NB_Miri-Qeter-30-10-2019

President Nechirvan Barzani pays official visit to Qatar

Doha, Qatar, 29 – 30 October 2019

President Nechirvan Barzani met with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Jassim Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar 29th of October 2019 during his official visit to Qatar.

Both leaders discussed the latest security and political developments in Iraq, Erbil-Baghdad relations, Qatari investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region and efforts to open a Consulate of the State of Qatar in Erbil. The situation in Syria and its implications were also discussed .

Qatar’s Ambassador to Iraq and Iraq’s Ambassador to Qatar attended the meeting.

President Nechirvan Barzani met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani 30th of October.

They discussed the latest developments in the region and exchanged views on a number of issues.

President Barzani presented a brief on Erbil-Baghdad relations and the discussions aimed at solving outstanding issues in accordance with Iraq’s Constitution. Both leaders discussed Qatar’s relations with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and opportunities for Qatari investments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

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KRG Convenes to Discuss the Latest Developments in Iraq

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Kurdistan Regional Government to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in Iraq.

In light of the ongoing protests, Prime Minister Barzani called for restraint by all sides, reiterating his hope that a peaceful resolution can be found that preserves the progress made since the country overcame war.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed support for the reforms and constructive steps taken by the federal government in response to the legitimate demands of protesters, and denounced efforts to push forward unconstitutional changes to the federal system of Iraq.

Prime Minister Barzani urged every Kurdistani political faction in Baghdad to remain united in protecting the constitutional rights of the people of the Kurdistan Region against divergent political interests.

While welcoming the successful operation to remove Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi as a definitive step in the fight against ISIS, Prime Minister Barzani warned that the terrorist organisation remains a threat, and that instability in Iraq heightens the country’s vulnerability.

Noting that Peshmerga forces were the first to succeed in the battle against ISIS following their emergence in Iraq, which paved the way to the group’s defeat in Syria, Prime Minister Barzani reminded his cabinet of the importance of continued cooperation with Iraqi security forces and the global coalition.

Following a discussion about the ongoing instability in Syria, Prime Minister Barzani approved a proposal by the Minister of Interior, Rebar Ahmed, to establish a humanitarian emergency response fund to provide basic and essential services to the new wave of refugees fleeing to the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasised that the Kurdistan Region has already made a huge sacrifice in continuing to host 1.1 million displaced people. He called on the federal government of Iraq, the international community, and local and foreign organizations to contribute to the humanitarian emergency response fund.

Prime Minister Barzani reminded his cabinet of their commitment to build a strong, secure and prosperous Kurdistan, and informed them that key reforms must soon be presented to Parliament for approval.

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A Statement from Kurdistan Region Presidency

The US-led coalition forces have played a major role in protecting and assisting the people of the Kurdistan Region, starting from establishing no-fly zone in 1991, toppling the Ba’ath regime in 2003, to defeating ISIS terror group in the past few years.

They have fought and bled alongside the Peshmerga forces in defending the Kurdistan Region.
We understand the high emotions of our people but the appreciation for the role and contribution of the coalition forces, especially the United States military, should not be affected by undesirable political decisions.

The Kurdistan Region reiterates its appreciation to the US-led coalition forces and our continued partnership in the fight against Isis

 

NB_Shandi-Serbazi-Beritaniya-15-10-2019

Kurdistan Region President Meets Top UK Military Advisor

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 15 October 2019

President Nechirvan Barzani received the Senior Adviser to the Middle East and North Africa, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer and his accompanying delegation.

President Barzani discussed the reform process of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and thanked the United Kingdom and other countries within the International Coalition for their support.

During the meeting, President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his appreciation for the UK and the International Coalition for their support to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. President Barzani emphasized on the importance of the continued UK support in protecting the achievements of the war against terror and preventing terrorist resurgence.

Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer reaffirmed his country’s support to the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs for its reform process, training of Peshmerga forces, and confronting terrorism. Both sides reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi Army in the disputed areas and in confronting terrorist threats. They also discussed Erbil- Baghdad relations, latest developments in Iraq and Syria, the military operations in the east of the Euphrates and its effect on the security and stability of the wider region

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Peshmerga Affairs and the General Consul of the United Kingdom to the Kurdistan Region.

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Kurdistan Region President Meets with Leaders of Political Parties

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 16 October 2019

President Nechirvan Barzani met with leaders and representatives of political parties that have seats in the Kurdistan Parliament. The President of the Kurdistan Region called for the meeting to exchange views among Kurdistan political parties and to unify their positions.

The main topics of the meeting were the assessment of the internal situation of the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdistan Region’s relations with the Iraqi Federal Government, the tensions of the wider region and the effects and implications of the military operation in Syria.

All political sides agreed on the need to hold these meetings periodically. They considered the Kurdistan Region Presidency as the highest executive institution in the Kurdistan Region to hold these discussions.

The participating political parties also agreed that all sides, including the opposition parties, should bear their share of responsibilities on the national matters relevant to the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding the relations between Kurdistan Region with the Iraqi Federal Government, it was recommended that all parties unite their voice in the dialogue process with the Federal Government and Iraqi political parties in order to attain all rights of the people of Kurdistan. Including matters of budget allocation and the issues of Kurdish areas outside the Kurdistan Region’s administration in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution.

The participating sides also agreed to establish a unified bloc in the Council of Representatives of Iraq with the goal of uniting all efforts in the Iraqi institutions including Iraqi Presidency, Government and Council of Representative. The meeting also stressed Iraq’s need for stability, taking into account the sensitive situation of the wider region, the legitimate demands of citizens, de-escalation of violence and the protection of state institutions.

As for the military operation in Syria, the adoption of a pragmatic policy approach was recommended to protect the interests of the Kurdistan Region and its citizens. Also, it was recommended that all institutions and the political parties take all efforts to end the war and encourage peaceful dialogue that guarantees the rights of all the Syrian components.

Parties participating in the meeting:
– Kurdistan Democratic Party
– Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
– The Gorran Movement
– Kurdistan Islamic Group
– Kurdistan Islamic Union
– National Union Alliance
– Turkmen Development Party
– The Socialist Democratic Party of Kurdistan
– Kurdistan Communist Party
– Assyrian Movement
– Turkmen Front
– The Kurdistan Labour and Proletarian Party
– Turkmen Reform Party
– The Chaldean, Syriac and Assyrian Assembly
– People’s bloc
– Armenian bloc

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President Barzani: We Spare No Effort to Stop the War

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 10 October 2019

President Nechirvan Barzani says the Kurdistan Region is deeply concerned about the military operation in Syria.  In a statement on Thursday, the President of the Kurdistan Region called upon the international community to take concrete steps to end the war and build a lasting peace in Syria.

Below is President Barzani’s full statement:

We have been closely monitoring the developments in Syria and we are deeply concerned about the military operation in the east of Euphrates, especially as extremist groups of Syrian opposition are taking part in the operation.

War leads to more destruction, displacement of civilians and instability in the entire region and could pave the way for resurgence of more serious and vicious terror campaigns.

We, in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, made immense sacrifices to defeat terror, and we have witnessed the destruction of war first-hand.  We are very concerned and cautious about deteriorating security and stability, as it might lead to unforeseen and dangerous consequences, affecting the region and the world. Therefore, we spare no effort to stop this war and bring about peace, and we are ready to provide mediation and assistance.

Fighting and armed conflicts greatly undermine the region’s stability, erase the gains made against ISIS, and serve no one’s interest.  I call upon the international community and the United Nations Security Council to find a just and comprehensive solution for Syria’s future, a solution that protects the rights of all Syrians, and take concrete steps to end this war, build a lasting peace through dialogue and political means, and prevent another refugee crisis.

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Kurdistan Region President Receives Foreign Minister of Russian Federation

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 07 October 2019

President Nechirvan Barzani received Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov..
President Barzani conveyed his appreciation to President Vladimir Putin and Russia for supporting the Kurdistan Region during difficult times. He also thanked Minister Lavrov and considered his visit as a sign of support for the Kurdistan Region.

President Barzani also expressed his concern with the situation of Kurds in Syria and requested Minister Lavrov’s cooperation to work with the international community and help protect the rights of Kurds in Syria.

During the meeting, Minister Lavrov stressed Russia’s continued support for the Kurdistan Region and welcomed the improved relations between Erbil-Baghdad and continued dialogue aimed at resolving outstanding issues in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution.

Minister Lavrov also expressed his appreciation to the Kurdistan Region for providing investment opportunities to Russian private sector companies in the Region, especially in the energy sector. He also confirmed that his country will continue to support and aid the Kurdistan Region and Iraq against terrorism.

Both sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations,, the latest developments in the region, threats of terrorist resurgence in Iraq and the wider region, and the Kurdistan Region’s relations with neighboring countries.

The meeting was also attended by the Vice Presidents of the Kurdistan Region and officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government.

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Kurdistan Region President Meets with the Judiciary Council

rbil, Kurdistan Region, 01 October 2019

President Nechirvan Barzani received members of Kurdistan Region’s Judicial Council to discuss the judiciary system and legislations.

President Barzani expressed his support to the judicial authority and stressed the critical responsibility to uphold the rule of law and ensure citizens have complete confidence in the impartiality of the Kurdistan Region’s judicial system. He alsoemphasized on the need for close coordination between both Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s Judiciarysystems.

During the meeting, the Judiciary Council reiterated President Barzani’s role as a protector of the rule of law in the Kurdistan Region.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Minister of Justice, Farsat Ahmed, also attended the meeting.

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President Barzani Receives the New Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Iraq

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 01 October 2019

President Nechirvan Barzani met with the new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Iraq, Jang Kyung-wook.

President Barzani praised the relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Republic of Korea, the past activities of Zaytun Division and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) within the International Coalition in the Kurdistan Region. He also extended support to Korean investment in the Kurdistan Region.

In the meeting, President Barzani congratulated Ambassador Jang Kyung-wook on assuming his post in Iraq and wished him all the success in his duties.

He also conveyed his congratulations to the Government of the Republic of Korea on South Korea’s National Day and for the 15 th anniversary of the dispatching of Zaytun Division in the Kurdistan Region.

Both sides expressed their willingness for strengthening bilateral ties.

NB_Shandi-USA-3-10-2019

President Nechirvan Barzani Meets with U.S. Delegation

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 03 October 2019

President Nechirvan Barzani received American Senator Tammy Baldwin and her accompanying delegation.

President Barzani stressed on resolving outstanding issues in accordance with the Iraqi constitution and forming joint security mechanisms between Peshmerga forces and Iraqi Army in the disputed areas.

Both sides discussed the current political and security situation in Iraq, Erbil-Baghdad relations, the progress of discussions aimed at resolving oil and fiscal budget issues, conditions of refugees and their return home, the threat of ISIS resurgence and the relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with the United States.

President Barzani expressed his appreciation to the U.S. for the support it provided to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq during the fight against ISIS. The U.S. delegation paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the Peshmerga forces in the war against terror and reiterated American continued support to the Kurdistan Region.