EU "concerned" about the situation in Kurdistan and calls for consultation with Baghdad
01 November 2015



Shafaq News / The European Union (EU)
expressed on Sunday, its concern from what it called as the current impasse over the presidency of the region and the risk of internal
political differences and called on all political parties to respect the principles and values ​​of democracy to restore dialogue and get away from violence in order to reach a settlement that respects the political agreements.

A statement of the EU mission to Iraq and the embassies of the member states reported to Shafaq News, said that the mission and the member states of the Iraqi government expresses a desire to take into account the evolution of the political, economic and social situation in Kurdistan Region.

The statement stressed on the EU's support for the sovereignty of Iraqi territory and to call for dialogue and calm expressed by the Iraqi government on the political crisis in the region.

The statement expressed concern about the current impasse over the presidency of the region and the risk of internal political differences which would distract it from fighting ISIS, calling on all political parties to respect the principles and values of democracy to restore the dialogue in accordance with the principles of democracy and other legal ways and get away from the violence in order to reach a settlement that respects the political agreements

The statement strongly condemned the ongoing violence in the region, especially attacks on the headquarters of political parties, the media and journalists, expressing condolences to the families of the victims for their loss.

The statement called on Kurdistan Region's authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that all sides of the regional government and local authorities must preserve the lives of civilians , public property and resolve differences and implications.

The statement also stressed that it is very important now in light of the huge economic, social and humanitarian challenges, along with the war against ISIS to achieve the necessary unity of the region through the implementation of social and economic reforms and the protection of freedom of the media and return the institutional system.

The statement also called on Kurdistan Regional Government to consult with Baghdad on the subject of oil and 2016 budget sent by the central government to the parliament.

It announced the participation of the Delegation of the European Union and the member states, to become comfortable in the transparency and openness on the issue and realistic data on the oil and non-oil revenues in the region.

The statement praised the strong relationship with the Iraqi government and the regional government, stressing that the European Union and its member states and the international coalition against "ISIS" are aware of the key role and the sacrifices made by Peshmarga forces, estimated also "extensive" participation provided by the region for security and peace.

The statement also announced the continuation of effective partnership with the institutions and the people of Kurdistan, including military support and humanitarian aid to the society , the economy and the development of institutions such as the participation of the European Union and its member states in Iraq.

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