PM Masrour Barzani Discusses SDF, Coalition Presence, Refutes Accusations Against Kurdistan Region
“I believe Damascus should engage in discussions with all Kurdish parties, not just the Syrian Democratic Forces,” he added.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani addressed key regional security and political issues in an interview with al-Arabiya, where he spoke about the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the presence of coalition forces in Iraq, and refuted baseless allegations regarding Israel’s presence in the Kurdistan Region.
The complete interview is scheduled to be broadcast on Friday at 7:00 PM local time.
On the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
Discussing the role of the SDF, Prime Minister Barzani clarified that it does not represent the entirety of the Kurdish population in Syria. “The Syrian Democratic Forces represent a portion of Kurds, not all Kurds,” he stated.
While refraining from commenting on the ongoing developments between the SDF and the Syrian government, he emphasized the necessity of a broader Kurdish dialogue.
“I believe Damascus should engage in discussions with all Kurdish parties, not just the Syrian Democratic Forces,” he added.
The SDF has played a pivotal role in combating ISIS in Syria, operating with the support of the U.S.-led coalition. However, its relationship with Damascus remains uncertain, with ongoing negotiations over the future governance of Kurdish-majority areas in northeastern Syria.
Coalition Forces’ Presence in Kurdistan and Iraq
Prime Minister Barzani also addressed the issue of coalition forces stationed in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, reaffirming the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) support for their continued presence.
“We have expressed the Kurdistan Region’s desire to welcome coalition forces present in the region, recognizing the security risks and challenges that face everyone,” Barzani stated.
He acknowledged reports that Iraq is reassessing the timeframe for coalition forces’ presence, indicating potential shifts in Baghdad’s security policies.
The future of coalition forces has been a subject of debate within Iraq, with various political factions expressing differing views on their continued presence.
The KRG has consistently advocated for maintaining international security cooperation, citing ongoing threats from extremist groups and regional instability.
Refuting Accusations Against the Kurdistan Region
Addressing accusations that Israel has a presence in the Kurdistan Region, Prime Minister Barzani firmly rejected these claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
“These accusations have no basis in truth, and we can very clearly say that Israel is not present in the Kurdistan Region,” Barzani stated.
He emphasized that such allegations are often fabricated by those seeking to undermine Kurdistan’s stability and international relations.
“It is regrettable that most of the accusations made against the Kurdistan Region come from those who have no justification for attacking us. They create these accusations to justify their wrongdoings and unfounded hostility,” he added.
Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistan Region remains committed to transparency in its diplomatic and security policies, dismissing these claims as politically driven attempts to damage its standing.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s statements reaffirm the Kurdistan Region’s position on key regional issues, including its call for inclusive Kurdish representation in Syria, its support for coalition forces, and its strong rejection of false accusations.
His remarks underscore the Kurdistan Region’s ongoing efforts to maintain stability, security, and diplomatic engagement in a volatile geopolitical landscape.