'Mosul People shall decide on Shia militia's participation'

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region President confirms the participation of Peshmerga forces in liberating Mosul.

Masoud Barzani, the Kurdistan Region President in an interview with the Le Monde said that Peshmerga forces will participate in the offensive against the Islamic State (IS) in Mosul but will not enter Mosul.

President Barzani stated that if Peshmerga forces participate in the Mosul operation and enter the city of Mosul, they will withdraw after the city is retaken, adding that this is something that will be discussed in the military agreements.

Barzani explained that based on the agreement, Peshmerga forces, Iraqi army, and the Sunni fighters will participate in the Mosul military operation, saying that “participation of Hashd al-Shaabi requires the consensus of the components of the city.”

Regarding the post-IS Mosul President Barzani said that the representatives of all components of Mosul participate in the administration of Mosul especially the Christians and Ezidis.

Christians Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other IDPs should be helped to return to their homes and Peshmerga forces and Iraqi army will protect them from any threats.

In regards to the return of the Iraqi army in the liberated areas under the control of the Peshmerga forces, President Barzani revealed that this has to be agreed upon but since Peshmerga forces are protecting those areas, there is no need for other forces.

Additionally, for the return of those areas outside of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) administration, Barzani added that a referendum by the people of those areas will be a final decision.

Regarding the independence referendum in the Kurdistan Region, Barzani said that the referendum is not related to the internal issues between the political parties. These are two different things that should not be separately resolved.

President Barzani concluded that this matter will be discussed with Baghdad and before deciding on holding a referendum, KRG delegations will be sent to Baghdad for talks.

Editing by Ava Homa