French envoy to Iraq calls for active participation of Kurds in political process
The Kurdistan Region should actively participate in the Iraqi political process on the basis of the principles in the constitution, and the Iraqis must respect the will and aspirations of the people of Kurdistan, the French diplomat said.
ERBIL (Kurdistan Region) – President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masoud Barzani met with French Ambassador to Iraq Bruno Aubert in the town of Salahuddin near the Kurdistan Region capital of Erbil to discuss bilateral relations and the ongoing process of government formation in Iraq.
Accompanied by French Consul General in Erbil Dominique Mas, Aubert conveyed a message from President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, congratulating Barzani for the KDP’s victory in the recent Iraqi parliamentary elections, a statement from Barzani’s office read.
The Kurdistan Region should actively participate in the Iraqi political process on the basis of the principles in the constitution, and the Iraqis must respect the will and aspirations of the people of Kurdistan, Aubert said, according to the statement.
Highlighting “the important and decisive role of President Barzani in the future of Iraqi politics,” the French diplomat expressed France’s “readiness to help in the future of Iraq and the reconstruction of Kurdistan.”
Barzani was grateful for “the positions of the [French] President, the people, and the Government of France toward the people of Kurdistan,” the statement said, noting he expected nothing less from “a nation with a civilization and human values.”
“The people of Kurdistan have always considered the French President and people as their close friends at all stages,” he stated.
Regarding the Iraqi political process, post-election era, and participation of Kurdistan Region parties, Barzani stressed the importance of implementing “three principles embodied in partnership, consensus, and balance in the political, administrative, economic, and security matters.”
The Kurdistan Region places great significance on these principles, the KDP President said, adding further details in Iraq’s political process should be within the framework of the three values (partnership, consensus, and balance).
The re-emergence of terror in Iraq was another topic of discussion between Barzani and Aubert, the statement said, noting that both sides agreed “to maintain communication and consultation on developments and the political process in Iraq.”
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany