Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday met with a delegation from Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) to discuss bilateral relations and regional stability.

Prime Minister Barzani highlighted Turkey’s role as an important regional player due to the strength of its diversity and emphasised that the Kurdistan Region remains committed to working with allies in the region to promote peace and stability as well as defend pluralism and tolerance.

The Prime Minister noted he is hopeful this first visit by the CHP marks the start of closer working relations between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region.

 

 

 

 

 Mansour Jahani - "The Exam" film directed by Shawkat Amin Korki won the Crystal Globe Competition section of the 55th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and the International Federation of Critics Award dubbed FIPRESCI Prize in Czech Republic.

The film "Ezmûn", a joint production of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, Germany and Qatar managed to won the Crystal Globe Competition section of the 55th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and the International Federation of Critics Award dubbed FIPRESCI Prize in Czech Republic.

The prize was awarded to Exam in a ceremony attended by film Director Shawkat Amin Korki, producer Mehmet Aktas, actors Avan Jamal and Vania Salar.

The members of the jury of the International Federation of Film Critics awarded the FIPRESCI prize to the film "Ezmûn", from the Crystal Globe Competition that best promotes film art and encourages new and young cinema.

At this year’s edition of Karlovy Vary IFF the FIPRESCI prize was awarded in memory of Jan Foll (1951–2021), an unmistakable persona of Czech film criticism who influenced several generations of young journalist.

The members of the jury "FIPRESCI" prize were Birgit Beumers from United Kingdom, Eirik Bull from Norway and Adéla Mrázová from the Czech Republic.

This fourth feature film of Shawkat Amin Korki is co-produced by Mitos Film in Berlin and Masti film in Sulaymaniyah. The German company ArtHood is to screen ‘The Exam’ internationally.  

For more details:

https://www.kviff.com/en/news/3621-as-far-as-i-can-walk-exam-and-otars-death-among-the-winners-of-the-non-statutory-awards 

Public Relations of feature film "The Exam".

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 5, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Abdul Muneim al-Odat, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Jordanian National Assembly, in Erbil on Sunday.

The meeting was attended by Kurdistan Region’s Speaker of Parliament, Vice Presidents, Deputy Speakers, and Minister of Parliament Affairs, as well as Jordan’s Ambassador to Iraq.

Discussions focused on the historic relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Kingdom of Jordan and ways to strengthen the bilateral ties. The Jordanian delegation reiterated the support of His Majesty King Abdullah II for the Kurdistan Region and expressed gratitude for the Kurdistan Region’s role in the war against ISIS and its defeat. The delegation valued the role and position of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq and the wider region in promoting stability and balance.

President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s appreciation for the continuing support of His Majesty the King and the Hashemite Kingdom, both at present and during the difficult periods in the past. The President expressed the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to further expand bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Jordan in all areas of mutual cooperation.

Discussions also covered the political and security situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, partnership and cooperation between the two countries, the upcoming Iraqi elections, terror threats and confronting ISIS, COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions.

Investment and job opportunities in the Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations and the ongoing dialogue between them aimed at resolving the pending issues, and other topics of mutual interest were highlighted at the meeting.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 29, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, accompanied by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Mr. Masrour Barzani, and Kurdistan Region Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Rewaz Fayeq, received the President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron and his accompanying delegation, in Erbil on Sunday.

Discussions focused on latest developments in Iraq and the wider region, the Baghdad Cooperation and Partnership Summit, which was held in Iraq’s capital and was attended by President Macron and a number of regional and neighboring leaders.

Developing Kurdistan Region’s relations with France and areas of mutual cooperation, the dangers of terrorism and threats posed by ISIS and ways to confront it, upcoming Iraqi elections, the situation in Syria and the Kurdish question in the country were highlighted.

President Macron referred to the strong relations between France and the people of Kurdistan, and reiterated his country’s continuing support to the Kurdistan Region. Mr. Macron commended the Kurdistan Region, the role of the Peshmarga and President Masoud Barzani in defeating ISIS.

At the meeting, France’s continuing support to the Kurdistan Region was affirmed and the importance of cooperation and coordination with France and the international community were underlined in finding solutions to Iraq’s problems and resolving Erbil-Baghdad disputes. France’s constructive role and efforts to maintain peace and stability were highlighted.

The status of the refugees and the displaced people, the situation of religious and ethnic communities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the importance of implementing the Shingal agreement, as well as efforts to help the refugees to return to their home areas were underlined.

The meeting was attended by the Kurdistan Region Vice Presidents and Deputy Prime Minister, a number of Kurdistan Region officials, head of Foreign Relations Department, Kurdistan Region Representative to France, as well as France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, a number of diplomatic and military officials and advisers, France’s Ambassador to Baghdad and France’s Consul General in the Kurdistan Region.

Following their meeting, President Nechirvan Barzani and President Emmanuel Macron held a joint press conference. The following is a readout of the press conference.

President Nechirvan Barzani:

“Good evening to all;

“We are pleased to welcome President Macron to Erbil. On behalf of the people of the Kurdistan Region I warmly welcome you Mr. President to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

“In our meeting, we discussed our mutual relations, the security and political situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the upcoming elections in Iraq. We also discussed the latest developments in the region and exchanged views and observations about future. We reiterated the need to further strengthen our relations, partnership and cooperation, and stressed the continuation of support from France to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region against ISIS.

“At this sensitive moment as Iraq prepares for its fifth elections, President Macron’s visit to Baghdad and Erbil is highly valued as it clearly signals France’s continuation of support to the democratic process in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. We highly value and appreciate this visit.

“Mr. President your role in bringing together the leaders and holding the Baghdad Summit was essential and vital. Thank you for this important initiative and for your Excellency’s support to Iraq. We hope that the outcomes of the summit bring stability and peace to Iraq and the wider region. We hope that with the continuation of your Excellency’s efforts and support the differences in the wider region are resolved.

“I greatly appreciate President Macron’s support and role in the resolution of the tensions with Baghdad in the fall of 2017 and in supporting the Kurdistan Region to restart the political and diplomatic negotiations. With his Excellency’s support, Erbil and Baghdad restarted the talks which helped restore peace and mutual understanding.

“We in Iraq need support to confront ISIS which still poses a great threat to Iraq, the region and the world. We need support to maintain stability, to strengthen democracy and to start up state institutions. We need support to continue reforms and progress, to help all communities take part in governance and administration, and to strengthen coexistence. We need support so that all communities, especially the Christians and the Yezidis experience trust and security.

“Therefore, we look forward to the continuation of cooperation and support from France as an influential partner and a permanent member of the Security Council with active role and position on the world stage in confronting terror and facing the impacts of climate change.

“Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have the potentials to become great partners with France in many areas including commerce, energy, economy, culture, academic exchange, science and other areas. French companies can contribute greatly to the development and progress of work, projects and investment opportunities with the full support from the Kurdistan Region.

“I welcome you Mr. President, once again.

“Merci beaucoup”

Then President Macron addressed the reporters and stated:

“Thank you… Thank you very much for this dialogue with your Excellency, the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister and the Vice Presidents of the Region. Thank you everyone. Indeed, it was important to be with you and I am glad that I am in Erbil.

“There is a special kind of friendship between France and Kurdistan. The Kurdish people have a strong friendship with the people of France. This social and cultural relationship existed, especially when our soldiers came here and stood alongside the Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi security forces, and cooperated with them, these relations became even stronger.

“I can say that our soldiers also had a good role with the Syrian Democratic Forces, and today I reiterated to President Barzani the sympathy of France and reassured him that we will continue to help in the war against ISIS, so that ISIS does not reappear on the borders of Iraq and Syria, because this war is linked to the security of the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the region and Europe too.

“The Kurdistan Region has shown generosity towards the Yazidis and Syrian refugees from Syria and from the rest of Iraq who went to the region. France was on your side in helping the displaced. France was generous in its aid, and in the coming days we will deliver government aid to the hospital for the victims of the chemical bombing of Halabja. Our coordination in this field will continue.

“Yesterday, I assured the Iraqi Prime Minister that it is necessary to direct our relations towards the interests of the people, and in particular to make every effort for the sake of the displaced and refugees here. On the issue of Sinjar, the Kurdistan Region was in contact, so we and the Iraqi government are also striving to create a ground that would contribute to the return of these people to their homes. Likewise with the Christians, we will do everything we can for their return. In the same way, we will be with you on the question of Rojava in order for these people to return to their homes. In general, it is important to create an atmosphere for reconciliation in the region. We are with stability in the region, and with achieving peace.

“It is important that the actors in the region work together for this goal, that the participants in the conference yesterday, the Iraqi Prime Minister and the rest of the officials of the countries, coordinate with interest to confront terrorism and take the role of the Kurds as well. You have an important role in this context. We were very pleased to have met today with President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

“And soon, I will meet with the Peshmerga forces. I want to assure you of France’s loyalty to you and its friends, and to the Kurds in general.

“Thank you very much.”

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/france-reaffirms-support-to-the-kurdistan-region/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 29, 2021

The President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron arrived in the Kurdistan Region early Sunday morning and was received by the Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani during a ceremony at the Erbil International Airport.

Following the welcome ceremony, President Nechirvan Barzani accompanied President Macron to the presidential suite where Mr. Macron is staying while visiting the Kurdistan Region. The meetings will be held in Erbil on Sunday.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-emmanuel-macron-arrives-in-erbil/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the Badinan Anfal campaign.

“As we mark the 33rd anniversary of the Badinan Anfal campaign, we honor the thousands of victims who were systematically targeted and killed in the last stages of the infamous genocidal campaign carried out by the brutal Ba’ath Regime of Iraq. Many more peaceful lives were shattered as hundreds of villages were destroyed and tens of thousands of people were forcibly displaced.

“On this solemn day, we once again call on the Iraqi government to compensate the families of the victims of Anfal. We will continue with our efforts to have this heinous act of terror recognized by the international community for what it was: An act of genocide. The Kurdistan Regional Government remains committed to getting justice for the families of Kurdistan’s martyrs and the victims of Anfal.

“May they all Rest In Peace.”

Masrour Barzani
Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – The Kurdistan Regional Government’s spokesperson issued the following statement on the 33rd anniversary of the Badinan Anfal campaign.

“Thirty-three years ago, thousands of innocent civilians from the Badinan region were taken and killed while thousands more were forced to flee their destroyed homes as the Ba’athist Regime carried out the final stages of its brutal Anfal campaign.

“The Ba’athist Regime’s genocidal campaign was a ruthless attempt by the oppressive government to maintain power and extinguish the Kurdish freedom movement, which they failed to do as that dream lives on today with the brave and hopeful people of the Kurdistan Region.

“Today, it is the children of our martyrs and the victims of Anfal who are building a strong and prosperous Kurdistan, honouring the memory of those who fought for our freedom, and it is the duty of the Federal Government of Iraq to compensate the families of the victims.

“The Kurdistan Regional Government will, as always, continue to serve the families of our martyrs and work to provide a brighter future to the people of the Kurdistan Region.”

Jotiar Adel
KRG Spokesperson

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 25, 2021

As we commemorate the 33d anniversary of the Badinan Genocide today, we pay tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives at the hands of the Ba’ath regime during the last stages of the Anfal Campaigns against the civilian population in Badinan on August 25, 1988.

Five divisions of the then Iraqi army took part in the systematic attacks which indiscriminately rounded up innocent civilians, and sent them to the death camps of the Iraqi southern deserts.

More than 182.000 people lost their lives in many areas across Iraqi Kurdistan, from Garmian to Badinan, as the Anfal Campaigns systematically and indiscriminately targeted civilians. The campaigns also resulted in the destruction of thousands of villages across Kurdistan, severely damaging the environment and demolishing the infrastructure in the region.

The Anfal Campaigns in Badinan and all the crimes committed against the people of Kurdistan are eternal wounds that will never be forgotten. These heinous crimes demonstrate the oppression against the people of Kurdistan due to their peaceful pursuit of freedom and their just rights.

Remembering Anfal should encourage us to further strengthen peace and unity among all communities in Kurdistan in order to overcome current hardships. These horrifying atrocities must lead us all towards tolerance and peaceful coexistence and encourage us to further preserve Kurdistan’s achievements.

As we mark this day, we reiterate that Iraq’s federal government must live up to its legal obligations and implement the verdict of the Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal and offer compensations to the victims and their surviving relatives.

Authorities must continue to work for an international recognition of the Anfal Campaigns as genocide and also continue to document these crimes to prevent their repetition anywhere else in the world.

On this day, we salute the people of Erbil and its surroundings for their courageous roles in sheltering and assisting the families who were targeted in the Anfal campaigns in Badinan. Their generosity and support to the affected families will forever remain in our memory.

We pay tribute to the memories of the fallen heroes of Anfal and all the martyrs of Kurdistan.

Nechirvan Barzani
Kurdistan Region President

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/statement-by-the-president-of-the-kurdistan-region-on-the-anniversary-of-anfal-bahdinan/