Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRP.org) – Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani met with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Erbil on Wednesday.

The two sides discussed bilateral relations, Iraq’s political and security challenges, including the upcoming parliamentary elections in Iraq, and the Syrian conflict.

They both said that they are very pleased with the status of their relations and expressed their willingness to further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties. Foreign Minister Davutoglu described President Barzani’s visit to Diyarbakir in 2013 as very significant and historical.

On the planned upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, President emphasized that these elections must be held on time.

With the presence of the Representative of Kurdistan Regional Government in Iran, a ceremony, in honor of martyrs killed in chemical bombarding in Halabcheh was held in the Behesht Zahra of Tehran.

With presence of Nazem Dabbagh, the Representative of Kurdistan Regional Government in Tehran, Dr. Ahmad (Jegarkhawein), the deputy-Representative of Kurdistan Regional Government, the representative of political parties of Kurdistan Regional Representative office in Tehran like: Loghman Hakim Seif, the Representative of Democrat-Socialist party of Kurdistan, Amjad Babahaji, the representative of Islamic Union, Hiva Rasul Rashid, the representative of Islamic Population, the representative of Islamic republic of Iran, General director of Behesht Zahra, 35 numbers of the families of victims of Halabcheh bombardment, the ceremony service of the victims of chemical bombardment of Halabcheh was held in the sections 25 and 40 of the cemetery of Behesht Zahra in Tehran at 1 o’clock, in the afternoon, on Monday, on Isfand, the 5; the audience commemorated the memory of these martyrs with offering garlands and praying for them.

In the ceremony held in memory of martyrs of chemical bombarding of Halabcheh, a few of audience gave speeches.

A number of martyrs of chemical bombardment of Halabcheh died in Iran at that time and reposed on the cemeteries of Iran. Nearly 70 of the martyrs were buried in the sections 25 and 40 of Behesht Zahra of Tehran and 44 of the martyrs rested together in section 25.

By order of the prime minister of Kurdistan Regional Government, 35 numbers of victimized families of chemical bombarding of Halabcheh traveled to Iran to visit the tombs of their beloved dead. After the chemical bombarding of Halabcheh city by Ba’ath regime, a number of victims of this tragic event were taken to different hospitals in Iran to be treated their wounds and injuries and most of them left for Tehran to be cures and healed. Unfortunately a number of these victims, for the toughness and violence of injuries, died in Tehran and were buried in the cemetery of Behesht Zahra. Every year human organization under the heading NGO, Kurds inhabiting and the families of martyrs of chemical bombarding of Halabcheh, commemorate the memory of the royalty martyrs with presence at their cemeteries and offering garlands and praying for the dead.   

Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) – President Masoud Barzani met with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq Brett McGurk today to discuss the security and political developments in Iraq, tensions between Erbil and Baghdad, and the situation of Syrian refugees in Kurdistan.

Slemani, Kurdistan - (KRG.org) – Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani spoke at the launch of the Grand Millennium Hotel in Slemani, lauding the business community of the city and urging further investment and private sector development.

The Prime Minister said, "This is another success story in the process of developing and rebuilding the Kurdistan Region, and the private sector has played a pivotal role in this regard from the beginning." He added, "The KRG has a clear vision for the tourism sector, and tourism can be an important aspect of our economy."

Mr. Faruk Mustafa, the owner of Faruk Company responsible for the project, explained the importance of this development for the city of Slemani. Mr. Mustafa referred to the importance of forward-looking KRG policy that has promoted private sector activity and supported businesses in various sectors.

The hotel is 39 stories tall and contains 253 guest rooms, shopping halls, ballrooms, two restaurants, and a cinema. The cost of the project was reported to cost just over a quarter-billion dollars.

Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) – Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani welcomed the British international bank Standard Chartered to Kurdistan today at the inauguration ceremony of its Erbil branch.

Mr. Barzani outlined the need for an improved banking sector in Kurdistan. He said, “I believe the time has come for us to seriously examine international financial practices and carefully consider how modern banking can help families and businesses to manage their wealth.” He added, “I have no doubt that the presence of Standard Chartered will help us move forward in this regard.”

Mr. V. Shankar, the Standard Chartered CEO for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, said the company comes “with glitter in our eyes” and stated his optimism for the bank’s activity in the Region.

Britain’s Consul General, Mr. Hugh Evans, underlined the United Kingdom’s confidence in its mutually beneficial relationship with the Kurdistan Region, applauding KRG policy and supporting the decision by Standard Chartered to commence operations in Kurdistan. Mr. Gavin Wishart, CEO of Standard Chartered in Iraq, also spoke on behalf of the bank.

Lisbon, Portugal (KRG.org) – The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, led the KRG's first ministerial delegation to Portugal, meeting with a number of key officials from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Parliament and inaugurating the Business Association of Portugal - Kurdistan / Iraq. The KRG Representative to Spain, Mr. Daban Shadala, accompanied Minister Mustafa on the visit.

At the Foreign Ministry the KRG delegation was received by the Secretary of of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Luis Campos Ferreira, the Secretary of State of Portuguese Communities Abroad, Jose Cesario and the Director General for Foreign Policy, Rui Macieira. Mr. Ferreira welcomed the delegation and said, "We have a number of issues of common interest to discuss, so I am thankful for your visit to Portugal and to our Ministry." He added, "It is very important to have Portuguese companies working in Kurdistan, which is peaceful and welcoming."

Minister Mustafa expressed his pleasure in conducting the KRG's first high-level official visit to Portugal. He said, "We believe both Portugal and Kurdistan can benefit from a stronger relationship. The KRG would warmly welcome Portuguese diplomatic representation in Kurdistan, and we very much hope you consider this possibility in the near future." For his part, Mr. Ferreira urged the KRG to establish a representation office in Lisbon.

Mr. Sergio Sousa Pinto, Chairman of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, also received the delegation. Minister Mustafa emphasized the importance of international relations for the KRG, explaining, "We want to expand our relations with the international community, particularly in order to benefit from the technology and expertise of other countries. Based on this, we can build a mutually beneficial relationship."

Chairman Pinto welcomed the message, asking a number of questions regarding the progress and opportunities in Kurdistan. The KRG delegation urged the Portuguese Parliament to recognize the crimes committed against the Kurds by the former regime as genocide, and suggested a parliamentary fact-finding visit to Kurdistan to explore greater cooperation. Minister Mustafa also held a meeting with parliamentarians from several parties, promoting the establishment of an all-party parliamentary group to support Portugal's relationship with Kurdistan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a signing ceremony to officially inaugurate the newly established Business Association of Portugal - Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Association is designed to enhance future cooperation, build commercial and economic bridges, and promote partnerships among private sector entities in Portugal and Kurdistan. The ceremony was attended by Minister Mustafa, Mr. Cesario, Mr. Shadala, and a representative from the Iraqi Embassy in Lisbon.

Mr. Dabbagh, the Representative of Kurdistan Region in a talk with Kurdistan Noyee Newspaper in Tehran stated the plan made in a special way for Islamic Revolution was conducted successfully. By this year, it is 35 years that Imam Khomeini returned Tehran, however it has changed the way of people’s living; concerning this the Representative of Kurdistan Region government in Tehran in talk with Kurdistan Noyee Newspaper mentioned the plan made in a special way for Islamic Revolution was conducted successfully.

Mr. Nazem Dabbagh continued to say the royal regime oppressed compatriot of his land; there was no freedom, instead admiring Shah was a top priority. In addition signing the Algeria contract made him proud and delighted; these all caused Iranian nation together with all tribes and religious supported and encouraged joined a protesting and remonstrative movement formed against dominance and –ruling of the time. The plan made in special way for the Islamic Revolution was conducted successfully. Therefore the purposes of the revolution caused few regional countries’ dissatisfaction and concern, though at last it reached many accomplishments and the Islamic Republic government of Iran was established.

About Iranian Kurds in Islamic Revolution, He said the role of Iranian Kurds and all other religions in this historic and dominant event was clear, so Kurds of Iran played special role in this Revolution’s success and was a part of the Revolution and popular opposition. The reason was Iranian nation detested being oppressed.

The representative of Kurdistan region declared in general Islamic Republic of Iran caused once again the gate development and improvement was opened to liberty movement of Iraq Kurdistan and changed to an important entrance through which we could have freely commute to Iran and took measures in order revive our nation’s absolute right.

At the end of talk, Mr. Nazem Dabbagh about Dr. Ruhani’s promises to Iranian tribes and religions in presidential election of Iran stated: after Dr. Ruhani became the president of Iran he selected his high advisor for this case so this action itself is a step toward make his promises for Iranian tribes and religions; a few days ago Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the leader of Isalmic Republic of Iran, in his phrase declared to give more chance to Dr. Ruhani in order to make his promises in presidential elections.

Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) - Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani today met with director of Middle East and North Africa at the French Foreign Ministry, Mr. Jean-François Girault.

The meeting between the President and the French official focused on bilateral relations, the humanitarian situation of Syrian refugees in Kurdistan, the impact of Syrian conflict on Iraq, and disputes between Erbil and Baghdad over budget and energy exports.

Mr. Girlaut hailed the stability and economic developments in Kurdistan and added that this progress in such a volatile and problematic region is remarkable. He expressed his hope that the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections would lead to a resolution of the problems facing the country.

President Barzani said his is pleased with the status of the KRG relations with France and hoped that these ties will continue to grow.

On disputes between Baghdad and Erbil, the President said that the source of the problems in Iraq is lack of adherence to the constitution and monopolization of power. As a result, he said, Iraq is far from a proper state, and its people suffer from lack of security and lack of basic services.

The President expressed his hope that after the new elections in April, there would be prospects for the resolution of the problems facing Iraq.