Kurdistan: MEPs Call for EU to Strengthen Its Presence in the Region
After visiting Erbil and Suleimaniah, Members of the European Parliament Simon Coveney and Andre Brie said, “contrasting with other parts of Iraq, we were impressed with the security situation in Kurdistan, the level of stability and also the socio-economic progress within the region.”
They have asked the European Commission to open an office in Erbil, where security concerns can be addressed. This would be a positive signal that the EU is serious about increased engagement with Iraq, helping with monitoring projects promoting democracy, capacity-building and training. The MEPs added, “Erbil can be easily reached by Iraqi politicians or civil servants who live in other parts of the country.” At present, the European Commission has one member of staff in Baghdad’s Green Zone.
The MEPs met many government ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Sarkis Aghajan, as well as civil society groups, journalists and political party representatives.
The MEPs visited the city of Halabja, attacked with chemical weapons by the Ba’ath government in 1988 killing 5,000 men, women and children. Survivors told the MEPs of the many cases of lung damage, gradual blindness, birth malformations and cancer in the city.
Mr Brie said, “I found the visit very emotional. Eighteen years after the event the European Union has still not sent medical and other specialists to Halabja.” The MEPs asked the EU to fund or create a treatment or research program to help Halabjans cope with their long-term health problems and to study the effects of chemical weapons.
Mr Brie and Mr Coveney added, “The future of Iraq as a whole is uncertain, but our visit confirmed that in Northern Iraq there are many positive things happening. The people there will be central to bringing about a brighter and more peaceful future for the region. We have a responsibility to assist and support in this process. The Kurdish Regional Government can be a real partner for progress if a relationship with the EU is promoted and developed.”
