Tehran- last week Ali Yunessi, the president assistant of tribes and minorities affaires on visit to the managing director the members of the board of directors ( Kurd society inhabited in the center)) announced the establishment of The Home of Tribes.

Mentioning the feeling of discrimination among tribes, religions and the owners of sect and religions especially among Kurd in Iran is quite epidemic, Yunessi declared this feeling would be removed by granting an abundance of responsibilities to Kurds. Jamal Taha, a member of the board of directors of Kurd society inhabited in the center in talk with Kurdpress said about the issues discussed in this meeting: the special president assistant of tribes and religious minorities as expressing his pleasure for such organization indicated that strengthening Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) in the field of religions and sects is of main superiors and in this direction major and important steps will be taken. One of these steps is to establish a centre so called The Home of The Tribes in Tehran in cooperation with municipal will be done, and can be a referent of representative for all Iranians tribes in the capital. Even Kurd organizations in Tehran can be followed by other tribal tribes and we will carry on necessary cooperation for establishing conferences and meetings and will participate in.

Yunessi believes the government cannot manage all country affairs by itself, and thus in this way it needs help of non-government groups such as NGOs and outstanding tribal personages.

In a part of his speech, the president assistant noted that nowadays there are two major concerns in the field of tribes and religions; one is roots in religion and another root is in nationality. The former originates from some invidious reports particularly about disturbing religious arrangements of people in some cities that play a role to encourage religious feelings especially in theological school and to clergies. In our view attempt to change others’ religion is considered anti-security and nobody has to offend the privacy of other religion and everybody has got to be free. . . . Similarly about the nationality concern the government is considered to be accused of appointing a special assistant of tribes and religions who tries to interrupt the unity of nation and say after all these years varieties of tribes despite of language differences in this land have managed to reach a unified picture of nationalities and you weaken this feeling. In his Yunessi’s view none of these concerns are not deep-rooted and can be solved by talk.

Yunessi mentioned nowadays the majority of political authorities of Iran like supreme leadership and the president agree to appoint tribal personages to managing positions, however; the religious obstacle is more than tribal. He said: I informed all province governors I visited that for those towns in which the majorities are Sunnite a Sunnite governor should be appointed accompanied at least by two Sunnite assistants we also coordinated with foreign ministry to approve to Sunnite Ambassadors. We even follow to form a Sunnite assistance presidency. In addition he indicated deprivation-sweeping is on the agenda of the president.          

In this talk Dr. Muhammad Seddigh along with Dr. Jafar Haqpanah, the university instructor and researcher of tribes affaires, discussed some aspects of domestic policy of Kurdistan Region of Iraq especially after recent parliament elections and regional policy in the frame of relationship.

Dr. Ahmad stated although Kurdistan region has a Kurdish nature, varieties can be seen inside. For instance Soleymanieh area known as Kurdistan Cultural Capital has been the center of poets, writers and intellectuals and of course geographical proximity to Iran. The area of Erbil also has a religion nature more, so it is generally known by its mosques. In Dr. Ahamd’s view, Kurdistan democrat party in his initial forming had acted as a liberator party and reacted against Ba’s regime. One outstanding example was the 1975 uprising of blessed Mustafa Barzani leadership. This act, of course, following Aljeria 1975 contract failed. Indeed the task of the aspects of this contract was to play with Kurds fate.

Dr. Ahmad believes that Saddam signed this contract in a weak position and tended to save the time to come up with a solution for Kurds. For this reason, after signing the Algeria contract made an inhuman attempt on genocide. He burned 4000 villages and buried many alive. As result of the pressure lots of Kurds sought refuge Iran. Through this condition some other Kurdish parties and organizations emerged. Even though with Algeria contract Kurds travelling came to halt, it revived as Islamic Revolution became victorious. This time a series of Islamist party stepped onto the political arena and this caused Kurdish society to be multi-voices.

In Dr. Ahmad’s view, democracy in Iraq Kurdistan Region results from political relationship of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and current political groups so people can seek their demands. About formation of new parties in Kurdistan, he said that the emergence of these tribes depend on the structure of two current parties somewhat. For example Gooran Movement was one part of the Patriotic Union Kurdistan. As you know Patriotic Union is composed of several movements like Kumeleh and several other groups. Even after the congress held these gatherings remained in the form unions and was not structured as a party. As among members there is agreement about main lines, there are some intra-party and intra-union grounds of competing, especially the time when this completion appeared more after parliament elections. In Dr. Ahmad’s view, two parties (Kurdistan Democrat Party and Patriotic Union) have managed to create and control reasonably political conditions according to democracy in the Region. For criticism of current political structure of the region based on elections outcome is not considered a fair work. In his view, clearly the government may make mistake at any case or may act illogically.

We suppose that we have been able prepare a proper freedom so all critics can participate and act. Also some Islamite parties affected by deep-rooted Islamic tendencies like Moslem Brotherhood Movement in Middle East have stepped slowly toward power and have managed to obtain 17 seats of the parliament which is less than the former parliament.

All together Dr. Ahmad agrees with Dr. Haghpanah about this idea that people tend more to moderate movements than radical; that is why extremist parties like Gooran Movement have not managed to win the elections. He, about this party’s criticism, said I think the critics did not believe in such criticism the made.

About the relationships of the Region and Arabian governments, he added that these relationships are being sought in the frame of the law. Of course it has economical nature more. In his view, Arabian governments have realized that the identity of Iraq is not simply Arabian and should cooperate with non-Arabian part as well, Particularly the Kurdistan Regional Government that has an important place in interior part of Iraq especially in creating a balance and political stability.

Dr. Ahmad considers the duration of Kurds and Iraqi Shiites cooperation reasonable. He believes that the long record of cruelty and deprivation imposed on them by Ba’s party and geopolitics reasons put both sides in a position that their interests not only do not clash but also overlap. He regards Iran’s role as an intermediary in creating stability and synchronization for both sides.

Dr. Ahmad believes although the political relationship between Iran government and the Region is in good level, but the economic relationship has not managed to keep pace with it. The Region is in the step of economic constructing and in these circumstances many players participate in this work. One the most active ones are Turkish companies. Of course he stated that the wide relationship with Turkey is not harmless to Iran.

He, in other part, stated as you said Iran and Kurdistan are in the same civilization area. It can be said the interior cultural conditions and features of both sides have created a unique and proper grounds in order to extend relationship in all aspects; but strategic deliberation about improving these relations and its extension to varieties of levels, such as holding scientific meetings and like stuff, needs a political decision from both sides.

At the end Dr. Ahmad about a question of the Region relationship with Israel said such thing is not true. He continued they who charged us on this had already been already asked for presenting some evidence but nothing was presented. He declared generally since we move in the frame of our responsibility and commitments in order to defend Kurd people interests, and with regard to many ties between neighbors countries and us and understanding about them and common interests, we won’t, essentially and ethically,  act against our brotherhood and friendly believes and commitments.

Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) – In an official correspondence on the 24th of December, Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani has asked the KRG Council of Ministers for an update on the efforts and steps taken so far by both the KRG and the federal government to promote the district of Halabja into a province.

In his letter, the President reiterated his strong support for the promotion of Halabja into a province and for the provision of services for the people of the town.

Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) – In reaction to statements made by Mr. Mugtada al-Sadr, the leader of the Sadrist Movement, in an interview with the Arabic language Al-Hayat newspaper, Kurdistan Region Presidency spokesperson made the following statement:

President Barzani has deep respect for Mr. al-Sadr, who along with his family have played an important and historical role in the struggle of the Iraqi people.

President Barzani also has reverence for the role of the leadership of the holy city of Najaf. The President is prepared and would much like to visit Najaf again as soon as possible, as he has done in the past.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq - (DFR.krg.org) – The Italian Consul in Erbil, Mr Carmelo Ficarra, met today with the Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, to discuss a number of issues including the donations provided by the Italian government to the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan.

The meeting was also attended by the Assistant Head of the DFR, Siham Jabali.

The Italian government has donated 300,000 Euros worth of humanitarian aid to the refugees. This shipment comprises of tents, blankets, heaters, utensils and generators. Mr Ficarra said, ‘This is the first installment of Italy’s assistance to the refugees and we will provide further assistance in the New Year.’

Minister Mustafa welcomed Mr Ficarra and expressed his gratitude to the Italian people and government for their generous contributions to the Syrian refugees. He expressed his hope that more countries will follow suit given the cold winter conditions and the urgent need for as much help as possible.

In addition Minister Mustafa thanked the Italian Consular Office and Italian government for the continued support they provide to the KRG Representation in Italy. The Minister also thanked them for helping organise a productive program for the DFR delegation that recently visited Italy and met with senior officials from the public and private sector.

Both sides were happy with the results of the delegation’s visit to Italy and they discussed ways and possibilities of setting up joint programs for further cooperation and exchange visits in the coming year.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRG.org) – The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) spokesman, Safeen Dizayee, has expressed the KRG’s heartfelt congratulations to Christians around the world on the occasion of Christmas and announced that the days of 25 and 26 December 2013 will be official holidays in all government departments and institutions in the Kurdistan Region. 

At the same times the KRG spokesman announced that the days of 1 and 2 January will also be official holidays in all government departments and institutions on the occasion of the New Year.

Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) – On the occasion of Christmas, Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani sent his best wishes to Christians in Kurdistan, in Iraq, and in the world.

In his message the President said, “Now that Iraq is going through the phase of rebuilding, one of the responsibilities is to protect co-existence among the various religious and ethnic communities in the country, and this tradition should not be compromised.”

“Unfortunately, in the past few years, Christians in Iraq have become targets of violence, but we should be proud that Kurdistan has always been a refuge and a home for all different communities and it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve this co-existence.”

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRG.org) – The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, today met with the Hungarian Ambassador to Iraq, Dr Tibor Szatmari and Ms Marta Papai, Deputy Head of Department for International Development Assistance at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting focused on the needs and situation of the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan as well as ways in which to further enhance mutual relations.

In the meeting which was also attended by the Assistant Head of the DFR, Ms Siham Jabal, Ambassador Szatmari said, ‘Hungary highly values its relationship with Kurdistan and we envision opening up a diplomatic representative office here in the near future.’

The main purpose of the Hungarian delegation’s visit was to provide the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan with humanitarian assistance and to show their commitment to alleviating the suffering that the Syrian people are facing due to the ongoing conflict there. Following the meeting, the Hungarian delegation visited the Darashakran refugee camp in Erbil to provide students with humanitarian assistance.

Minister Mustafa thanked the Hungarian people and government for this step and reiterated the importance of Hungary opening up a Consulate General in the region, as a means towards furthering cooperation between both sides in different sectors. He also referred to the importance of developing MOU’s between Hungarian universities, Chambers of Commerces' with their Kurdish counterparts to enhance sectoral cooperation.

The assistance that has been provided by the Hungarian government comes as a result of urgent appeals by Minister Mustafa to the Hungarian Ambassador for assistance to these refugees, and the DFR continues to appeal to the international community to do more to help the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan.