We strongly condemn statements by the Kurdistan Workers Party, PKK, officials threatening to disrupt the export of natural gas from the Kurdistan Region through Turkey.

This threatens the basic needs of the people of the Kurdistan Region, their livelihoods and public services they depend on, particularly during these times of severe financial constraints, which the Region passes through.

The Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, strenuously continues its efforts to implement measures to overcome the current financial crisis and ease the hardship of the people of Kurdistan. Any action that undermines these KRG efforts is an act of aggression against the people of the Kurdistan Region.

We reiterate our condemnation of the PKK position, which we urge they reconsider, and not commit any act against the interests and aspiration of the citizens of Kurdistan Region.

Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers
18 February 2016