President Barzani Reaffirms Support for Sinjar and Urges Implementation of Agreement
President Masoud Barzani held a crucial meeting on Monday in Salah al-Din with Qasim Shasho, the Commander of the Sinjar Operations Command for Peshmerga forces, where he reiterated his unwavering support for the people of Sinjar and stressed the urgent need for the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement.
During the meeting, President Barzani expressed his deep concern about the situation in Sinjar, a region marred by a complex history of conflict and displacement. He pledged his full backing for the leadership of the Peshmerga in Sinjar and the local population. The primary focus of the conversation was on the imperative of the Sinjar Agreement, which is essential for restoring peace and stability to the area and enabling the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes.
Commander Qasim Shasho, who plays a pivotal role in the Sinjar region, relayed the President's commitment to the well-being of Sinjar's inhabitants. He highlighted the severe challenges faced by the displaced residents who continue to live in Kurdistan's camps. The presence of illegal armed groups in Sinjar, which have occupied the city and obstructed the return of displaced individuals, was also a point of concern.
Shasho stated, "President Barzani pays special attention to the people of Sinjar and continuously monitors the conditions of the displaced individuals living in Kurdistan's camps. He emphasized that every effort will be made with the Iraqi government and the international community to restore security and stability to the city of Sinjar and resolve the lingering issues."
Sinjar, a region long disputed between Kurdistan and Baghdad, remains in dire need of substantial financial support for infrastructure rehabilitation, with an estimated requirement of at least ten billion dollars.
In October 2020, Erbil and Baghdad reached a historic agreement intended to bring stability back to Sinjar. Key provisions of this agreement include the expulsion of unlawful armed groups from the city. Yet, to date, these critical provisions have not been fully realized.
The Sinjar region, with its complex and volatile history, continues to be a focal point for regional and international efforts to restore peace and security, offering the promise of a brighter future for its residents. President Barzani's reaffirmation of support and advocacy for the Sinjar Agreement underscores the ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges facing this crucial region.