Qubad Talabani: Kurdistan values ethnic groups and minorities

PUKMEDIA

Qubad Talabani meets Rosemary DiCarlo and Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

Qubad Talabani, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, welcomed Rosemary DiCarlo, the Undersecretary General and Head of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Representative in Iraq.

Clean and fair elections for the Kurdistan Parliament were emphasized at the meeting. Qubad Talabani gave the visiting delegation an explanation of the challenges the process faces, citing electoral systems and constituencies, voter registration, final seats, minorities, and the fate of the Electoral Commission. He then asked the UN to help in finding solutions and ensuring the proper conduct of the election so that it can serve as the foundation for legitimate representation of the Kurdish people.

According to Qubad Talabani, ethnic groups and minorities are valued in the Kurdistan Region, who also expressed his desire for these groups to be free to make their own political decisions and choose their own representatives without interference from political parties or other forces.

With regard to the relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the necessity to find a comprehensive and long-term solution to the issues between Erbil and Baghdad in order to promote political and economic stability. To that purpose, he declared himself ready to take whatever action in accordance with the constitution and mutual understanding.

Qubad Talabani also addressed the UN delegation on the energy issue and stated that the Kurdish people should be the first to benefit from energy resources, particularly natural gas, which should be used to meet domestic requirements and enhance services.

During a discussion about the state of civil society in the Kurdistan Region, Qubad Talabani highlighted the importance of NGOs, which are the major foundations of civil society. He claimed that organizations have complaints and critiques of political leaders and political forces and that these complaints and criticisms must be taken into consideration.

The Deputy Prime Minister also applauded Plasschaert's efforts in Iraq and Kurdistan, noting that she has always been positive and has made significant strides toward addressing the problems.


Translated and edited by Besha Jawhar
PUKMEDIA