Press release |
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Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Nordic Representation 17 March 2003 |
PRESS RELEASE Stockholm 17th March 2003
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)
Representatives of Kurdistan Regional Government administrations in the Nordic Countries (KRG), Taha Barwary and Burhan Habib met with Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh on 17th March 2003. The questions raised with the Minister included the immediate threat of chemical and biological warfare against the population of Iraqi Kurdistan and the intention of Turkey intervening militarily into the Iraqi Kurdistan region. KRG representatives began the meeting by thanking the Minister for her supportive statements regarding the current situation in Iraqi Kurdistan and her official commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the chemical attack on Halabja on 16th March. KRG representatives pointed out the extreme apprehension felt by the population of Iraqi Kurdistan due to their direct exposed position as first potential targets of chemical and biological attacks. A major concern of KRG has been the lack of protective measures for civilians in the form of gas masks, protective clothing and necessary medicines and medical supplies. The Minister emphasized that she shared the concern felt by the population of Iraqi Kurdistan and pointed out that there is today an increased preparedness in terms of humanitarian relief operations compared to the situation in 1991. The Minister stated that she intends to follow up these developments with the UN and EU. KRG representatives reiterated the statements of Iraqi Kurds and the Iraqi opposition with regard Iraq’s future. The objective is that the future of Iraq be based on democratic, pluralistic and federalist principles. The Minister commended the democratic achievements made in Iraqi Kurdistan since 1992. With regard to KRG’s concern about Turkey’s interventionist plans in Iraqi Kurdistan, the Minister stressed that such an intervention will have future consequences for Turkey. The Minister emphasised that she intends to raise the issue with EU Foreign Ministers at the EU meeting held tomorrow in Brussels. In connection to the meeting, a written request for assistance was handed to the Minister, outlining the requirements of the population of Iraqi Kurdistan on both a political and humanitarian level. |
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