PM Barzani: We need further international support
The UN Special Representative for Iraq shed light on the situation of the Iraqi internally displaced and Syrian refugees who fled the attacks of Islamic State terrorist organisation, also known as ISIS, and took refuge in the Kurdistan Region.
He stressed that although the wave of Syrian refugees and Iraqi IDPs have created a significant burden on the shoulder of the Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, it has managed to accommodate them and provided them with adequate assistance.
He pointed out that through the UN agencies, he will continue urging for further assistance to the refugees and IDPs, as well as supporting the KRG’s efforts in improving the conditions of refugees and IDPs in education and health sectors, and regarding daily necessities.
The UN Special Representative for Iraq stressed that the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, which have recently been strengthened, have created a better internal political stability in Iraq. He agreed that ISIS threat cannot be eradicated only by military means, and that the Iraqi Federal Government needs to address this issue politically, socially and economically, alongside launching a national reconciliation process.
Prime Minister Barzani expressed his appreciation for the visit, and wished Mr. Ján Kubiš success in his new position.
He stated that, despite the fact that Kurdistan Region has been and is going through financial difficulties that emerged after the former Iraqi Prime Minister withhold Kurdistan’s share from the federal budget early last year, the people and government of Kurdistan Region have opened the door for the estimated 1.5 million refugees and IDPs, who took refuge in Kurdistan.
Prime Minister Barzani said that providing assistance to the refugees and IDPs has become beyond the capacity of the KRG, and as the operations for liberation Mosul and some other areas in Iraq are anticipated, more IDPs are expected to flee to Region. Therefore, the Kurdistan Region needs further international assistance, especially from the UN agencies.
Meantime, he expressed his gratitude to the UN agencies for the assistance they have provided to the Kurdistan Region to accommodate such number of refugees and IDPs.
Regarding relations with Baghdad, Prime Minister Barzani pointed out that despite the fact that the relations between KRG and Iraqi Federal Government have improved, some technical issues still need to be discussed and addressed.
