Feb 02, 2004

The Kurdistan Regional Government Condemns Erbils Terrorist Attacks


Two simultaneous suicide attacks took place earlier today
Sunday 1st February 2004 will be remembered as one of the bloodiest days in the history of the Kurdish people Two simultaneous suicide attacks took place earlier today as hundreds of people were gathered to celebrate the Islamic holiday, Eid al-Adha, as two unidentified men entered the crowd and blew themselves up. The bloody attacks took place in the two main political offices in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan and left at least 100 people dead and scores of others injured. Among the dead are top political representatives from both KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) and PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) administrations and other party officials as follows: Sami Abdulrahman, Deputy Prime Minister KRG, Polite Bureau Secretary, KDP Shawkat Shekh Yezdin, Coordination Minister, KRG, Central Committee Member, KDP Sa'd Abdulla, Polite Bureau Member, Head of Branch 2, KDP Mehmmod Halo, Deputy Finance Minister, KDP Akram Mentik, Governor of Erbil, KDP Mehdi Khoshnaw, Deputy Governor of Erbil, KDP Ahmad Rojbeyani, Head of Administration of the City of Erbil, KDP Neriman Abdul-Hamid, Head of Police in Erbil Shakhewan Abbas, Leadership Member, PUK Khasro Shera, Leadership Member, PUK These attacks have in brutal way shaken the entire Kurdish society. KRG strongly condemns these horrific acts, which are one of the deadliest attacks in Iraq since the Coalition Forces gained control in May last year. Todays attacks are also evidence of a new terrorist strategy targeted at a specific group in Iraq, its political administration and its democratic achievements. These attacks are not only an attempt to undermine the Kurdish political administration, but are also a strike against the positive democratic developments that have taken place in Iraqi Kurdistan. It is also clear that these acts of terrorism were aimed at jeopardizing all future prospects regarding a formalised federal Kurdish administration. The Kurdistan Regional Government is determined to continue its path towards a democratic and federal solution for Iraq and will under no circumstances be set back by these acts of violence. The international communitys recognition and support of the Kurdish claim for continued territorial self-rule is vital in the struggle towards a peaceful and democratic Iraq. The Kurdistan Regional Government United Nations representative urges the international community, the United Nations and non governmental organisations to openly condemn todays terrorist attacks. A memorial service for the victims will be held on Saturday 7th February. More information will be provided within short. For those who are less familiar with the situation in IKR, allow me to offer some background information. Iraqis living in the IKR are the most pro-American people in the Middle East. Masoud Barzani's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Jalal Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) are two brother political parties who have struggled long and hard against the regime of Saddam Hussein. During the war, KDP and PUK fighters fought as allies with U.S. forces and suffered disproportionate casualties, including the highest number in a single day. In October 1991, Saddam Hussein's regime withdrew its administration from the IKR and established a militarized line separating the Region from the rest of Iraq. In November 1991, the regime expelled over 100,000 Kurds from Kirkuk into the Region. With winter approaching, the regime imposed an embargo on critical home fuels for heating/cooking, and other essential goods. There were no sources of revenue to pay over 200,000 civil servants needed to maintain essential services. Retired government employees no longer received their pensions from the Baghdad regime. It is no accident that the IKR is the most secure and politically stable part of today's Iraq. It did not happen by itself. Despite almost insurmountable difficulties, internal conflicts, and against great odds, with US-UK no-fly support the KDP and PUK sorted the situation out. From 1991 to 2003, Saddam Hussen threatened to return; his forces were only 20 minutes south of Erbil. Turkey to the north invaded the Region numerous times and occasionally closed its border to essential goods. Iran to the east also invaded and shelled communities near its border, and also occasionally closed its borders to essential goods. Syria on the west side severely restricted the flow of essential goods and people. Until the recent war, few non-Iraqis could enter the Region. Nevertheless, with neighbours like these, the challenges were met. The officials who were killed and injured today, and the many good visitors who were also victims, have contributed to making the Iraqi Kurdistan Region a piece of Iraq to be emulated throughout the country. The Region needs such good, dedicated people. It will surely miss those who left today. The Region is what it is today because of them. Thanks. For further information please contact: Dindar Zibari, Special Representative United Nations and International organisations Iraqi Kurdish administration Geneva Office 34 rue du Moillelbeau 1209 Geneve, Tel: (0041) 22 732 1656 Fax: (0041) 22 732 1659 Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.krg.org