Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – In a statement, Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs responds to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mr. Haider Al-Abadi’s statements, which he made during an Islamic Dawa Party event.

Below is the text of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs' statement:

In an irresponsible statement made during an Islamic Dawa Party event on December 6th, 2017, Iraqi Prime Minister Mr. Haider Al-Abadi considered the military incursion and attack against Tuz Khurmatu, Kirkuk and other areas [of the Iraqi Kurdistan disputed territories], on October 16th, 2017, and the following days, as a great victory, and compared it to the defeat of ISIS terrorists in Iraq.
Prime Minister Al-Abadi believes the military incursion against the Kurdistan Region, which resulted in the killing, displacement, looting, destruction and bombing of civilian properties in Kirkuk, Tuz Khurmatu and other areas by the Iraqi forces, is a great victory and compares it to the victory against ISIS.

That “great victory” against ISIS, which Prime Minister Al-Abadi is proud of, wouldn’t have been achieved without the valiant Peshmerga forces who bravely fought ISIS. The entire world is witness to this fact.

It was also the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces’ heroic defence and sacrifices that stopped the Iraqi forces, under the command of Prime Minister Al-Abadi, to inflict on the cities and towns of Kurdistan a fate similar to that of Tuz Khurmatu.
It is extremely unfortunate and disappointing to see the Prime Minister of a country that believes attacking his own citizens is equal to defeating terrorists and rejoicing about it.

While many are helping to prepare the ground for holding negotiations to address all outstanding issues, we hear such statements from Mr. Al-Abadi, which reflect the hatred and resentment they have for the people of Kurdistan. We remind them; history has  proven that the will of the people of Kurdistan will never be broken.

KRG Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs
7 December 2017