Baghdad attempting to ignite Arab, Kurdish strife: KRG

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) early Thursday morning called on Iraqi religious authorities, parties, and civil society to oppose the Iraqi Federal Government’s attempts at igniting a conflict between Arabs and Kurds.

“We also call upon religious leaders, all Iraqi political parties, civil society organizations and all those who believe in the Constitution, stability, and peace to stand against those who encourage hostilities between Arabs and Kurds and use violence and aggression in response to disagreements,” read the statement.

Baghdad has accused the Kurdistan Region’s forces of reneging on an agreement both sides had reached regarding the deployment of troops to borders areas with the Kurdistan Region and threatened to deploy troops. Erbil has denied the claims, asserting an initial draft agreement was presented, and then subsequently altered by the Iraqi side despite the Kurdish delegation’s willingness to discuss.

“Escalating the current situation towards violence and fighting will only bring destruction, affecting all components of the Iraqi society,” the KRG statement read.

The KRG reiterated its readiness to conduct a “frank and constructive dialogue” with the Iraqi Federal Government within the framework of the constitution. “However, the answer from Baghdad has been negative so far.”

 “We strive for peace, and we believe our rights must be safeguarded, as it is stated in the constitution,” the statement concluded. “To reach a comprehensive agreement, we call for constructive and genuine negotiations in order to build a secure future for all Iraqis.”

Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga Forces held negotiations, supported by the US-led coalition, since late October in hopes to find a peaceful solution to issues over international border crossings and disputed areas.

The Iraqi Joint Operations Command, however, threatened on Wednesday night to launch an assault on the Kurdistan Region, claiming they had been given orders to “secure areas and borders” within Kurdish territory.

It accused the KRG of using the talks to “delay” the Iraqi incursion in order to strengthen Peshmerga defenses.

While the Ministry of Peshmerga expressed its readiness to defend its positions, Baghdad warned that any forces opening fire on Iraqi security forces would be “pursued by the force of federal law” and would “not be safe.”

“The Iraqi statement is a clear violation of the constitution by emphasizing the use of force and the army in solving domestic political differences,” the Ministry said, adding that “it is them [Iraqi forces] who are amassing weapons and troops to attack our people.

The coveted land border with Turkey is located in the Kurdistan Region and has been managed by the KRG since the fall of the former regime in 2003.