Archive for month: May, 2017

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – In a statement Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, strongly condemned the terrorist attack against Egyptian Copts and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Egyptian people and government.

Following is the text of the statement:

I strongly condemn the barbaric terrorist attack against two buses in Egypt’s Minya province, killing 30 Coptic christians and injuring several others, while they were on their way to the church.

We extend our condolences to the families of the victims, and the people and government of Egypt, while wishing prompt recovery for the wounded victims.

At the time when terrorist operations have become recurrent in the world, the international community must confront terrorist groups with further firmness and fight their dark ideology more broadly.

Nechirvan Barzani
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – In a statement, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani strongly condemned Monday’s terrorist attack at a concert in Manchester.

Below is the text of the statement:

I strongly condemn the terror attack that took place at a concert in Manchester on Monday, which killed and wounded a number of civilians. I offer my condolences to the families of the victims, the people and the government of the United Kingdom; I stand in solidarity with them. I wish a speedy recovery for the wounded victims.

The continued terrorist attacks in various places across the world require stronger counter-terrorism measures, greater cooperation and coordination of the international community in order to defeat and eradicate terror and its ideology.

I hope that the United Kingdom and the world will not experience another terroris act.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the US Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, Brett McGurk, and his accompanying delegation, including the US Ambassador to Iraq and the US Consul General in Erbil.

The delegation commended the Kurdistan Regional Government and the achievements of the Peshmerga in countering the Islamic State terrorist group, ISIS, and for coordination between the Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces in the military operation to liberate Mosul. Mr. McGurk praised the people and the Government of the Kurdistan Region in accomodating and assisting a large number of displaced people. He emphasized his country will continue its military and humanitarian support to the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding the political situation in the Kurdistan Region, the visiting delegation expressed support for any step that would lead to stability, and the continuation of dialogue between the political parties.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed appreciation for the support of the US in assisting to resolve the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad. He also expressed the desire to further relations between Erbil and Washington.

Prime Minister Barzani said that the Kurdistan Region has sheltered a large number of IDPs fleeing terrorism, and that about 35,000 casualties from the military operation to liberate Mosul have been treated in the Kurdistan Region. However, he said, support from Baghdad has been markedly inadequate.

On the internal political situation, Prime Minister Barzani stressed that serious talks are underway among the Kurdistan Region’s political parties to resolve internal issues.

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (dfr.gov.krd)– Minister Falah Mustafa met with Ms. Carme Forcadell Lluis, President of the Catalan Parliament.

Minister Mustafa thanked the Catalan parliament for recognizing the crimes against Yazidis, Christians and others as acts of genocide and gave an overview of the current financial, humanitarian and security developments in the Kurdistan Region. The Minister also highlighted KRG’s decision to conduct a referendum on independence.

Ms. Lluis emphasized the Catalan Parliament’s  support to Kurdistan’s right to self-determination. She expressed her gratitude to the Peshmerga in defeating ISIS and the role played by the KRG in restoring regional stability and hosting a great number of displaced people.

The KRG Representative to Spain Mr. Daban Shadalaalso attended the meeting.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received General Tom Beckett, UK special envoy for security affairs, Frank Baker, UK Ambassador to Iraq, and a number of British military officials.

In the meeting also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and Acting Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Karim Sinjari, the delegation expressed appreciation for the cooperation received in the international coalition team assisting to reform the Ministry.  In seeking approval of the KRG Council of Ministers, the reform project will be discussed in an upcoming session. The delegation reiterated the UK will continue its military assistance.

General Beckett also expressed his appreciation for the great success the Peshmerga have achieved in the fight against terrorism. He commended the cooperation and coordination between the Peshmerga and Iraqi army in military efforts to liberate Mosul. General Beckett also highlighted the importance of an inclusive political process accompanying cooperation in military operations.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his government’s appreciation for the British Government’s continued assistance to the Kurdistan Region. He also stated his appreciation of the international team assisting to reform the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

The team intends to help the KRG in its efforts to build a professional and modern Peshmerga force.

Prime Minister Barzani also commended the close coordination between the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army in the battle to liberate Mosul. He also stressed that it is essential for Baghdad to start a comprehensive political process for the post-Mosul liberation so people in the region can return to their homes with confidence.

Prime Minister Barzani also reiterated that it is necessary to have frank dialogue in order to reach suitable solutions to the issues between Erbil and Baghdad.