Masrour Barzani: referendum to unite Kurds

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) – The international community should consider and be mindful of the various ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, said a Kurdish senior official on Saturday.

Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Chancellor Masrour Barzani received the new head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Iraq Ambassador Patrick Simonnett in Erbil and discussed several current political developments in the country.

“The international community must either accept Iraq's diverse communities, including Kurdistan Region, or endure another 100 years of failure,” said Barzani, according to a KRSC press office.

The Ambassador’s visit to Kurdistan Region came after his recent appointment to Iraq in the beginning of the year. Since then, he has met with senior officials in the country to explore how the EU can increase its engagement and resolve internal issues.

“The consequences of a failed political system in Iraq are: economic collapse, social unrest, and Islamic State [IS] terrorists exploiting a security vacuum,” Barzani affirmed.

During the meeting, Barzani touched upon the upcoming Kurdish referendum and stated that Kurds have the right to decide their future.

“Kurdish unity is the key to achieving our goals. It remains our biggest weakness, but this referendum can be the basis for unity,” the Chancellor said.

Additionally, both sides discussed the growing economic crisis in Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Barzani called for quick measures to alleviate immediate pressure, including more financial aid and humanitarian support to the Region, and direct armament for Peshmerga in the fight against IS.

On Saturday, Simonnett also visited the embattled city of Kirkuk and met Najmadin Karim, Governor of the province. “We discussed many subjects in detail, including political and economical issues, the humanitarian situation in Kirkuk and Erbil-Baghdad relations,” Karim stated in a press conference following the meeting.

Simonnett mentioned that he and his accompanying delegation visited Kirkuk to reiterate EU’s support regarding humanitarian aid.

He also acknowledged the EU’s support for Peshmerga and noted that Europe considers Peshmerga’s role in combating extremists very significant.

Reporting by Mewan Dolamari

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany and Benjamin Kweskin