KRG briefs diplomats on current crisis in Iraq
Minister Mustafa thanked diplomats for their attendance, focusing on the security crisis in Iraq following events in Ninewa and Salahaddin governorates, where the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) have taken over entire cities.
Dr Hussein provided an overview of the deteriorating security situation that has transformed the political landscape of Iraq. Given the already complex relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, Dr Hussein said, “These events come at a difficult time for Iraq and for the Region.” He also made it clear that the KRG had been concerned about an outbreak of this kind for some time, explaining that it was predictable.
When the Iraqi army abandoned Mosul, retreating from its positions in the second largest city in Iraq, the KRG responded quickly to fill the security vacuum when and where possible. The Peshmerga forces have now controlled most of the cities in the areas of the Kurdistan Region previously outside of KRG administration.
Despite the instability in the rest of the country, Minister Mustafa assured the diplomats that Kurdistan remains a safe and secure Region, and he reiterated the ability and willingness of the KRG to provide any assistance needed to the consular corps and diplomatic representations based in Erbil or Baghdad.
The Kurdistan Region already serves as a safe haven for approximately 260,000 Syrian refugees, and is now faced with hosting vast numbers of internally displaced people fleeing terror from Mosul and elsewhere. These numbers may increase if the conflict in Iraq continues.
Minister Mustafa said that the KRG has responded to the humanitarian emergency by establishing two additional camps in the governorates of Duhok and Erbil in order to host the displaced. He called on the international community to provide assistance, as the KRG cannot manage the dire humanitarian situation without support.
The meeting was attended by diplomats based in Erbil as well as the Department of Foreign Relations Deputy Minister, Karwan Jamal, and the Department’s Assistant Head, Siham Jabali.
