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.
 

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.

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani today met with UK Government’s Security Envoy to the Kurdistan Region, Lieutenant General Sir Simon Mayall.

The President and the UK government’s security envoy discussed the military effort by the peshmerga forces against the ISIS terrorists and cooperation and assistance by the UK government to help the peshmerga forces in this fight.

General Mayall said that he is in Kurdistan on behalf of UK government to coordinate with the KRG on the supplies of humanitarian and military aid from the UK. He described the recent advances and gains made by the peshmerga forces as remarkable and said that together with the United States and other allies, they would continue to support the peshmerga forces. He also praised the role of peshmerga forces for risking and sacrificing their lives to protect Yezidi and Christian and other minorities in the battle zones.

President Barzani welcomed the decision by the UK Prime Minister to appoint a special security envoy to Kurdistan and extended his appreciation for the military and humanitarian support that the UK is offering to Kurdistan.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday spoke to members of the press regarding security issues, response to the humanitarian crisis, the government formation process in Baghdad, and other matters following a meeting with Parliament Speaker Yousif Mohammed.

The Prime Minister met with the Speaker of Parliament to share a report about the displaced families from Sinjar and Christian villages, discuss ongoing negotiations with Baghdad, and review the current military situation. He said that he will continue to discuss matters related to Peshmerga forces and martyrs affairs with the Speaker.

Prime Minister Barzani told members of the press that the KRG had a bitter experience dealing with former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government, and said that he hoped past mistakes that led to the current crisis would not be repeated in the next cabinet. He indicated that a negotiating team from the Kurdistan Alliance has been established and that they have engaged in detailed preparatory meetings prior to visiting Baghdad.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the delegation will advocate government formation quickly, but the Kurdistan Region has its requests. He noted that these points are clear, including implementation of constitutional Article 140, allocation of a budget for Peshmerga forces, federal budget distribution in general, and matters regarding natural resources. It was decided that the negotiating team would discuss theses issues with Baghdad, with the understanding that they cannot be implemented in two weeks. All political parties of the team agreed on a deadline for the requests.

Prime Minister Barzani lauded the military and humanitarian assistance provided by the international community. “We are grateful to the countries supporting the Kurdistan Region in its fight against the terrorists,” he said, adding, “The issue of terror does not only concern the Kurdistan Regional Government. Rather, combating terror requires an international coalition, and we believe the international community has thus far taken good steps.”

The Prime Minister explained that actions taken have been supported by the United States and European countries militarily. This support began only recently, but nonetheless the KRG is grateful to all countries that have taken measures to support the Kurdistan Region. He noted that Kurdistan is at the forefront of the world’s fight against terrorism, and again underscored the need for regional and international coordination.

Answering questions about the displaced families and provision of humanitarian aid, Prime Minister Barzani said that the KRG is under tremendous pressure and sadly the KRG’s budget remains withheld by Baghdad. This has added to the burden on the Kurdistan Region in providing aid to the displaced.

Regarding Article 140, the Prime Minister pointed to the importance of adhering to the Constitution and its articles, stating that Article 140 paves the way for a solution. He added that the KRG wishes to resolve disputes legally, as per the Constitution, even if all such areas are under KRG control. At the same time, he said that “there are no guarantees” or assurances between Erbil and Baghdad, based on past experiences with the Maliki administration, noting that Baghdad still has not released salaries for civil servants working in the Kurdistan Region.

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani met with a senior UK government delegation to discuss the humanitarian crisis facing the Kurdistan Region and the threat of ISIS terrorism.

Secretary of State for International Development Justine Greening, and the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Tobias Ellwood, expressed UK government’s support and solidarity with the people and government of the KRG, and added that their government would continue to support the KRG in dealing with the humanitarian crisis facing the Region and also militarily in confronting the ISIS terrorists.

Secretary of State for International Development Justine Greening praised the generosity of the people and government of KRG for sheltering and helping large numbers of Iraqi IDPs and Syrian refuges who have sought refuge in Kurdistan. She said that the UK government has committed to provide 23 million British pounds in aid for these IDPs and refugees.

The UK ministers also hailed the progress and development that has been achieved by the KRG over the past ten years, and describing this as a shining example in Iraq, they added the UK government would continue to support this development and progress.

For his part, President Barzani expressed his gratitude for this visit and show of solidarity from the UK government. He stated that the KRG needs international assistance to look after some 1.2 million IDPs and refugees in Kurdistan. The KRG also needs military assistance to confront the ISIS terrorists, added the President.

President Barzani and the UK ministers also discussed the government formation prospects in Baghdad and both sides stressed that meaningful change is required if the many challenges facing the country are to be addressed. The President said the Kurds are seriously working with other sides to form a genuinely inclusive government in Baghdad as soon as possible.

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

To analyze recent changes of Iraq Diplomacy Irani interviewed Dr. Muhammad Seddigh Ahmad, the deputy-Representative of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq in Iran. What follow is the main lines of his interview.

Dr. Ahmad against Mr. Nuri Maliki saying the events by Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) were the plots of Kurds to put pressure on Baghdad, said these statements are brightly illusion plot. He continued we hope in this important time he should think of an intellectual solution to this crisis, since one of the main causes of such conditions is the inappropriate operation of parts of political system and statesmen who have created these problems. He said these statements are nothing but a projection. He mentioned Mr. Nechirvan Barezani positions saying the Pishmerga have not occupied anywhere and their progression in quarreled regions is to make up for security vacuum resulting from the army withdrawal.

Diplomacy Irani asked Dr. Ahmad that regarding army officers escaping from Mosul to Kurdistan Region does it not create doubt that Kurdistan plotted against Maliki, he answered this doubt is completely illogical and untrue. Indeed hundred thousands of people sought asylum Kurdistan as the safest region in Iraq after Mosull having been taken up by ISIS. The people and government of Kurdistan greeted and helped them with their all power. Unfortunately Iraq statesmen have such interpretation of so huge greeting. Dr. Ahmad said: while trustable army officers of Iraq and Mr. Maliki give their guns up and ran away, legal Pishmerga forces of Kurdistan whose wages have been stopped by Mr. Maliki over two years by an unfounded excuse are defending oppressed people suffering the crises in front line.

He said it is good to insist on this point again that Kurdistan of Iraq itself has been one of the victims of terrorism and to fight against it in any form is our inevitable policy. We should not forget that was last year that ISIS cell took over those attacks to centers in Erbil. Less than last two month ISIS suicide attack to office of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan in Khanegheyn victimized more than 40 people. Mr. Barezani also mentioned in his recent phrases that we said Baghdad we were ready to collaborate with state forces to react against terrorists according to the agreements between us, but unfortunately central government did not pay any attention to preparation announcement and did even not answer to this friendly suggestion by KRG, if statesmen in Baghdad had agreed tactfully with Erbil suggestion, events process might have directed a different way otherwise now.

About America positions Dr. Ahmad also said that Obama government in advance notified senior authority of the Region the necessity of applying political strategy along with military besides federal government authorities. American statesmen also mentioned this. He said direct interfere in Iraq requires condition that presently it is not available to America, since this action threatens the national benefits of America.