KRG urges international community to mediate in lifting Baghdad sanctions

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) - Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in a statement on Monday called on the international community to urge Baghdad lift sanctions on the Region.

Baghdad has reduced the 2018 Draft Budget Bill of the Region without involving the KRG, closed the Kurdistan Region’s airspace, and imposed travel restrictions.

The halting of flights have had "adverse effects on vital humanitarian services, health and education services, food security, security against terrorism, jobs and income security in the Kurdistan Region," the KRG said.

The government of Iraq relied on violence and sanctions to punish Kurds for having held an independence referendum on September 25 where an overwhelming 92 percent voted YES.

In response to holding a vote that never led to the declaration of independence, Iraqi forces and Iranian backed Shia militia Hashd al-Shaabi took over disputed areas that have been under the control of Kurdish forces since their liberation from the Islamic State (IS).

The attack was followed by other punitive measures and sanctions that KRG defines as "collective punishment of Iraqi citizens."

"The restrictive policies adopted by Baghdad against Erbil are in violation of Iraq’s obligations and responsibilities under international and humanitarian law, and its duty as a state to respect and protect its citizens, including those displaced, and to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals and groups," the statement added.

KRG says these measures greatly hinder personnel and assistance being provided to more than 1.5 million displaced persons who have taken refuge in the Kurdistan Region. With winter fast approaching, many displaced persons, including Yezidis, Christians, and recently displaced people from Kirkuk, Tuz Khourmatu, and other areas, will be without critical supplies, specialized assistance, and care provided by UN agencies, NGOs, and other international organizations.

Erbil and Suleimaniya airports are vital to meet the humanitarian needs of displaced people and the basic needs of our general population, including the emergency medical evacuation of civilians as well as victims and military personnel wounded in the fight against ISIS. Moreover, restriction of movement is detrimental to peace, stability, and progress in a globalized world.

The UN, EU, ICRC and NGOs, and other members of the international community are essential to serve the humanitarian needs of displaced people hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government. Expeditious travel of their expatriate staff and transport of relief supplies with minimal impact on time and expense are essential to meet humanitarian needs. Recently, flight suspension adversely affected international relief response to a 7.3 magnitude earthquake.

Embargos on international flights are anticipated to have a severe adverse effect on expatriate interest and capacity to continue foreign direct investment that has created many thousands of jobs that are especially important for young people and their families. Without international flights vital to commerce and economic growth, we can anticipate a rapid rise in emigration.

The statement concluded by asking the international community to intercede in urging Baghdad authorities to lift the embargo, without condition, on international flights.