Within the framework of his official visit to the United States, Dr. Kamal Kirkuki Speaker of the Kurdistan Region Parliament and his accompanying delegation visited the U.S. Congress in Washington, where they were received by Peter King, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. At the meeting , they discussed a number of common interest issues as well as the current situation in the political arena in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed on the need to support the democratic process in the region. http://www.perleman.org/
Erbil October 13 (PNA) - An exhibition for U.S. universities was held in Arbil today, sources said. There are 22 universities participating in this exhibition which will assist students in learning about U.S. universities. The opening session was held in the presence of Kurdish parliament speaker Kamal Karkuki, the Kurdish higher education minister and the American Consul in Kurdistan region. The U.S. consul told Aswat al-Iraq that this exhibition will give the students chances to study in different American universities in the fields of medicine, engineering and humanities.
PUKmedia 16-10-2011 Polish Ambassador to Iraq Mr Stanislaw Smolen , held yesterday evening, a press conference in Rodan Hotel in Erbil. Ambassador Smolen , during the conference , said that his country decided to open a Consulate General in Kurdistan Region next year 2012. He also said that the main purpose of his visit to Erbil is to strengthen relations between the Kurdistan Region and Poland and strengthen the Polish presence in this region, stressing that his country pays great heed to the Kurdish people issue.
In a visit to Suli he met with the governor, in the meeting Poland's ambassador confirmed he will bring in companies to invest in KRG in every aspects possible and stressed that his country is very eager to strengthen ties with KRG in all aspects . he said in Poland we have kurdology courses at few Universities so in few years we will have polish citizens who will speak full kurdish , which will be a great help in progressing our relationship and ties with kurdistan. http://knwe.org/DirejeHewal.aspx?Jimare=7898&Cor=1&Besh=Hewal
PUKmedia 18-10-2011 12:29:27 Massoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region , met Monday , in Saladin Resort , with a Kurdish delegation from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Ibrahim Asanovij Head of Delegation, during the meeting , said that the aim of their visit to Kurdistan Region is to closely see the situation here, stressing that this region is the dream of all Kurds. Asanvoij called on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to open a representation in Kazakhstan, and expressed the readiness of Kurds there to provide all kinds of help. President Barzani, for his part, welcomed the delegation, stressing that Kurdistan Region is a country for all Kurds, and the Kurds in other countries must pay heed to the Kurdish identity , culture and the mother language. Barzani , expressed the KRG readiness to provide aid for Kurdish students and send a delegation to study the mechanism of cooperation, as well as open a representation there.
21/10/2011 08:04 Erbil, Oct. 0 (AKnews) The Palestinian authority is planning to officially open its consulate in Erbil soon , in the capital of Iraqs semi-autonomous region Kurdistan , it was disclosed today. The announcement came in a meeting between the Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Kamal Kirkuki and will-be Palestinian consul to Kurdistan Nadhmi Hazzuri on Thursday, a statement by the parliament said. The two officials discussed bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and the Palestinian. Palestine is interested in building the best relations with the Kurdistan Region. The Kurdish and Palestinian people have long histories of struggle for their legitimate rights the Palestinian consul was quoted as saying by the statement. AKnews
23/10/2011 11:21 Erbil, Oct. 23 (AKnews) - Kurdish pilgrims used this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia to display Kurdish flags and, according to a the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG), allegedly prayed for an independent Kurdish state. Mariwan Naqshbandi, a member of the delegation of the Kurdish Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, claimed that Kurdish pilgrims colored the Mount Arafat in Mecca with Kurdish flags and raised their hands in supplication to ask of God to grant the Kurds independence as well as peace and stability in the Middle East. "The Kurdish pilgrims painted a national and religious image on the holy site," Naqshbandi said. "They told the other pilgrims that they are Kurds and Muslims. God the almighty has created us as an independent nation." The Hajj, the "big pilgrimage" that every Muslim has to do at least once in his life, is one of the main five basis of Islam. It takes place once a year, in opposite to the Umrah, the "little pilgrimage", that can be undertaken at any time of the year and that is not mandatory in Islam, but highly recommended. According to Naqshbandi, the pilgrims also allegedly prayed to God to keep the Kurdish flag flying over Kirkuk, Khanaqin and all other disputed areas between Erbil and Baghdad. Kurds are currently enraged over order, allegedly issued by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, to bring down Kurdish flags from government buildings in the disputed city of Khanaqin. Kurdish politicians criticized the order, while Kurds protested in several Kurdish cities.
2011-10-23 Jordans King Abdullah II received on Sunday Kurdistan regional government (KRG) prime minister Barham Salih in His office in Amman. At the beginning of the meeting, Barham Salih conveyed to the king the greetings of the Iraq president Jalal Talabani. They discussed ways to promote political and economic relations between KRG and Jordan. King Abdullah expressed his delight with that progress that Kurdistan region has witnessed during last 2 decades, expressing his support for reconstruction process in Kurdistan region. PUKmedia
Barzani's meeting with Kirkuk governor...Photo KRP A Turkmen official said that, in their meeting with president Masoud Barzani of Iraqi Kurdistan, they were promised to have their demands realized by forming a committee to resolve Kurd-Turkmen issues. Qasim Hamza Bayati, a Turkmen member of the Kirkuk Provincial Council (KPC) said that in our meeting with Barzani, we asked him to give Turkmens more administrative positions in Kirkuk, to remove security forces in Turkmen areas and also to give Turkmens more security positions. Bayati said they have expressed their support for the implementation of article 140 in the Iraqi constitution to resolve the issue of disputed areas between Baghdad and Erbil. We promised Barzani to support implementation of the article 140 since Turkmens also get benefit from implementing it. In return, Barzani promised them to rearrange the positions and give Turkmens some administrative positions in the Kirkuk institutions. At the end of the meeting, a committee was promised to be formed to resolve the issues between Kurds and Turkmens, Bayati said. Masoud Barzani visited Kirkuk yesterday, October 26th, and held a number of meetings with Kirkuk officials. Barzani met with the Turkmen officials later, but the Arab Group of the KPC and the Arab Political Council boycotted Barzanis meetings. Zaniyar Daquqi Kirkuk Now http://kirkuknow.com/english/index.php/2011/10/committee-formed-to-resolve-kurd-turkmen-issues/
November 2, 2011 NEW YORK, The Claremont Group has expanded its international development operations into the rapidly growing commercial and residential real estate market in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. The New York-based real estate firm has launched construction on a major modern residential community in the region's capital of Erbil, Iraq's most secure and fastest-growing city. The Atlantic, a 1,600-unit, mixed-use gated community of apartments and villas, will be built near the city's central business district and international airport to meet the demand for quality new housing for middle income families. This announcement comes on the heels of a recent partnership between Claremont and Hilton Worldwide to open a western style, suites hotel to accommodate booming international business and tourist travel to Erbil and the region. The 200-room DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Erbil is expected to open in 2013. "Kurdistan's surging growth and development has been making headlines lately, but none of this is news to The Claremont Group," said Claremont Principal and Founder, A. Alexander Lari. "As one of the first western developers in Iraq,www.ekurd.net we are uniquely situated to help meet the rising demand for commercial and residential properties in Kurdistan. As more people learn about the region's growth potential, we will be there to welcome them with open arms." The Kurdistan Regional Government estimates that there is demand for more than 100,000 such housing units. The Atlantic will be one of the few new projects of this type to be licensed in Erbil. "We'd like to commend President Barzani and the leadership of the Kurdistan Regional Government for fostering a secure, stable and pro-investment environment," Claremont Group Principal Stephen Lari said. "As tourist and business travel to the region continues to grow, we look forward to a continued partnership that opens the doors of this beautiful and historic destination to the rest of the world." About The Claremont Group A global leader in real estate development, The Claremont Group is a New York-based, family owned firm specializing in office, residential, lodging, student housing, and international projects. For more information, please visit http://www.theclaremontgroup.com. Source: The Claremont Group
PUKmedia 04-11-2011 10:28:22 Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih, Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government, visited on Wednesday, the general headquarters of the United Nations in New York City. The KRG Premier was accompanied by Hamid al-Bayati, Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations and Qubad Talabani, KRG Representative in America, and they were received by Dr Asha Rose Migiro, the UN Deputy Secretary General. The two sides discussed the political situation in Iraq Kurdistan Region and the region, the changes in the Middle East , as well as the United Nations cooperation with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Dr. Rose, stressed that the United Nations pays great heed to political situation of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and is keen to help the Iraqi people to solve their problems. Dr. Salih, for his part, presented his views on the political situation in Iraq and in Kurdistan Region and the latest developments in the region, stressing the Iraqi people need for the United Nations cooperation, to implement the Constitution items , especially Article 140 and carrying out the elections. The KRG Premier , talked about the political situation in Kurdistan Region in general and the KRG steps in the fields of construction, reforms and service development, pointing out to his governments important achievements that cannot be denied in all areas.
PUKmedia 04-11-2011 10:50:51 Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih, Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government, accompanied by Hamid al-Bayati, Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations and Qubad Talabani, KRG Representative in Washington, on Wednesday in New York City, met with the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC), which is an institution dedicated to American policy-making in the field of international relations. the KRG Premier , during a meeting , highlighted the political situation in Iraq , Kurdistan Region and the region, in general, clarifying that currently , the Middle East is passing through a fundamental and rapid changes, describing them as the beginning of a new phase. With regard to the situation in Kurdistan Region, Barham Salih said that the Government has made crucial progress in a in the political field , economic growth and other areas.
With the fundamental changes in the ME, the new phase should include the independence of Southern Kurdistan after the withdrawal of Americans.
PUKmedia 2011-11-09 14:00:19 Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Barham Salih met on Tuesday with US Vice President Joe Biden in Washington. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the political situation in iraq in general and Kurdistan region in particular. stressing on cementing political relations between iraq and the US after US troops withdrawal beyond the end of the year. Joe Biden expressed his countrys support to succeed Iraqi political process after US troops withdrawal beyond the end of the year, shedding light on the stable security situation in Kurdistan region and its positive role in political process in the region. He also praised the dynamism of Iraqs Kurdish region and the historic friendship and partnership between the Kurdish and American people. Barham Salih said that Kurdistan region has witnessed political and economic progress, saying that KRG efforts to political and administrative reform process are going on. They also discussed the current political development in the Mideast and Arabic countries. http://www.pukmedia.com/english/ind...al-ties-&catid=29:kurdistan-region&Itemid=385
11/10/2011 9:53:00 AM A former MP in iraqi parliament announced that in few Months Kurdistan region will declare its independence from iraq. Mazhar Hassan a former MP told noon Agency "at the moment the situation is suitable to divide iraq into 3 regions". He Said there are few directions which will lead iraq into 3 regions . he continued saying that in few months kurdistan region will declares its own state and for this they have made few agreements with America and Syria's situation also allows it to happen. http://www.nrttv.com/K_Direje.aspx?Jimare=9630
22.10.2011/Baghdad Baghdad, October 22 (AKnews) - Izzat Shabandar, a leader in the ruling State of Law Coalition (SLC), called on the Kurds to found their own state. Shabandar said that the time has come to achieve the nationalist demand of the Kurds to form their independent state, now that the tensions between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) have risen again. "I suggest putting the disputed areas under national control and forming international committees to discuss mechanisms to solve the problem of disputed areas according to international standards," Shabandar said, disclosing the catch of his announcement. he stated " the constitution says national participation is an optional condition and not compulsory meaning when ever you want you have the right to remain or stay, and past political process shows the relationship between Baghdad and Kurdistan region is a temporary relationship". After the fall of 2003 kurds have been participating in the iraqi governments but even so alot of files remain outstanding between the two sides and from time to time problems between the two have been escalated specially the "disputed areas" , oil and gas law and Peshmerga Budget. Shahband said "Most of the strategic problems between Baghdad and Erbil cant be solved in a way both sides will be happy about it specially in distribution of the resources , Kirkuk issue and other disputed areas, therefore i ask the Kurdish leadership to declare their own state , which they have been waiting for for along time". he told aknews that his suggestion for the disputed areas is to be put under UN supervision and an international committee to set mechanisms to solve the issue between the two countries" Shahband becomes the second Arab political figure in iraq to ask kurds to declare their own state from iraq. before in a conference in Erbil Hassan Allawi Leader of White Iraqiya political party announced that the kurds have every right to form their own state. he stated " the constitution says national participation is a willing condition and not compulsory meaning when ever you want you have the right to remain or stay, and past political process shows the relationship between Baghdad and Kurdistan region is a temporary relationship". after the fall of 2003 kurds have participating in the iraqi governments but even since then alot of files remain outstanding between the 2 sides and from time to time problems between the two have been escalated specially the "disputed areas" , oil and gal law and Peshmerga Budget. Shahband said "Most of the strategic problems between Baghdad and Erbil cant be solved in a way both sides will be happy about it specially in distribution of the resources , Kirkuk issue and other disputed areas, therefore i ask the Kurdish leadership to declare their own state , which they have been waiting for for along time". he told aknews that his suggestion for the disputed areas is to be put under UN supervision and an international committee to set mechanisms to solve the issue between the two countries" Shahband becomes the second Arab political figure in iraq to ask kurds to declare their own state from iraq. before in a conference in Erbil Hassan Allawi announced that the kurds have every right to form their own state. aknews
A well known French astrologist claims a kurdish state will be established next year and Maliki will be leave his post in iraq. Yassir Dagihstani astrologist who also holds a master in astrology in a press conference announced : one of the most important event of 2012 is that the kurds will achieve their goal of statehood , even though Islamic regime of Iran and Turkey will interfere but the kurds will gain their right for a statehood without any conditions or obstacles . He said after the US troops withdrawal from iraq , the political parties will start having bigger issues and a new autonomous region will be establish in Iraq. he also says by mid next year the iraqi PM will leave his post due to the political difference between the iraqi political factions . http://www.nrttv.com/K_Direje.aspx?Jimare=9903
17/11/2011 19:09 Kirkuk, Nov. 17 (AKnews) - An adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said Thursday that part of the US forces will remain in the disputed multi-ethnic province of Kirkuk beyond the end of 2011 deadline. Maliki Hussein al-Asadi said after a ceremony where the US forced handed over the Kirkuk airport to the Iraqi air force authorities that some 1,500 US troops will remain in Kirkuk after the US forces have pulled out of Iraq by the end of 2011 as provided for in the security deal signed between Baghdad and Washington in 2008. The 1,500 US troops will be stationed in a base near the airport who awill be tasked with protecting the US consulate and the US forces regional center, according to al-Asadi. The regional center will be maintaining security in territories strongly contested between Baghdad and Erbil which include parts of Mosul, Kirkuk, Diyala and Salahaddin. "The Iraqi government is ready to take over maintaining security across the country... but 1,500 soldiers will remain" said al-Asadi, "they will stay until the issues of these provinces is solved" Many Iraqi lawmakers and local officials had voiced concern earlier that the withdrawal of the US forces from Kirkuk and other disputed areas could lead to rise in ethnic and sectarian tensions as all ethnic groups try to expand their control over the territories. Currently there are some 35,000 US troops and the pullback process is in progress. http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/4/273092/
Austria's Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger spoke of significantly strengthening bilateral relations with the Kurdistan Region during a two-day visit to Erbil where he met President Masoud Barzani and Prime Minister Barham Salih. Dr Michael Spindelegger, who is both Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor of Austria, came to Erbil with a large trade and government delegation as part of a wider trip to Iraq. As well as meeting the leadership and ministers, the delegation participated in a business forum. At a press conference on Thursday morning, Minister Spindelegger said, Its impressive to come to Erbil. You see a huge difference between the capital of Iraq and this Region. A lot of houses are under construction, roads are built, and you can feel that there is a booming area here." Ive heard impressive facts and figures about the economic situation, and I think that having a business delegation with us, this could be a new starting point in the relations between Austria and Kurdistan, he continued. At the business forum arranged for the Austrian delegation, Dr Spindelegger stressed that the visit and the forum open the opportunity for a new era in relations between the two governments and people. He announced that Austria would soon host a reciprocal business forum in Vienna and that his government is looking into being able to offer Austrian visas in the Region via one of its partners in the European Union. President Barzani at a private lunch meeting welcomed the Foreign Minister and expressed his hope that relations between the two sides would continue to develop. They discussed ways to increase bilateral cooperation and gave particular attention to opportunities in foreign direct investment, infrastructural development, industry, and agriculture. Education and university exchange programmes were also discussed in the context of the KRGs Human Capacity Development scholarship Programme. The Austrian Foreign Minister congratulated President Barzani for the Kurdistan Region's many achievements and said that he is eager to see Austrian companies and investors take part in the remarkable development taking place. The Austrian delegation and the federal Iraqi Ambassador to Austria Srood Najib met Prime Minister Salih, who thanked the government and people of Austria for supporting the Kurdish people and other Iraqis during the years when they were suffering under the former regime. He went on to highlight Austrias important role in the international community and asked for their continued support in establishing a functioning democracy in Iraq. In his opening speech at the business forum on Thursday, the Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, thanked the delegation for coming to see the Region firsthand and said, I encourage you to seize the opportunities that this forum presents to you for investing in this dynamic and growing Region. He added, As Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, I can assure you that we are ready and willing to assist any foreign delegation interested in doing business in the Kurdistan Region. The delegation was also given a tour of the 8,000 year old Erbil citadel by the citys governor, Mr Nawzad Hadi, and a brief historical and cultural presentation on the Region. The Austrian delegation included the Vice President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Dr Richard Schenz; Political Director, Mag. Jan Kickert; Vice Director General for Global Economic Governance, Dr Johannes Eigner; as well as a large number of other senior officials and business leaders in addition to Minister Spindelegger and the new Austrian Ambassador, Mag. Astrid Harz. The Austrian Foreign Minister also met the Speaker of Parliament Dr Kamal Kirkuki, and KRG ministers and senior officials including the Minister of the Interior Karim Sinjari, Minister of Natural Resources Ashti Hawrami, Minister of Trade and Industry Sinan Celebi, the Head of the Board of Investment Minister Herish Muharam, and the Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Jamil Haider. http://www.krg.org/articles/detail.asp?rnr=223&lngnr=12&smap=02010100&anr=42317
23/11/2011 12:48 ERBIL, Nov.23 (AKnews) - Kurdistan Regional Government is embarking on a sewage and water supply programme worth $910 million USD (1 billion IQD). Samir Abdullah, Minister of Municipalities and Tourism, told a press conference today the Goptapa-Chamchamal water project which will supply drinking water for 300,000 people in central Chamchamal. It will cost the regional government 130 billion IQD ($111 million USD). The Erbil sewage project will be carried out in several stages at a cost of $800 million USD (900 billion IQD). The project is part of a master plan for Erbil set to get fully underway in 2012. The project is hoped to end the shortcomings of the sewage system in Erbil province. http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/2/274165/
Kuwait - Al Rai newspaper Dividing iraq is the best solution to end the crisis in iraq. An Iraqi MP (Madhar Al Hakim) "in few months KRG will declare its own state" Source: http://alrai.com/
29/11/2011 17:15 Erbil, Nov. 29 (AKnews) - The Palestinian Authority has opened its consulate in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region's capital city, to strengthen bilateral relations with the Kurds.Sarok Barzani The consulate was officially opened in a ceremony attended by President of Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani, Prime MInister Barham Saliha nad top Kurdish officials. In an opening speech, Mr Barzani described the opening of the Palestinian consulate in Erbil as a "histoical day for the two brotherly and prosecuted nations" Barzani recalled a visit by Mahmoud Abbas - president of teh palesitnian authority - to the region in 2009 as the first Arab president of visit Kurdistan as a semi-autonomous region. "Abbas removed many barrieers with his visit. And here today, we are opening this consulate to continue our historical relations" Upon the opening of the Palestinian consulate in Kurdistan Region, the number of foreign consulates and representations offices hit 24 sicne 2003. Nadhmi Khudhouri, Palestinian Authority's assigned consul in Erbil, highlighted "historical" palestinian-Kurdish relations: "There is a historical reltion between Kurds and the Palestinian people. We will try to strengthen the relation. The opening of this consulate is a sign taht we have always been trying to consolidate our reltions" Khudhouri praised Kurdish support for the Palestinains and their cause. "You [Kurds] have been with us since the time of Saladin. And you have stood for the just cause of Palestine" The consul was referring to the Kurdish warrior and leader Saladin who became a legend in the Muslim world and was much admired and respected by Muslims after he defeated the Crusaders from Jerusalem in 1187. He defeated the Christians in several battles, most notably the Hattin Battle. http://www.aknews.com/en/aknews/4/275317/
