France reiterates its support for Peshmerga Forces

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received France’s Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his accompanying delegation.

Acknowledging that France faced the same enemy, Minister Le Drian reaffirmed France’s support to the Peshmerga Forces, praising their role in the war against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS.

Prime Minister Barzani and Minister Le Drian discussed the latest developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and the war against ISIS, including the anticipated liberation of the City of Mosul. They agreed on the significance of the liberation of Mosul and that coordination among Peshmerga, Iraqi army, and coalition forces was vital in this operation. Prime Minister Barzani stressed that the plan must clearly define the roles of each of the participating forces.

They also discussed the military and financial needs of the Peshmerga Forces. Prime Minister Barzani stressed the need for the Federal Government of Iraq to provide military and financial aid to the Peshmerga. He called on France to help ensure that Iraqi Kurdistan receives its full share of international military assistance in a timely manner.

Minister Le Drian promised to convey this request to French President Francois Hollande and international partners. He also stated that in June another batch of French military aid will be delivered to Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to obtain financial aid, the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons, the need for Iraqi and international humanitarian aid, relations between Erbil and Baghdad, Iraqi Kurdistan’s relations with neighboring countries, and a number of other issues of common concern were also discussed.