Baghdad ‘evades’ dialogue, prefers military options: Masrour Barzani

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC), Masrour Barzani, on Monday said the Iraqi government “evades” dialogue with Kurdistan, noting that officials in Baghdad prefer military options.

During a meeting with German Ambassador in Iraq Cyrill Nunn in Erbil, Chancellor Barzani discussed the ongoing developments regarding the relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government of Iraq.

“The Iraqi government evades the peaceful option, and it is clear that officials in Baghdad still prefer the military option in dealing with Kurdistan,” the KRSC head stated.

The relationship between the KRG and the Iraqi government has considerably deteriorated following Kurdistan’s Sep. 25 independence referendum.

The historic vote received sweeping support for secession from Iraq, but Baghdad refused to recognize the results and instead responded by imposing collective punitive measures against Kurdistan, including the use of military force in disputed areas.

The KRG has shown its flexibility, offering to freeze the results of the referendum, but Baghdad demands a full annulment instead.

The KRSC Chancellor pointed out that Baghdad’s unwillingness to begin a peaceful dialogue is a source of concern and a threat to the stability of the region.

He also noted the leaders of the Kurdistan Region had renounced violence and pushed for the start of dialogue to resolve all outstanding differences between Erbil and Baghdad, but the Iraqi government has not shown any response so far.

Chancellor Barzani renewed the call for a comprehensive dialogue between Kurdistan and Iraq to resolve all the issues between both sides.

Meanwhile, Nunn expressed his country’s support for the start of talks between Erbil and Baghdad “to resolve all outstanding differences according to the Iraqi Constitution.”

“We want to see all efforts made between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region to get out of the crisis, and the immediate start of negotiations between the two sides,” the German Ambassador said.

Chancellor Barzani also highlighted “the great role” the international community had played so far in mediating and encouraging discussions between the conflicting governments.

“Kurdistan seeks peaceful means and does not want to repeat Baghdad’s past mistakes [use of military force] because it will contribute to creating tension and prepare the ground for the revival of terrorism,” he concluded.