Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and a senior Kurdistan Regional Government delegation visited Ainkawa district in Erbil to meet with representatives of the Kurdistan Region's Chaldean, Assyrian, Syriac, and Armenian political parties.

Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed KRG’s policy of promoting and protecting the rights of all components of Kurdistan society regardless of religion and ethnicity, that guarantee their participation in all fields of public life according to law. He also discussed the current political, security, and administrative situation in the Kurdistan Region.

Christian party representatives expressed concerns about the current situation in the Nineveh plains and called upon the Iraqi federal government to reduce their military and security forces and allow the KRG to take steps in assuming responsibility for security.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasized all religious and ethnic communities of Iraqi Kurdistan society have historical roots and are genuine components of this homeland. He accepted their fair and legal grievances and said they would be studies and followed up despite the KRG’s current difficult situation.

Prime Minister Barzani focused on the blessing of security and political stability that the Kurdistan Region continues to enjoy. He said this attracted hundreds of thousands of citizens who fled violence and instability in other parts of the Iraq to seek refuge in the Kurdistan Region. He noted all IDPs were welcomed and supported by the people and government of the Kurdistan Region despite severe financial constraints caused by the federal government's suspension of the agreed share of national revenue since February 2014.

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated Christian communities are an integral part of the Kurdistan society. He affirmed both the Kurdistan Parliament and the Kurdistan Regional Government are available to address their concerns.