Barzani: Kurdistan Independence an Issue Merely Between Erbil and Baghdad

[yota691]

Islamic Movement: A delegation from the Kurdistan will visit Baghdad soon to formally negotiate independence   Sunday February 5, 2017 14:42         Alsumaria News / Baghdad announced the Political Bureau of the Islamic Movement of Kurdistan by Abdullah and Rta on Sunday that a joint delegation of political parties and national components in the region will visit Baghdad soon , "officially" to negotiate on the issue of independence of the province of Kurdistan , as pointed out that the national components such as Turkomen, Assyrians and others who support the subject of independence.  Rta said in an interview for the Sumerian News, " The Kurdish parties informed the delegation of the National Alliance that the issue of the independence of Kurdistan have a strategic issue , " noting that " the Kurdish parties demanded yesterday during a meeting of the National Alliance of Iraqi political and other parties supporting the independence of Kurdistan."     Added Rta, that " the National Alliance confirmed that it is possible to reach an agreement on the subject of independence through dialogue , " adding that " a joint delegation of political parties and national components in the region will visit Baghdad in the near future to draft a uniform to negotiate on the issue of the Kurdistan Regional independence formally . " .  He Rta and, that "nationalism components such as Turkomen, Assyrians and others who support the independence of Kurdistan , " pointing out that " the point of view of Kurdistan on independence is the establishment of a sovereign and military strength and economy of an independent diplomatic relations and political entity."  The Kurdistan Democratic Party secretary Fadhil Mirani confirmed, earlier, on Sunday, said he had discussed the issue of separation with a delegation of the Iraqi National Alliance , "without shame", while pointing out that the National Alliance listened well, unlike previous encounters.  He called on the President of the National Alliance , Ammar al - Hakim , and Kurdish regional President Massoud Barzani, on Saturday (February 4, 2016) to "inclusive and reassuring" project preserves the rights of all to overcome the challenges of the post "Daesh"

[yota691]

The independence of the province of Kurdistan on the table Find in Iraq

 

 

05/02/2017 16:35(Updated 16:40

Secretary stressed "the Kurdistan Democratic Party," Fadhil Mirani, on Sunday, he discussed the issue of the separation of the Kurdistan region with the Iraqi National Alliance delegation "without shame."

This comes at a time when a delegation from the Iraqi National Alliance visiting Erbil to discuss a number of internal issues and the delegation was received by Prime Minister of Kurdistan, Nechirvan Barzani.

"Truth" program, which is broadcast on raised Radio "Sputnik" discuss the matter with Dr Abdul Hakim Khosro, a professor of political science at the University of Salahuddin in the Kurdistan region, where Khosrow said, "The National Alliance delegation visits to the Kurdistan region is not a goal to talk about the independence of the Kurdistan region or separation, but about national reconciliation, and thus poses a lot of things, including if it does not reach a substantial agreement in the rebuilding of the Iraqi state, it would be the best solution of independence of the state, thus ending the problems fully. "

© AFP 2016 / SAFIN HAMED

Kurdistan's parliament: the options available to Erbil ... confederation or independence

 

He Khosrow "There is understanding on the part of elites and political leaders, and there is talk about the solution to the current problems, if not solved it I do not mind these leaders of the independence of the territory, and this requires some agreements relating to the limitation of the Kurdistan region and agreements related to the issue of water, etc., and there are major complications in this Subject".

And the United States view of the independence of the Kurdistan region, Khosrow said, "With regard to the US role in the issue of independence for the region, it focuses on the issue of Iraq's stability, and an end to Iranian domination of Iraq, and believes the US administration that if the Kurdistan region remains part of Iraq, it would be a factor to weaken the domination Iranian in Iraq, but this does not mean that the United States will stand against the wishes of the Kurdistan region in independence, and perhaps it will be very useful to the emergence of a new state in the Middle East to be a US ally class basis, and the Kurdistan region suffers from the issue of the lack of sovereignty and therefore it is not possible entering into bilateral agreements with the United States and other countries, whether to build military bases or getting military support, and on this basis if the issue of sovereignty according to the United States in the future in the region, at which time we can talk to a Kurdish state backed by the United States, and in all cases, the United States does not stand against the will of the Kurdistan region in independence, but what is officially declared aim is to preserve the unity of the Iraqi territory. "

[yota691]

region government is moving toward representations of Arab States in Kurdistan on independence for Iraq

 

 

 

 Twilight News    

 

 one hour ago

 

 

Twilight News / hold foreign relations official in the Government of the Territory Falah Mustafa, on Sunday, an expanded meeting with heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the Arab countries in the region.

A statement issued by the Government of the Territory responded to Twilight News, said the aim of the meeting comes to inform the representative offices of the Arab states in the Kurdistan Region on the latest political, security and economic developments in Kurdistan and Iraq and the region, province,

Mustafa said the heads of mission, that this meeting be held in order to strengthen bilateral relations, and to inform the representative offices of the Arab countries on the latest political developments and the fight against al Daesh terrorist, and the future of the liberated areas from the control of Daesh, relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the internal conditions of the Kurdistan Region, as well as to clarify the province's position Kurdistan about current issues.

The actors are all from: Consul General of the Palestinian Nazmi Hzori, and Consul General of the State of Kuwait, Omar Al-Kandari, the Jordanian Consul General Haitham "Abu beans", and Acting Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sultan Mhawesh, and Consul of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Consul General of Sudan's ambassador Yassin Awad, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates Rashid Al Mansouri.

He said Falah Mustafa, the position of the Kurdistan Region regarding the development of relations and opening the doors of the international community in general, and the war imposed by the terrorists Daesh and victories of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces, and the question of independence, relations between Erbil and Baghdad, according to the statement.

 

Keywords: 

[sandfly]

Thanks 

[Everett]

It looks like we may be close to a Kurdish State in Iraq. Mosul total liberation is so close, oil and gas agreement appears to be on track finally, still not clear how else Iraqi states,if any, will be sectioned to appease the Sunni's, but I feel comfortable saying all Iraqi land will be under one Central Government, and secure once Mosul is totally liberated. I do think once Mosul is secure, parliament will proceed to finalize and attach any addendum necessary to oil and gas law, and proceed legislation and ratify, perhaps by early spring. Now does that mean immediate RV, possibly, and probably. Seems to me they would, Why wouldn't they, It's to their benefit to proceed with Monetary Reforms. Some say more and more laws need to be done, I say they will always be other laws to legislate, but that will not prevent the CBI from implementing the new Monetary Policies, IMO

[The Englishman]

Barzani: Kurdistan Independence an Issue Merely Between Erbil and Baghdad

The Kurdish president has also renewed a call on Ankara to release HDP Leader

 

 Basnews English

 24/02/2017 - 18:18

Kurdistan

 

 

 

 

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani has once again made it clear that the Kurdish independence is a matter of debate between Erbil and Baghdad, and it has nothing to do with the neighboring countries.

The Kurdish right to hold a referendum on self-determination is “a natural, God-given right to the people in Kurdistan,” said Barzani in an interview with the German Newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, reported by Kurdistan24.

The Kurdish president stressed out that Erbil and Baghdad are the main sides of the debate and not Tehran and Ankara. He further stated that a referendum on the Kurdish statehood is not against the principles of democracy and human rights.

“We do not need permission from anyone,” Barzani added.

Concerning the current situation in Iraq and Syria and the political map of the region, the Kurdistan Region president said the Iraq-Syria border is “nothing more than history”.

“How can we speak of Iraq or Syria as states? The paradox is that many politicians know it, but do not acknowledge the realities of the region. They do not want to admit that the official boundaries are nothing more than history.”

Barzani also questioned the statehood of Iraq, saying a strong central government in Iraq is over. “It is about self-determination,” he added.

In regards to the political tension in Turkey, Barzani renewed a call on Ankara to release the leader of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas as it may serve in the interest of the peace process.

[GomerPyle]

You owe me and other dv'ers our payout and no independence for you until we get paid.

[yota691]

Barzani: Kurdistan 's independence is limited to two .. and the time of the central government ended

17 Hours Ago

 

Shafaq News / The head of the Kurdistan region , Massoud Barzani that placed the independence of Kurds from Iraq would discuss exclusively with Baghdad. 

Internal with the Iraqi government in Baghdad, not Tehran or Ankara for any relationship to the subject. 

Barzani said in an interview with the newspaper "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" German, said that the issue of the independence of Kurdistan have nothing to do with Iran or Turkey. But Internal Thread trapped between Arbil and Baghdad. 

He wondered , "How can we talk about Iraq and Syria united? There is a contradiction in this , " noting that some politicians know the current situation in the region , but they do not want to admit the fact. 

Barzani said that " the borders of these two countries has become a part of history and that the central government in Baghdad , the time has gone and now we are determining our destiny." 

It demands of the Kurds for years to hold a referendum on the independence of the Kurdistan Region , in a move which put an end to many of the private crises is expected after more than a hundred years after the Sykes - Picot agreement that divided the Kurds and Ozaathm four countries, including Iraq and Syria.

 

 

[10 YEARS LATER]

Hhmmmmm . . . Mosul on the Verge of Liberation & Bar-Zaney INJECTS this into the mix . . . Not sure how this might play out, yet. "B" knows liberating Mosul is a MUST HAPPEN QUICKLY for Baghdad on several levels.

Looks like we should be seeing some Leverage playing out - that is, IF "B" wants to play Hard Ball thinking he's going to push Baghdad around.

Wait & See . . . 

[The Englishman]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017

Era of Iraqi central government "over", Barzani

 

5:42 AM  ADMIN  

 

 

Baghdad/ Iraq TradeLink: Kurdish President Masoud Barzani stressed that the Kurdish independence

from Iraq is a "matter to be discussed with Baghdad only".

 

"It is an internal question with the Iraqi government. Ankara or Teheran have no relations in this matter", Barzani confirmed in an interview with the German Frankfurter Allegmeine.

 

He questioned the possibility of unified Iraq and Syria, pointing that some politicians "do not accept the actual reality.

 

Barzani added that "the borders of these two countries have become part of history and the era of the central government in Baghdad is over and now in the process of our self-determination".

 

For the past years, the Kurds are demanding the Kurdish independence.

 

On the other hand, Barzani stressed, in an interview with the French Le Monde daily, that "higher coordination will continue during post-Da'ish (ISIS) era".

 

He pointed out that Da'ish organization will end by the liberation of the right side of Mosul city, but "this does not mean ending its extremist thoughts".

 

 

He confirmed that the oil questions with Baghdad had reached no progress, stressing that the disputed areas will be left to the people to decide to join the Kurdish region or not.

 

 

Posted in: Arbil,Baghdad,Politics

[tigergorzow]

51 minutes ago, The Englishman said:

He pointed out that Da'ish organization will end by the liberation of the right side of Mosul city, but "this does not mean ending its extremist thoughts".

 

 

 

He confirmed that the oil questions with Baghdad had reached no progress, stressing that the disputed areas will be left to the people to decide to join the Kurdish region or not.

Englishman, Thanks,  DV,  Barzani only cares about controlling the "OIL WEALTH" in the liberated areas.....Baghdad is not going to allow the Kurds to control the liberated areas so I would assume both parties need to compromise and find a viable solution that works for Kurds, Sunni's, Shiite's, Arabs, etc.    I do believe the National Settlement will resolve most issues with the different parties once "Liberation Of Mosul" is completed.   M. Barzani is more like a dictator to me so I would hope he would just resign and go into retirement immediately.   President DJT & His Administration should put conditions on both Baghdad & Kurds in order to solve all outstanding issues between them with a hard deadline.   "HCL" should be #1 Priority & RV / RI IQD for starters.... Just my 2 cents.   

[umbertino]

Kurds offer land for independence in struggle to reshape Iraq

Kurdish leaders say that ‘the deal with a federal Iraq has failed’

Mark Townsend

Saturday 25 February 2017 20.33 GMT

Iraqi special forces arrest an Isis suspect as they continued their advance through Mosul.

Photograph: Khalid Mohammed/AP

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/25/mosul-peshmerga-kurds-iraq-baghdad-erbil

[The Englishman]

FALAH MUSTAFA: KRG WILL USE WHAT LEVERAGE IT HAS TO GAIN INDEPENDENCE PEACEFULLY

 

40 mins ago

Views 161

 

+ -

 

SULAIMANI – The Kurdistan Region’s Foreign Minister Falah Mustafa has said that there are several issues up for discussion in the region’s quest for independence from Baghdad, including territory captured by the Peshmerga during the war against Islamic State (ISIS)

Speaking to The Guardian on Saturday (February 25), Mustafa said that federal Iraq “had failed,” and that Baghdad wanted the Kurds to be “subordinate.”

“It’s important that the right to self-determination is put on the table – we need to put an end to this unhealthy relationship [with Baghdad]. We are neither fully integrated into Iraq, nor are we fully independent and sovereign,” Mustafa added.

“We need to sit down to discuss the future of Erbil and Baghdad, including independence. Now is the time to discuss a new formula for this relationship.”

If Baghdad continues to ignore Kurdish concerns, then the Kurdistan Region would look to stage a referendum on independence, Mustafa said.

A similar referendum in 2005, found 99% in favor of independence.

Ultimately the Kurdistan Region would use what leverage it had, including land, to eventually fulfill its self-determination aspirations in a peaceful manner Mustafa noted.

“[Land] is an important issue. Responsibility, territory, the oil issue, finances, the airspace – all need to be discussed. We want to start this dialogue with Baghdad peacefully, recognizing that we will always have a strategic relationship,” Falah said.

During the war against ISIS in the north of the country, Kurdish Peshmerga forces have captured swathes of land from the militants outside of the Kurdistan Region’s borders.

The Peshmerga military spokesman, Halgurd Hikmat, said last month that Kurdish forces would not withdraw from these areas as “Peshmerga forces regained those areas and drew the Kurdistan border with blood.”

Iraq’s government has long reiterated that Kurdish forces must withdraw from areas regained from ISIS, with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Jaafari saying last December that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) “has no right” to hold onto areas taken by Peshmerga forces in the battle against ISIS in the country.

Peshmerga officials have shown a stance in opposition to the Peshmerga’s withdrawal, saying an agreement reached with the United States would see Peshmerga retain areas it liberated.

Falah’s comments indicate that recaptured territory could be used as one of several bargaining chips in any future negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil around independence.

[tigergorzow]

Barzani: Iraq has Ended, Kurds will Have a State

 05/03/2017 - 23:01

 

 

ERBIL — Iraq is going to end up as Czechoslovakia and Kurds are ready to govern themselves within a sovereign state of their own, said Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani.

During an interview with the Italian La Stampa paper, Barzani discussed the current situation in Iraq, the war on Islamic State, the future of Syrian Kurdistan and the case of Kurdish statehood in Iraq. 

Barzani reiterates that the liberation of Mosul may not be the end of IS in Iraq, and he insists that defeating the extremist group completely requires fighting them on different levels, including ideology, economy and social levels.

Concerning the unity of Iraq as a sovereign country, the Kurdish president explained that the reality shows that Iraq has already been divided. “Sunnis and Shi’ites have been fighting for 1,400 years and Kurds are the victims of this war,” Barzani pointed out, noting that a new formula is needed for all these different people to coexists.

Kurdistan Region President further explained the potential of Kurdistan to become a sovereign country and a factor of stability in the region, saying that unlike Sunnis and Shi’ites, Kurds “are a nation and not faith”.

“The Kurds are Muslims, Christians, Jews, Yezidis and etc… and they all have a common national identity. We are a society based on recognition of people’s identity, a nation that believes in peaceful coexistence,” Barzani continued.

“We can help to reduce the crises in the Middle East, and it’s in everyone’s interest.”

“The Kurds are entitled to have a state of their own as the eastern European nations have had the right,” Barzani told the Italian newspaper.

Regarding the Syrian Kurdistan, better known as Rojava, Kurdistan Region president warned that policies implemented by the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its armed wing People’s Protection Unions (YPG) are “jeopardizing the future of the Syrian Kurds”.

He blamed the ruling Syrian Kurdish parties for being under the influence of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) which is considered a terrorist organization by many countries, and cooperating with Bashar al-Assad’s regime while refusing a helping hand from Kurdistan Region.

Kurdistan Region president also commended the military and humanitarian support Italy is offering to Kurdistan Region, saying the assistance have been “decisive”. He also called Italy a friendly country with whom Erbil wishes to further expand collaboration.

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/kurdistan/334544

[DinarDavo]

http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/050

 

Masoud Barzani: Independent Kurdistan is loyal response to Peshmerga sacrifices

By Rudaw 17 hours ago

President of Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani. Photo: Rudaw.

 

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region –The fall of Mosul is likely to mark the beginning of the breakup of Iraq, as has been the case with countries who have come out of ethnic and religious conflicts, such as Czechoslovakia, Kurdish President Masoud Barzani says, adding that an independent Kurdistan would bring more stability to the Middle East, a region that otherwise has been troubled with massacres and conflict since the two world wars.

 

Barzani went on to say "independence and complete liberation" will be the loyal reward for the past and present sacrifices of the Kurdish nation.

 

President Barzani made these remarks to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, published on March 5, coinciding with the anniversary of the Kurdish uprising against the former Iraqi regime in 1991 which eventually gave birth to the present autonomous Kurdistan Region with its own parliament, government and armed forces.

 

"The desire to keep the united Iraq is there, but the reality is that today Iraq is already divided by unsolvable problems,” Barzani said when asked whether Iraq will come out of the war against ISIS as a united state. “Sunnis and Shiites have been fighting for 1400 years and we Kurds are the victims of this war. We have to find a new formula of coexistence."

 

Barzani said that “too many massacres have occurred, leaving no room for reconciliation,” with a divided Iraq along the sectarian lines of Sunnis and Shiites, as he commented on the prospect of an independent Kurdistan, saying that the Kurds had tried to reconcile with the rest of the country after the fall of Saddam in 2003, but it failed because of the sectarian war between the two sects that has been going on for 1400 years.

 

"The independence of Kurdistan would create an area of stability in this region. We have already seen too much blood and injustice,” Barzani said, noting that an independent Kurdistan will be “based on the rule of law, respect for democratic rules, coexistence between different identities, and a multiparty system.”

 

“In the Middle East we can help to reduce crises and conflicts. It is in everyone's interest,” Barzani said talking about the impact of an independent Kurdistan on the Middle East.

 

Comparing Kurdistan to a disfunctional Iraqi state which he said is drowned in the conflict between Sunni and Shiites, Barzani said that Kurdistan is and will be different, since it is not a faith-based society. 

 

"We are a nation, not a faith,” he said. “The Kurds are Muslims, Christians, Jews, Yazidis, and more but have a common national identity. We are a society based on the recognition of people's identity, a nation that believes in peaceful co-existence, a people who have self-determination and which must be protected by international law. Shiites and Sunnis, however, are faiths and in constant war with each other."

 

“In the Middle East and Europe, history has shown that states created after the First and Second World Wars have proved unsustainable and fictitious. Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia have faded away, as it happens today to the legacy of Sykes-Picot,” Barzani said, in reference to an agreement between Britain and France as negotiated by British diplomat Mark Sykes and his French counterpart Francois Georges-Picot. The agreement resulted in the creation of present borders of countries that used to be part of the Ottoman Empire before the First World War, including Iraq. 

 

President Barzani also published a statement late Sunday evening, on the anniversary of the 1991 uprising, saying that the reward for the past and present sacrifices of the Kurdish people is “independence, and complete liberation.”

 

“We commemorate the uprising at a time where the brave Peshmerga forces have achieved great victories against the Islamic State terrorists. The Kurdish nation has made sacrifices and endured hardships,” the statement from President Barzani said, “Hence, the best loyalty and response to the uprising, the Peshmerga and the sacrifices made by the people of Kurdistan, is independence and complete liberation. I deem it essential to tell the enduring people of Kurdistan that a bright future is awaiting our country, that the uprising and the sacrifices made by the Peshmerga and the people will bear fruit,” the statement continued, adding that unity among Kurds has always been a core ingredient behind the success of the Kurds.

 

“We, more than ever, need to be united, live up to our responsibilities and take into account higher interests of Kurdistan,” the statement added. 

 

Asked by the Italian newspaper whether the Syrian Kurdistan, also called Rojava, where the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) has founded a self-declared Kurdish enclave, can follow the example of Kurdistan Region, President Barzani said there was an opportunity for Rojava to do so, but PYD lost it, because its armed wing, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), has accepted the help of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a named terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States.

 

The opportunity was lost "for the simple fact that the YPG has accepted the help of the PKK, considered a terrorist organization in many countries. The YPG has also accepted the help of the regime of Bashar Assad. These choices have separated us from them," Barzani said. "I still hope that they can change themselves. But these wrong policies compromise the future of Syria's Kurds. It is only in the interests of the PKK.”

 

Barzani also said that the fall of Mosul does not mean the end of ISIS because it will survive in some other form or shape. To defeat the extremist group, he said, you have to fight it on many fronts, including its economy and ideology.

Edited March 6, 2017 by DinarDavo

[tigergorzow]

Barzani: Independent Kurdistan best option for sacrifices made against ISIS

By

Paul Antonopoulos

-

07/03/2017

The President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Masoud Barzani, said in a statement on Sunday that Kurdistan deserves ‘full liberation’ for the sacrifices the Peshmerga forces have made against ISIS.

“We celebrate the uprising anniversary at a time that our Peshmerga forces have achieved big successes in the battle against the Daesh [ISIS] terrorists ,” Barzani stated on Sunday which marked the 1991 Kurdish uprising.

“The people of the Kurdistan Region have made many sacrifices and have endured much hardships. Therefore, the most loyal response to [Kurdish] uprising, Peshmerga, and sacrifices of Kurdistan people is independence and full liberation,” Barzani continued.

 

The central government in Baghdad is not willing to give Kurdistan independence, and the local Assyrians want greater autonomy for their own community, something that the Kurdish government is not willing to give.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/barzani-independent-kurdistan-best-option-sacrifices-made-isis/

[tigergorzow]

Kurdistan Independence Not a Conspiracy Against Iraq: Peshmerga Commander

A sovereign state of Kurdistan will guarantee better ties with Iraq, he said

• 
   

Basnews English

13/03/2017 - 19:50

Kurdistan

 

ERBIL — The establishment of a Kurdish independent state should not be interpreted as a conspiracy plan against Baghdad, said a Kurdish Peshmerga commander.

“This [Kurdistan independence] is a case that we can negotiate with Baghdad until we reach a mutual understanding,” Sheikh Jafaar Sheikh Mustafa, who also is a politburo member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), told BasNews.

Without providing any details, he stated that other options will be available for Kurds if Baghdad rejects the case.

Mustafa believes that a sovereign Kurdish state will guarantee stronger relations with the Iraqi government in comparison to the current ties which has left no hope for a solution of the prolonged issues.

Mustafa’s remarks follow a statement by Ala Tallabani, the head of PUK faction in the Iraqi parliament, who said that Kurdistan independence is a conspiracy plan against the sovereignty of Iraq.

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/kurdistan/336238

[SnowGlobe7]

for real?

DIvorce me and we can finally become best friends....pffft

[Hikmah]

Barzani needs to fix the Kurdish problems first, right now they're divided. He's remained two years past his time as President and he's not keen on giving up any power. If he can unite the Kurd's and state he wants to create a democracy in Kurdistan, I don't know why the west would stop him, there's too much upside. Hopefully Baghdad understands how serious they are and the long range implications of a free Kurdistan, if they do what they've always done, the Kurd's have no reason to stay. I can't imagine it happening let alone how this will effect our dinar. 

[Theseus]

Kurdistan is said to have 17% of Iraq's oil. The issue of a sovereign nation of Kurdistan is the territory they claim which is part of Turkey and part of Iran as well as Iraq. Turkey won't allow them to be a free nation and neither will Iran. The kurds have tried using the same tactics as what Isreal faces with the 1967 borders. The Kurds claim the borders but the three nations don't recognize them. Kurds have been trying to become sovereign going back beyond Reagan to the time when the ME was redrawn after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. To say this is a conspiracy against Iraq is wrong due to the fact they were denied a nation state. However, their credibility and argument for a nation state, by far, exceeds the Palestinkians as the Kurds are actually a people who have historically lived in that area and have historic ties to that area. 

[tigergorzow]

Barzani: Independence Best Tribute to Halabja

 

Basnews English

16/03/2017 - 22:03

Kurdistan

 

ERBIL — The best tribute to the victims of Halacha chemical attack will be the declaration if Kurdistan Independence, said Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani.

On the 29th anniversary of the attack, Barzani saluted the martyrs and all those affected.

On 16th March 1988 the Ba'ath Regime carried out a massive chemical attack on Halabja, killing over 5,000 civilians and wounding nearly 10,000 others most of whom are still suffering.

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/kurdistan/337014

[tigergorzow]

Kurdistan Independence an Issue Between Erbil, Baghdad: KRG Official

 

Basnews English

19/03/2017 - 22:53

Kurdistan

 

ERBIL — Kurdistan Independence is a matter between Erbil and Baghdad, and not Tehran, said senior a Kurdish official.

“I’m talking about something within Iraq. It’s between Erbil and Baghdad. Why should Iran [have] the right...to tell me [Kurds] that we don’t deserve it [independence],” said Falah Mustafa, the head of Kurdistan Region’s Department of Foreign Affairs.

During an international conference in Istanbul titled “Towards a New Security Architecture for the MENA Region” Mustafa said “Iraq never had a strategy to solve the Kurdish question because when they were weak, they would go for dialogue [but] when they get stronger, they would invade...and attack the Kurdistan Region,” as reported by Kurdistan24.

The Kurdish official believes that the security situation in the Middle East is a challenging task due to the fact that countries interfere in each others affairs.

“Have we been able to live in peace? Can we name two [neighboring countries that] are living in peace and cooperation? No,” he said.

Concerning the Kurds and their partnership in Iraq, Mustafa said they still do not see themselves as part of the governance of Iraq. “What’s there in the constitution [of Iraq] and papers haven’t been translated into action. We have to be more courageous and more determined to address the problems and find peaceful means of coexistence.”

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/kurdistan/337616