Kurdistan Regional Government


 

British parliamentary group calls for UK to support Kurdistan Region as model for Iraq

London, UK (KRG.org) - A group of British parliamentarians yesterday published a report that calls for Britain to support the Kurdistan Region as a model for Iraq, whose success is in the interests of all those who want a peaceful and stable Middle East.

Members of the Kurdistan Region All Party Parliamentary Group announced the report, "The Kurdistan Region: Future Prospects", at a meeting yesterday in the House of Commons attended by Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, the KRG's Head of Foreign Relations, and Ms Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, the KRG's High Representative to the UK.

The report says, “The Kurdistan Region, as part of the wider federal Iraq, deserves a far higher degree of international attention and support to enable its people to finally fashion a peaceful, democratic and secular future. Its success is in the interests of all those who want a peaceful and stable Middle East."

The report, written following a fact-finding visit to the Kurdistan Region in Iraq by the MPs in February, makes eight recommendations for the British parliament, government and people to consider:

  • Support the federal, decentralised system in Iraq
  • Advocate the implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution on the disputed territories
  • Press Turkey to engage in talks with Erbil, Washington and Baghdad to find a lasting political solution to the PKK issue
  • Raise awareness of the genocide against the Kurds
  • Encourage British investment in various sectors of the economy and in English-language education
  • Support efforts to protect and empower women
  • Support the development of a free and professional media
  • Support and encourage links between the Kurdistan Region and UK academic institutions

    Minister Bakir, speaking in the British parliament, thanked the MPs for their report, and said, "We were honoured that this UK parliamentary delegation took the time to visit the Kurdistan Region. This reports shows how important it is for delegations to visit the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to see for themselves the progress we are making and the model of success that we provide for the rest of Iraq.

    He added, "The MPs’ recommendations are realistic and vital if we want to succeed in building a new democratic, federal and pluralistic Iraq that lives in peace with itself and with its neighbours. They are in line with the forward-looking vision of Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in building a prosperous future for all. The Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq need political support, and we in the KRG hope that the British government and the international community seriously consider the report’s recommendations."

    Ms Abdul Rahman added, "The parliamentary delegation met people from all walks of life during their visit. Their report is a good snapshot of the situation in Kurdistan as well as the aspirations of its people, its parliament and government. They make important and incisive recommendations and we hope the British government will follow through on the parliamentary group's advice."

    The report, "The Kurdistan Region: Future Prospects", is available from appgkurdistan(at)gmail.com