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.
