'Kurdistan integrating itself into Middle East'

WASHINGTON, United States (Kurdistan24) – During the Atlantic Council meeting in the capital of the United States, a US official spoke to Kurdistan24 about Kurdistan, Turkey, and the battle against the Islamic State (IS).

The former Ambassador of Turkey, Egypt and other countries, Francis Ricciardone, discussed the progress that Kurds have made all across the Middle East.

Ricciardone said that the US needs to be more involved and “engaged” in their role in the region, including Kurdistan.

The former Ambassador explained the different ways the US can contribute specifically in business, defense planning, education, arts and entertainment, medicine and science.

Ricciardone pointed to the US’ current efforts and said that he expects them to continue, particularly in the Kurdish regions of the Middle East.

The former Ambassador also discussed Turkey’s role in the fight against IS, describing their relationship with the US as “vitally important.”

“Turkey has [a] vital interest in [the] outcome of the struggle against this fanatic gang of criminals that dare to call themselves the Islamic State,” Ricciardone said.

He also pointed out Turkey’s involvement in the Middle East despite their eagerness to be a part of the European Union.

“Turkey’s role is vitally important across the board in any regional development whether you’re talking about military roles, economic roles, art and culture, in education and science, [and] in medicine,” Ricciardone stated.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany

(Kurdistan24 team in Washington conducted the interview)