President Barzani tells Arab diplomats denial policy failed, ended

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The denial against people and nations is an unsuccessful policy, and it has ended, people should live in peace and respect each other, said the Kurdistan Region President on Tuesday.

The President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani met with several diplomatic consuls from Arab countries in Erbil.

The foreign diplomats who attended included the Consul General of Palestine, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and acting Consul General of Kuwait.

[The President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani meets with the consuls of the Arab countries in the Kurdistan Region, Erbil, July 19, 2016. (Photo: Presidency)]

According to the Kurdistan Region Presidency press office, during the meeting, the consuls expressed the support and loyalty of their countries for the people of the Kurdistan Region.

Additionally, they praised the bravery of Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the fight against the Islamic State (IS).

They mentioned that they are aware that the people of Kurdistan carry a peaceful message and support stability in the region. The diplomats also acknowledged the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Kurds for their strong sense of hospitality.

The diplomats noted that the Region had become a stable and secure home for different ethnic and religious groups.

President Barzani mentioned that the existence of the Arab countries’ consulates in the Kurdistan Region demonstrates the friendship between both sides.

He explained that the threat of terrorism and extremist ideology had become a problem in the world.

President Barzani stated that combating terrorism is the duty of the entire world, especially Muslim and Arab countries who have a greater responsibility.

The Kurdistan Region shares over 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) of its border with IS in the north of Iraq.

Peshmerga is considered one of the most efficient ground forces in defeating IS.

According to the Peshmerga Ministry, so far over 1,500 Peshmerga have lost their lives in the fight and more than 8,600 have been wounded.

President Barzani said that besides the military option, countries have to combat the radical ideology of terrorist groups.

In another part of the meeting, the President explained to the consuls that the denial policy against people and nations is a failure that has already ended. He pointed out that the people of the region should live in peace as well as express respect for each other.

The meeting comes at a time where President Barzani has called for an independence referendum by the end of 2016.

“The people of the Kurdistan Region have the right to decide on their future,” President Barzani had previously stated.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany