, in the fight against ISIS and provides assistance to the Peshmerga forces.

He also recalled Netherland’s role in protecting the Kurdistan Region against the repression inflicted by Saddam Hussein’s forces in 1991, which caused a mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Kurds.

Prime Minister Barzani said, “We have discussed a range of topics in our meeting, including training of Peshmarga forces, providing humanitarian aid to the Kurdistan Region to assist the internally displaced and refugees and the Netherlands participation in the development of Kurdistan Region’s economy.”

The Dutch Foreign Minister reiterated that his country will continue its support to the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the field of energy and agriculture.

In the military domain, he pointed out that his country plans to send 100 military experts and trainers to Iraq.

He also commended the Kurdistan people and its government for providing assistance and sheltering such large number of internally displaced and refugees, fleeing ISIS repression in both Iraq and Syria.

The Dutch Foreign Minister welcomed the recent agreement between Erbil and Baghdad describing it as a catalyst for resolving other outstanding issues.

He expressed his country's willingness to participate in the Kurdistan Region’s development.

Sinjar Operations

With regards to the victories marked by Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces in Sinjar and its environs in the past few days, the Prime Minister congratulated the Peshmerga forces and expressed his gratitude.

He said, “They have performed their tough duty courageously. As you know that these operations were led under the direct command of Kurdistan Region’s President, Masoud Barzani, who has been monitoring the situation and personally directing the operations in all the positions … Sinjar is very important for us, particularly for President Barzani, which is why he personally participated in these operations.”

He added, “We have liberated large territories, and despite the fact that the entire town of Sinjar is not yet totally freed, there is a remarkable progress and we hope, God willing, to hear good news soon … It is to underline that the Peshmerga forces have marked one of their great victories.”

Istanbul, Turkey, (KRG.org) - Turkish Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu, today received Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, in Istanbul.

The two sides discussed the breakthrough agreement, reached earlier this month between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq. Mr. Davutoğlu praised both Erbil and Baghdad for reaching agreement, hoping that it would lead to resolving other outstanding issues between the two sides.

Regional political and military developments, the fight against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, known as ISIS, and the recent Peshmerga forces advances in Zummar and areas around Sinjar were topics also discussed in the meeting.

The two sides also highlighted bilateral relations and stressed on further developing these ties and agreed to continue exchanging visits and meetings between both sides.  

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani is due to meet the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later this afternoon.

Mizan News Agency: the representative of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq in Tehran deemed Iran’s aid to Iraqi nation and state so effective and on time and said: the majority of this aids were logistical and military consultation held by Sepah. Nazem Dabbagh in the talk with political reporter of Mizan News Agency about the role of new government of Iraq in fight with ISIS stated: new government of Iraq regarding the useful and on time actions in recent weeks has expressed his ability to find a solution for problems and difficulties ahead specially fighting ISIS. Dabbagh added: obviously to form a comprehensive and cooperative is a benefit to political and minor groups of Iraq and this can help all engaged groups in the fight against ISIS.

Concerning Turkey policy for ISIS, Dabbagh said Turkish state and authorities have never offered any definite and clear definition for ISIS and also they has not taken any stable and true position for this. Meanwhile he added: although the recent action of Turkey allowing supportive forces to help Kubani region can be considered effective.

The representative of KRG of Iraq in Iran considered continuing field changes in the Kurdish region of Kubani as developing and said: in recent days up to 100 villages around Kubani are emptied from ISIS terrorists indicating their weakness and withdraw in Kubani. Eventually he deemed a coalition against ISIS nonsense without Iraq government.

Concerning Iraq changes as ISIS attacking Mosul and the relations between Kurdistan Region of Iraq and central government, Jahan San-at Press have had a talk with Nazem Dabbagh the representative of Kurdistan Region of Iraq in Iran of which details follow:

In a response to a question relating to the results of ISIS’s attack on oil affairs of Kurdsitan Region Dabbagh said: these attacks have not impressed such affairs but oil exportation market of the Region that has caused oil selling to be descended. Nevertheless he said that oil transferring pipes of the Region to Turkey are under the control of our forces.

Relating the discarding paying the budget from central government he said the policy was adopted by Mr. Maliki. Thus with Kurds’ tolerance we have been able to export oil and paid stuff’s salaries. However with the formation of new government good measures have been taken and the concern of the budget of the Region will be solved.

About oil exports by ISIS to Turkey he added that Turkey not only does not play any role to suppress but it also on the basis of some media it has had cooperation with ISIS. The oil wells presently taken under control by ISIS, in fact belong to Iraq not the Region. Concerning how to export oil by ISIS I have no information, nevertheless it is the border between ISIS and Turkey, namely, the border through which ISIS can export oil belongs to Turkey. Relating to Turkey’s policy to the current crisis of Iraq he continued that Turkeys activities are accompanied both with security respect and religious as well as economy. He added that Turkey indeed is hatching a plot which has been designed just the same as to recover the Osmania’s emperor I already mentioned. Therefore in my view both actions by Turkey are negative and mistake, one is to destroy the negotiation and peace with Kurds of Turkey and another is to cooperate with ISIS. ISIS is just a phenomenon which is the symbol of terrorism. He said European countries for such concerns as human rights cannot prevent their citizens from joining ISIS.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (KRG.org) – After easing almost a year of financial crisis and terrorism threat, the Kurdistan Region last week hosted the 10th Erbil International Fair attended by 250 companies from 16 countries.  In the wake of initial agreement between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve oil export and budgetary issues, and of security advances to halt the ISIS threat, market confidence begins to regain and business continues to progress.

Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Trade and Industry, Samal Sardar, highlighted the importance of hosting the fair amid current circumstances. He said, “The participation of companies from foreign countries might not be at the level of previous years, but hosting the fair shows that business activities have not stopped and the Kurdistan Region’s security situation is very stable for business.” Minister Samal Sardar stressed that the Region’s economy continues to improve.

The breakthrough agreement between Erbil and Baghdad on resolving outstanding issues has helped to resume and revive business activities in the Region.

Mr. Abdulla Ahmed Abdul-Rahim, supervisor of Erbil International Exhibition told krg.org, “Hosting the fair amid the current situation, especially after the initial agreement between Erbil and Baghdad, shows that Kurdistan can preserve its economic position and successfully manage crises.” 

He added, “Erbil International Fair managed to build trust during the last ten years and the KRG has played a key role in developing the venue. The fairground has so far hosted more than 60 exhibitions on various sectors and has greatly benefited the people of Kurdistan.”

Representatives of private sector companies said the economic crisis and terrorist threats adversely affected their plans and caused suspension of some planed activities. However, the situation did not last long, as demonstrated by participation of international companies in various exhibitions.

Mr. Saman Brifkani, Supervisor of Magic Art Advertising Agency told krg.org, “Despite some concerns by some companies there have been various exhibitions by big brands and companies in the Kurdistan Region including Land Rover, Range Rover and BMW in which they showcased their latest products. In addition, various French, American and British franchises in Erbil’s markets and malls have recently launched.

“The breakthrough agreement between Erbil and Baghdad will strengthen trust and support increasing business activities”, he added.

On the sidelines at the fair the Czech Republic Consul General to Erbil, Jaroslav Reif, and a delegation from his country’s ministry of trade and industry discussed their activities in the Region.

The Czech Republic Consul General told krg.org, “Czech companies together with Czech banks implemented major projects in the Kurdistan Region especially in the electricity sector. We want to introduce the Kurdistan Region’s investment market to the Czech Republic and invite European investors to support investment activities in the Region.”

The Czech Republic is among the active investors in the Kurdistan Region’s investment market and has long reiterated its interest to invest in the Region.

Lebanon is among the countries that have not suspended their investment and business activities in the Kurdistan Region.
Mr. Jacques Jean Sarraf, Chairman of the Malia Group which owns various investments in the Region especially in the tourism sector told krg.org “The Lebanese private sector is keen on the Kurdistan Region and they did not suspend their activities in the Region.”

He added that his group is one of the main exporters to the Kurdistan Region and they are working on finding an alternative route for bringing their goods to the Region through air cargo as most of the Syrian and Lebanon border is under the control of the Islamic State terrorist organisation, known as ISIS.

Mr. Sarraf said, “Lebanon has played a significant role in developing the Region’s banking, construction and tourism sectors, and has contributed to the investment in the Kurdistan Region, including in basic and higher education.”

In another development, Britain Business Group Kurdistan was launched on 10 December, 2014 to further collaboration between British companies and companies based in the Kurdistan Region.

During the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Frank Baker, British Ambassador to Iraq, highlighted the Kurdistan Region as a stable and suitable environment for economic and trade activities. 

During the ceremony, KRG Spokesperson Minister Safeen Dizayee reaffirmed, “The KRG supports the free market and facilitates foreign investment in the Kurdistan Region.”

Baghdad, Iraq, (KRG.org) - Within three days of arrival in Baghdad, the Kurdistan Regional Government delegation headed by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, concluded an agreement with the Federal Government of Iraq. Prior to leaving Baghdad, back to Erbil yesterday, Prime Minister Barzani spoke with the media about the meetings and results of the negotiations.

The KRG Prime Minister highlighted the meetings of the past two days, saying, “During the past two days we have been here in Baghdad in order to address issues between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad.  We conducted several meetings with the Iraqi Prime Minister, the Oil Minister, and other ministers. Different teams focused on different negotiations. We completed our visit today.”

Speaking about the conduct and atmosphere at the meetings the Prime Minister said, “I would like to say the meetings were generally positive. We saw a real desire by the Iraqi Prime Minister, the Iraqi Oil Minister, and all other ministers in Prime Minister Abadi’s government to resolve important issues with the Kurdistan Region. I want to emphasize and reiterate that our preference from day one was to resolve all issues through dialogue.  We preferred this option and believe it is the best option.”

Regarding the agreements, Prime Minister Barzani said, “After the former Iraqi Prime Minister unilaterally cut the share of the Kurdistan Region from the Iraqi budget we have attempted to resolve the issue through dialogue.  Fortunately, we reached an agreement with Prime Minister Abadi and his team on a number of issues.  We believe the agreement is transparent and serves the interests of both the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad. Both sides came out of these negotiations successfully."

Regarding the details of the meetings, the Prime Minister said, “The agreement is as follows: The KRG will deliver 250,000 barrels of oil per day from oilfields in the Kurdistan Region to Baghdad, and we will assist them in exporting Kirkuk oil. In turn, the Federal Government of Iraq will provide the Kurdistan Region 17 percent share of the federal budget. We emphasized that the amount received in the past was never 17 percent, it was always less.” 

On the issue of the Peshmerga forces dues which was one of the main unresolved issues, Prime Minister Barzani said, “Prime Minister Abadi offered his respect and gratitude to the Peshmerga forces, especially in the struggle and sacrifices they have been making on the battlefield fighting against ISIS terrorism. Baghdad agreed to allocate 1 trillion 200 billion Iraqi Dinars for the Peshmerga.”

Prime Minister Barzani explained details of the agreement, saying, “The current agreement is not the final agreement, but we believe it to be a good start. There are other issues we should discuss in the coming period and we hope to reach agreement on them, too. This is a good start for both sides and, hopefully, we will resolve all outstanding problems and obstacles within a period of six months or so.

“I can say that, in general, we are pleased with this agreement and consider it a gain for all parties. Given the problems between Erbil and Baghdad, we can say we have come a long way.  What we have seen this time in Baghdad is a desire by the Iraqi Prime Minister to tackle these problems. This encourages us to move forward faster. As I said, our priority is to address and resolve our problems with Baghdad.”

Regarding external pressure, particularly from the United States and other parties on the KRG delegation to reach agreement with Baghdad, the Prime Minister said, “There was no pressure on us.  What we have achieved was through the desire of both Baghdad and Erbil to reach a mutually satisfying agreement. The United States, United Kingdom, and the United Nations role is to encourage both sides to negotiate to reach an agreement. They did not interfere in the negotiations and did not exert any pressure, even in the organization of the meetings. As you know, Iraqi Oil Minister Dr. Adil Abdul Mehdi visited Erbil recently and met with Deputy Prime Minister Mr Qubad Talabani and I.  We agreed then to visit Baghdad to begin these talks.”

Regarding the amount allocated by the Iraqi Government for the Peshmerga forces, whether it was taken from the Kurdistan Region’s portion of the federal budget, Prime Minister Barzani said, “The amount agreed for the Peshmerga forces will be from outside the Kurdistan Region’s share of the budget, meaning it will not be from the 17 percent allocated to the Kurdistan Region. They agreed the Peshmerga forces are part of the Iraqi defense system. This agreement is very important because after 11 years of negotiations Baghdad agreed to the proposal to allocate a portion of the national defense budget to the Peshmerga forces.”

In response to a question, KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani emphasized, "the agreement reached between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government works in favor of all sides and I believe that everybody will support this agreement."

Prime Minister Barzani thanked the civil servants, businessmen, and contractors in the Kurdistan Region for their patience with salary and payment delays. He said, "We have already received a payment and are receiving another one.  We hope to overcome the issue of public service salaries by January."   

Regarding exporting oil from Kirkuk oilfields through the Kurdistan Region’s pipeline, the KRG Prime Minister explained that, practically speaking, Kirkuk oil can flow only through the Kurdistan Region’s pipeline. "We have agreed to export 300 thousand barrels per day. The technical process may start this week."

Prime Minister Barzani also noted, "the process of exporting Kirkuk oil through the Region’s pipeline is in the interest of both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. He said the Region would not charge the Iraqi federal government for the export. The Region works within the framework of the Constitution of federal Iraq. This gives the Kurdistan Region opportunity to coordinate approaches to oil export and solve issues without stress." 

Regarding the oil exported by the Kurdistan Region independently, the Prime Minister said, “We continue to export oil that we have, but we will first use it to meet the Region’s domestic fuel requirements. We will export the rest after meeting domestic demand."     

Regarding the agreement between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, Prime Minister Barzani explained, "The budget law is for one year. When we came from Erbil we knew that we will not resolve all issues in a meeting or two. We thought our visit called for a strategy to resolve the issues.  We have now set the strategy. The agreement we have now concluded will open the door to settle all issues within six months to a year.

“What is important is that we managed to implement two important things. First, the sanctions imposed in Iraq’s general budget law on the Kurdistan Region’s share of the national budget have been removed. Second, we have reached agreement on oil export, the Kurdistan Region’s budget, and the Peshmerga forces’ budget.

"The other issues are article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, incentives for Peshmerga forces, and other outstanding issues for which a period of time will be decided for their settlement. There will be talks also about what is owed to the Kurdistan Region from the 2014 budget, which is 16 trillion Iraqi dinars, as determined by the Iraq Ministry of Finance. All these issues cannot be solved in one meeting, more meetings are needed."

While emphasizing that all differences cannot be solved in one visit or meeting, Prime Minister Barzani reiterated that the agreement concluded with Baghdad paves the way for resolving the issues within six months to one year.

Regarding project loans and mortgages for citizens, Prime Minister Barzani reiterated his government’s commitment to continue support for loans and mortgages.

Regarding guarantees the Iraqi Government will not cut the Kurdistan Region’s share of the national budget again, the Prime Minister explained, "There are no guarantees that the Iraqi government will not cut the Kurdistan Region’s share of the budget. We should not forget, however, that if they cut our share, we hold a key to their oil export. We do not, however, wish to talk in such language, we hope this language is over. We wish to open a new page and avoid using the language of threats."

Regarding Peshmerga forces participating with the Iraqi army in liberating ISIS-controlled territory, the Prime Minister explained, "The Peshmerga forces are now fighting on a 1,100 kilometer-long frontline. Iraq’s Prime Minister lauded their efforts. In fighting a global terrorist organization, what the Peshmerga forces are achieving is most significant and serves the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the whole world." 

Regarding the Iraqi government’s commitment to implementing the agreement, the Prime Minister said, "the agreement has been approved by the Iraqi Council of Ministers and it has become a decree. The Iraqi government has expressed its support to the agreement. On our part we are implementing the agreement. In Baghdad, we observed willingness. We would like to take every opportunity to reach a solution that serves both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. However, to what extent it will actually be implemented, we will have to see that later."