Barzani to EU: Do not stand against natural rights of Kurds

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region President and a delegation of political parties met with the representatives of European Union in Iraq to discuss the process of holding the independence referendum.

On Thursday, Masoud Barzani Kurdistan Region President along with representatives of political parties met with Patrick Simonnet, head of EU delegation, and the accompanied representatives of EU member states in Iraq and Kurdistan Region.

In the meeting, the EU delegation reiterated support for Kurdistan Region and Iraq that have faced numerous challenges in the recent years.

They also praised Kurds for fighting terrorism and sheltering the displaced Iraqis, a Kurdistan Presidency statement said.

The EU delegation encouraged Iraqi components to focus on common interests and avoid making unilateral decisions.

They encouraged the politicians to find peaceful solutions for the long-standing issues and consider the destiny of the disputed areas in a way that serves the interests of both Iraq and Kurdistan Region.

The purpose of the visit was to express the EU’s message to the Kurdistan Region and acquire better understanding of the Region’s decisions and demands.

Barzani briefed the EU delegation about the history of Kurds' victimization in Iraq between 1921 and 2003, referring to the crimes committed against people of Kurdistan where an estimated 182,000 civilians were killed in the Anfal campaigns.

He added that 8,000 people from Barzani tribe and 12,000 Faiyli Kurds were massacred. At least 4,500 villages were demolished across Kurdistan.

Barzani stated that "genocide has been our share of partnership with Iraq," adding that people of Kurdistan have a bitter experience with the Iraqi state and have always been brutally suppressed.

“When the partnership is not the solution, then to prevent war, let us become good neighbors,” President said, adding that there is no turning back from holding the independence referendum.

“People of Kurdistan should voice their opinion on their future which will be followed by negotiations with Baghdad through peaceful means and dialogue to reach an understanding that best serves peace, security, and prosperity of both sides and the region,” Barzani said.

Barzani called upon the EU to not stand against the natural, legal and God-given rights of people of Kurdistan, reminding them that Kurds expect Europe to support their democratic rights.

Editing by Ava Homa