Mar 09, 2015

Iraqi Kurdistan: Pope and Italy’s Prime Minister Pledge Further Assistance


During a visit of the Kurdistan Regional Government Delegation in Italy, the country’s Prime Minister pledged humanitarian, as well as military assistance to Iraqi Kurdistan, while the Pope thanked the KRG for assisting displaced Iraqis and refugees from Syria. Moreover, Italy’s Prime Minister has promised to upgrade its diplomatic representation in Erbil to Consulate General.

 

Below is an article published by The Kurdish Globe:

A Kurdistan Regional Government delegation, headed by Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, visited Italy last week (2nd - 8th March 2015) and met with Italy and Vatican top officials.

The delegation also included Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Kamal Muslim, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, KRG spokesperson, Minister Safeen Dizayee and the KRG Representative to Italy Ms. Rezan Hama Salih.

In a meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis in Vatican, The current situation in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the wider Middle East was discussed, focusing on the latest developments in the war against the Islamic State terrorist organization, known as ISIS and the importance of the international coalition against terrorism.

Prime Minister Barzani briefed His Holiness about the situation of over 1.4 million Iraqi internally displaced people and Syrian refugees, most of who had fled the violent repression of ISIS and took refuge in the Kurdistan Region.

They belong to various ethnic and religious groups from Nineveh Plain, Sinjar and other areas of Kurdistan and Iraq where they used to coexist peacefully, but tragically have been forced to flee their homes leaving behind their belongings.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the people and government of the Kurdistan Region have been, since their arrival, providing aid and assistance to these refugees and displaced persons.

His Holiness the Pope expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government for accommodating and providing assistance to the displaced Iraqis and refugees from Syria.

The delegation also met the Vatican Foreign Minister, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

The talks focused on the current war against the Islamic State terrorist organization, ISIS, and Kurdistan Peshmaega Forces progress on the frontline.

The situation of Iraqi internally displaced people and Syrian refugees, who fled the violent repression of ISIS and took refuge in the Kurdistan Region, was also highlighted in the meeting.

The Prime Minister reiterated that further assistance from donor countries and the international community are needed to help the refugees and IDPs.

During the visit, the KRG delegation also met with the Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, in the Italian capital city of Rome.

He briefed the Italian Prime Minister about the latest developments in the Kurdistan Region and the continuous progress marked by the Peshmaega forces on the frontline against the Islamic terrorist organization, ISIS.

He also highlighted the situation of the displaced people from the rest of Iraq and the Syrian refugees who constitute a heavy burden on the Kurdistan Regional Government, stressing that they desperately need further assistance.

Italian Prime Minister Renzi reiterated that his government will continue to provide humanitarian and military assistance to the Kurdistan Region, and in order to eradicate terrorism we will stand side by side with the Kurdistan Region in every way possible.

He also expressed his respect to the courage of the Peshmaega Forces in their fight against terrorism.

Mr. Renzi expressed his concern for the spread of terrorist organizations in other parts of the world, stressing the need to confront terrorism all together.

Prime Minister Renzi stated that Italy has decided to upgrade its diplomatic representation in Erbil to Consulate General, considering that this move will send a message to the world that the situation in the Kurdistan Region is better than before. He stated, It is important for us that Kurdistan Regions stability continues.

Both sides also discussed the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, the situation in Mosul, political developments in Iraq and the importance of including all the components of Iraqi society in governance.

They also discussed the situation in Syria and its repercussion on the situation in Iraq and the wider region.

The two sides reiterated that a political solution is needed for the Syrian crisis.

On the second day of its official visit to Italy, PM Barzani and his accompanying delegation were received by the Italian Foreign Minister, Paolo Gentiloni.

The two sides discussed bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Italy, the latest developments in the war against Islamic State terrorist organization, ISIS, and the recent victories achieved by the Peshmaega Forces.

The liberation of the city of Mosul and the importance of including various Iraqi ethnic and religious groups in the operation in coordination with the international coalition forces, were highlighted in the talks.

Regarding the relationship with Baghdad, Prime Minister said the Kurdistan Regional Government remains fully committed to the agreement that it signed with the federal Iraqi government, adding that the Kurdistan Regional Government was always ready to settle all the issues with Baghdad through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Photo courtesy @Globe Photo