Hollande: Defeating IS difficult without Peshmerga bravery, sacrifices

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region delegation headed by President Masoud Barzani and the French delegation led by Francois Hollande held a meeting in Erbil on Monday.

Following the meeting, President Barzani and Hollande held a joint press conference.

President Barzani on behalf of people of Kurdistan, Peshmerga and families of the martyred Peshmerga thanked French President Hollande for his second visit to the Kurdistan Region.

President Barzani thanked his French counterpart for originally visiting Kurdistan Region at a time when the terrorist Islamic State (IS) group was close to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

"But you accepted the risk and visited us which was a significant support,” President Barzani stated during the press conference.

Kurdistan President added that Hollande visited once again in less than three years and together they went to the frontlines where they witnessed the Peshmerga sacrifices and the support of the international coalition in which France played an essential role.

He clarified that the military defeat of IS will not be the end of terror in the region and in the world. 

“We might face terror under a new name; therefore, this cooperation and alliance need to continue,” President Barzani said.

He explained that Kurds have always seen the French as a supporter and hope to see France’s support continue in the future.

In response, Hollande acknowledged the vital role Kurdish troops have played so far.

“Without the bravery and sacrifices of the Peshmerga forces, it would have been difficult to defeat IS,” Hollande said.

“We passed through all the areas that were liberated by the blood of the Peshmerga forces. People in the liberated areas no longer have to be afraid for their future,” French President added.

Hollande stated that it is not only the job of the Peshmerga forces to fight IS, but it is the international community’s obligation and if the world really wants to defeat IS, they have to take on the responsibility.

Hollande also acknowledged that the Kurdistan Region has been supportive to the displaced people and said that France has offered humanitarian assistance.

“We also need to help the displaced people to return to their areas of origin,” he added.

“I wanted to visit the Kurdistan Region in the beginning of the new year to reaffirm our concrete military, humanitarian and political support,” Hollande said.

“We are also here to express our gratitude for the role of Peshmerga forces in the past years, adding that France’s support for Peshmerga forces and Iraqi security forces will continue,” he affirmed.

Editing by Ava Homa