KRG Minister discusses minority representation and regional challenges with top US official

Minister Abdoka, accompanied by the KRG's representative in Washington, Treefa Aziz, briefed Taylor on the challenges facing the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Ano Abdoka, Minister of Transportation and Communications of the KRG (left), posing for a picture with Victoria Taylor, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran Affairs (middle), Jan. 24, 2025. (Photo: Submitted to Kurdistan24)
Ano Abdoka, Minister of Transportation and Communications of the KRG (left), posing for a picture with Victoria Taylor, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran Affairs (middle), Jan. 24, 2025. (Photo: Submitted to Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Ano Abdoka, Minister of Transportation and Communications of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), held a constructive meeting on Friday with Victoria Taylor, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran Affairs. The discussions centered on the KRG's commitment to ensuring appropriate representation of ethnic and religious minorities in the upcoming government formation.

Minister Abdoka, accompanied by the KRG's representative in Washington, Treefa Aziz, briefed Taylor on the challenges facing the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The conversation highlighted the specific difficulties encountered by minorities, including Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syriac-Aramaic, and Armenians, amid ongoing regional complexities.

"The KRG remains steadfast in its dedication to democracy, religious and ethnic freedoms, and fostering a culture of tolerance and coexistence," Abdoka stated. He emphasized that the Kurdistan Region has consistently served as a beacon of peace and stability in the region despite facing significant challenges such as ISIS terrorism, the COVID-19 pandemic, and politically motivated crises.

Abdoka underscored the negative impact of the suspension of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region and the withholding of funds for government employees, retirees, families of martyrs, victims of the Anfal campaign, individuals with disabilities, and those under social welfare programs. He condemned these measures as unconstitutional and harmful, accusing certain political factions in Baghdad of using financial leverage to undermine the region's constitutional status.

"These actions not only violate the Iraqi constitution but also disregard the dire humanitarian conditions of Kurdistan's citizens," he asserted, describing them as "inhumane and shameful policies" that raise serious ethical concerns.

Minister Abdoka expressed gratitude to Victoria Taylor for her understanding and insightful perspective on the Middle East, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. As a gesture of appreciation, he presented Taylor with a symbolic gift that reflects the deep historical and cultural heritage of Kurdistan's Christian communities.

The meeting reaffirms the KRG's unwavering commitment to advocating for minority rights and addressing the broader socio-political challenges facing the region.