URDISH
PRESS M A G A Z I N E
Miss Mitterrand who's like Kurds mother Security of the Kurdistan
November 2009
The Turkish foreign Minster in capital city of Kurdistan
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L
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If you would like to get (International Kurdish Press magazine) do not hesitates to contact us: INTERNATIONAL
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November 2009
www.bkmg.info - ikp@bkmg.info
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Swedin kurdiska Riksforbundet Duvbovagen 59. 163 43 Spana Stokholm
Dreams and goals
Kurdistan’s border
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with Iraqi Kurds
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Pollution in Kurdistan
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Kurdish Filmmakers
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INTERNATIONAL PRESS International monthly magazine published in London URDISH M A G A Z I N E
Publisher: Britan's - kurdish Media Group The concessionaire:
Hemin Husain hemin.tv@hotmail.com 0044 (0) 75 98537678
Editor in chief
Bland Mustafa
blnd.mustafa@yahoo.com 00964 (0) 750 4600 398 00964 (0) 770 231 3167 Kurdistan - Erbil Art Director:
Bakhtiar mustafa
The Chancellor:
Abdulrahman Belaf Barznji
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abdulrahman1970@hotmail.com
www.bkmg.info
We are the largest nation in the world without an official country. In the history over the past the centuries we have experienced many tragedies, and up until now there are many of whom are afraid of our nation’s truth. Therefore we believe that the international publications are inadequate, they did not demonstrate to the rest of the world the disasters and catastrophic we experienced nor the success and our gaining’s. It is important for us to communicate with the world and show them our letters, so that they have information first hand from the main source in reporting the politics, the circumstances of the communities, economics, and educations about us, as previously explained that this is the aim of our magazine. It is important that the readers of the educated world are reading knowledge regarding Kurdistan just as another important part of the world, which is aiming toward a route which leads to becoming one of the important countries in the world. Therefore it is important that our duties are completed by presenting our information to the others in world recognised language. In order to achieve our aims, from now on the International Kurdish Press will be fully published in English. This is to allow us to provide our information’s in a wider prospect to a wider range of readers in the world, while providing the reader with another option. We are able to expand the Kurdish publications from local to international publications, thus the first Kurdish international magazine in the world to be published. For the world readers especially those who are interested in the state of Kurdistan will have first class, and trusted primary source of information. The most important articles in this issue are the changes in Kurdistan’s politics, state of security, and economy in the region. Also the increasing concerns between Kurdistan, Iraq and the new Kurdish generation in the Iraqi politics, the discussed areas, and the views of many non-Kurdish researchers regarding Kurds are included. November 2009
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The fifth cabinet..
Kurds own federalism in Iraq
Blnd Mustafa
of IKP
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Photo: Hawkar Saleh
Sixth cabinet sets main goals
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November 2009
By President Masoud Barzani and the KRG
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The creation of the sixth cabinet of Kurdistan parliament on July 29th 2009 proves that Kurds have always been loyal for implementing promises and plans, this loyalty is the most important thing; it creates trust between people and government. The work and victories of the fifth were significant because, during this cabinet Kurdistan had transferred dramatically which was a historical factor. Moreover, we should all be proud of this, especially the role of Nechirvan Barzani, the president of the fifth cabinet of parliament. He had taken this role and he had
progressed very successfully, to shape this cabinet in favor of further progresses in economical and social terms and providing public with best livelihood. This cabinet had put the interest of community upon all other interests of the government. Meanwhile the sixth cabinet has formulated her main goals. Briefly they comprehend: 1) The fifth cabinet had some preceding process therefore; the sixth cabinet should take this into consideration seriously, also this is important for implementing the strategic projects of government after reforming the ruling process. This cabinet should not neglect its responsibilities and should take further steps for implementing all these programs. 2) We all believe that the justice system should be a professional
and independent system, and community should know this. That is why establishing council of justice was great outcome, hence this cabinet should work for providing law and equality for each individuals in the society. Also it should work for creating strong system and I think we can do it for sure. 3) Today we are passing though very harsh and critical stage, we need to defend on our unity and brotherhood more than any time on the critical issues. We believe that in democracy there should be other different ideas and this should be respected by all of us. But, these different ideas must not affect the nationality and unity, and one vote negatively. 4) As the fifth cabinet was in favor of the community interests, therefore, this cabinet should
had strengthened the politics and economics in the region in the shape of worlds economy and politics. Protecting out rights in energy should be the main goals for the sisth cabinet, I assure that the energy policies will be prolonged, nothing will affect it. 13) Our measures are for the preparation of the Iraqi election is bounded with the constitution, democracy, and feudalism, and settling conflicts in a diplomatic way. Here I ask Kurdistan region to have one vote and unity towards national questions, as, this election will be very important for the Iraqi people and Kurdistan too. Here I want to acknowledge you that mixing Kirkuk problem with elections is runny from reality and every day there is new thing but out views are very clear, Kurdistan parliament had given its views obviously, that day we all given our point of views and we are united as Kurdistan people and political parties. We agree that elections should be done in the exact time, we want elections be held in Kirkuk like other cities in Iraq. If there are some people who spreading rumors and saying that we changed demography of Kirkuk and we brought 800000 Kurds from Turkey and Iran and they tell American and European counties this fact, I say if they create lies let’s do it in a way that world believes you. Do you this can be hidden in a city because bringing 800000 to a city is not easy job. So we say that there is clear corruption how in Mosel 1 million people increased, as we know Kurdish demography is rising faster than other nations this is a fact no one can deny it. But, for Kirkuk there is something behind it, we are ready let’s do legal survey, ok let hold elections and do fake in the election, because the right for Kirkuk and Kirkukies is not just violating their rights and oppressing them. We don’t know accept to put any conditions for Kirkuk specially, let all world to know this because Kirkuk should not be deprived from elections, we do not accept this and what will happen let it happen.
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because those martyrs were the result of the freedom that we enjoy in Kurdistan. The government has to give more priority to the relatives and families of Anfal and martyrs in all aspects of life and they should get their deserved rights. 9) Kurdish government could prevent all the attempts which had tried to break out the ethnic and religious conflicts among the nations who live in Kurdistan region. So as to promote the democratic way of living all these different religious and nationalities in the region, till now people are proud of this fact because of the peaceful co-existence of different nationalities and ethnic groups. Therefore, tolerance, culture, and peace should be the source of every social and political program. 10) As we know that some crucial issues are not been settled between Bagdad and Kurdistan, such as article 140 in the constitution, besides. Oil, gas, Peshmarga forces and the right to be autonomist region, also federal democratic question in Iraq, all these will be achieve by dialog and articles in the constitution, Kurdistan had tried a lot for solving these disputes, because these issue are important for the further of Kurdish people. We are not doing these things randomly but we depend on the constitution. 11) We are not turning our back to Bagdad, instead we are turning to Bagdad, we both make ourselves strong in Bagdad, and we are essential part in political and reconstruction of Iraq. Our effective gain is constitution, in which majority of Iraqis had voted for it, after the Iraqi libration process, by our behaviors we proved that we are part of Iraqi’s politics we saved the Iraqis unification. We will not regret of shaping democratic and federal Iraq with the co-existence of different parties. 12) Kurdish parliament in the shape of Iraqi’s constitution had accepted energy policies in Kurdistan region, the policies of fifth cabinet is been established in this frame. The energy policies
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have the same intention, and this cabinet should be responsible for obtaining civilian’s dreams and the government has to try to grow up a loyal, educated, democratic, community in which all the needs are provided for people. We are insisting on making good relations between people and government. 5) The most crucial key factors that the people are proud of can be political stability and peace in Kurdistan region. During the last four year one of the most critical point for the government was the stability of the region and protecting people and their life style. I hope that sixth cabinet prolong this program and give more priority to protect peoples’ right and providing people with peace and security. Because, stability and security factors are the core factors for further transformations. 6) After the liberation of Iraq the Kurdish political elites and rulers could have Peshmarga forces as legal military forces in the Iraq constitution, so as to protect the region. The role of region is to order and unify Peshmarga forces and provide a better life situation to them which they deserve it. The biggest role of Kurdistan is to establish a force for Kurdistan. No way after this time the forces should be related to any political parties, there should be independent organization for security and this should be legal by passing a law. We promise people in Kurdistan this is a goal that should be achieved and if this is not implemented then we will tell them why it not implemented and who are the barriers for its achievement. 7) The deputy of Kurdistan should be reordered and the political parties should not connect with foreign countries. I tell this speech to out all parties, firstly, I mean PUK, and PDK. This means all other political parties should not open their council and deputies because the legal relations will be done through Kurdistan. 8) Kurdish government had always respected the martyrs’ families
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Kurdistan parliament
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14) The sixth cabinet should beneďŹ t from the good relations that had been created during the last four years with the neighboring countries and world and all our allies all over the world till now sixteen countries had their council in Hawler, and Kurdistan. And the
cabinet should work for widening the relations with other Arab neighbors and world generally for developing economic and political relations. 15) Working hand in hand in all other institution should be taken into account, particularly agriculture
sector, as a heart of economy. This will be done by bringing technology and powering money for improving this sector. This should be improved in way that our region will not more import from other countries agricultural products. This will be improved by immigrating form city
level that can produce best products therefore this should be improved. 17) Concentrating on the social and improving education and health care for growing up educated and healthy generation, hence education and health are
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to countryside by providing best livelihood to people there. 16) Taking care to industrial sector and establishing further factors for the sake of production and creating employment for people, by this we can depend on our products. Because, Kurdistan is not in the
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Photo: Mahmmod Hawlery
two important pillars for every nation. 18) By prolonging the attempts of 5th cabinet about the equality of gender and protecting women rights and give authority to women is signiďŹ cant. Because this will improve the community further giving priority to human rights in general. 19) Taking care to the national organizations and other centers that had good effect on the society should be respected. 20) There is freedom of media and self-determination and freedom of speech, Kurdistan should become a typical example in performing the basis of democracy. Passing laws about journalism and giving situation for journalists to express their views freely is given as an important step. In the same time journalists should be steak to their loyalty for media. Kurdistan region could construct the infrastructure for the tourism sector and archeological and religious places, but in this cabinet ought to do more for improving it and should take beneďŹ t for the view of Kurdistan. This will be done by the help of the countries, who had profound experiences about tourism. Protecting nature should be respected and we should care more about educating people for expanding the nature sense in peoples’ mind. And we must planet more tree and preventing factories to not pollute nature. Creating anticorruption institution and looking after budgetary is important and I recommend all ministries and institution submit to law and do not do anything to violate law. And do not let anyone controls you, in case you had been forced by any one even high authority members, you can come and inform me so as to punish them by law. I ask the governmental institutions welcome people with pleasure faces and do works for them also I ask people all to respect employees in governmental institutions and if people face any problem in these institutions should inform us about it.
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Madam Danielle Mitterrand:
They call me the Mother of the Kurds The exact transcript of Madam Mitterrand the friend of the Kurdish people in the her speech to the Kurdistan Parliament
Honourable Head of Parliament.. Honourable Members of Parliament..
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I am very proud and fortunate to be here talking before you, rarely I get the opportunity to speak before an elected council, but in Kurdistan I feel I am in my own country, we are one family and with this sense of feeling I would like to say a few words to you.
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You as the elected representatives of the people, first I would like to congratulate you and I would like to let you know to what extent friends of the Kurds are proud of the conduct of the elections that took place in Kurdistan. I am very happy to see that there is a high proportion of women which is more than that of France, this is a sign that all the segments of society, religion and languages of the people have sent their own representatives freely to the
Parliament. This aspect is an enriching sign to be proud of which places your Parliament in high esteem. Also the existence of an opposition is a sign of a healthy and mature democracy. Democracy is not just an election that takes place occasionally no matter how free it is, it’s a culture of dialogue and the reflection of diverse opinions that people hold, it’s a system that balances the power between the opposition and government. In order for it to work properly it needs the establishment of a strong foundation, an intelligent and developed active society and an independent judiciary, free media with responsibility. I have to say in relation to democracy in Kurdistan it has witnessed great development and progress for itself. I still have my memories of when I first visited Kurdistan. At the end of April 1991 through the Kurdistan of Iran I came to visit you, I saw
people on the way that out of fear of pain and problems and from Saddam Hussein’s army were migrating and escaping. Representatives of the Iranian Government accompanied me up to the border and from there on with the help of an agent I crossed the border. I saw Massoud Barzani and some other representatives of the revolution at Haji Omaran. This scene of migration made me nervous just like the images of the survivors of the Anfal and Chemical attacks in April 1989 I had seen in the camps of Mardin, Diyarbakir and Mush in Kurdistan of Turkey. These scenes had a great impact on politics, world opinion and France; France had a main role in the creation of Resolution 688 at the United Nations which established the no fly zones and the safe haven in Kurdistan. This was the first time in the history of the United Nations
Due to excuses made by the superpowers of non interference of internal political matters in order to protect their interests there were shortfalls in Resolution 688, but this decision on the creation the resolution was still the basis that made it possible for your people to return back to their homelands and no longer be refugees or displaced and be able to determine their future with their own hands.
I remember my visit of July 1992 when the first Kurdistan Regional government elections had taken place, I was ready to pass through a shattered and worn out country like many Non Governmental Organisations like mine who were ready with all their strength and passion with very little resources to try and rebuild this country and its schools, roads, villages and bridge infrastructures. For the new school year and in order to prevent the halting of education in Kurdistan we brought over hundreds of thousands of books in trucks that were printed in France’s national printing institution. Your teachers who were working for little pay were trying to educate Kurdish children in preparation for Kurdistan’s future. Although there were two economic sanctions over Kurdistan, and various concurrent problems: such as that with the neighbouring states military actions, the dark times of internal conflict between Kurds you were able to restore you country and overcome all these difficulties and able to construct roads, airports, schools, hospitals and universities. The economic prosperity, freedom and the internal security of the region has become an example of aspiration for the Kurds in the other parts of Kurdistan. Along with all this we from a far feel that this progress and development that you currently have is still very fragile. It’s true that the
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that a resolution was Resolution in relation to the Kurds was passed; therefore we can say that international diplomacy can sometimes help nations who are in difficulties or subject to a disaster. After many decades of suppression and subjection of oppression which you had faced the United Nations now took notice of the Kurds, even if it was only for a short period that it made efforts to help you.
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I am proud of this free and democratic elections that took place in Kurdistan
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dictatorship of Saddam Hussein no longer exists but there are still constitutional matters with Bagdad that have yet to be resolved. Your neighbouring states do not want Iraq’s future to be stable. In short Kurdistan has still not become Switzerland. Ahead of all the difficulties awaiting you more than any other time, now you need national unity and to make genuine and serious efforts to bring to the attention of the international community your forthcoming challenges and to build on your current friendships with other countries. Unity of a nation is not based on a single decision but it’s the efforts and striving of all involved that creates the unity which people will believe in within the political system, for this there must be a transparent, genuine and strong democratic system. You in the tragedies were unified and worked together because you all had the same objective. If at a time of peace the path of liberal anarchy is taken where laws are unenforceable and where there is no trust, then an arbitrary society is created, in which many people will suffer. The existence of corruption will bring about the breakdown of the society and weaken its brotherly relationships which are the fundamental strength of every nation. My personal hopes for Kurdistan is for it to become an example of long term adherence to the rule of law and cooperation in the region. You are fortunate that you live on fertile lands which have water resources where its
agriculture and cattle rearing and its rich resources have served the generations of Mesopotamia for thousands of years. Unfortunately it appears these resources are neglected today. Self reliance on food is the essence of survival and continuity of humanity. Water resources are a commodity that’s more important than oil, because for thousands of years humans have survived without oil but humans cannot live without water. You know better than me that the future of the Kurdish nation is dependant on Kurdistan of Iraq, if you in this process of democracy delivery an example of success this will be an encouragement to all the Kurds of the other parts of Kurdistan and for the world to believe that Kurds are capable of managing their own affairs within the territories of their present countries, this would be a persuasive means of resolving the Kurdish issue within the neighbouring states. Today consulates of various western countries are open in Kurdistan; your government can in an appropriate manner get in touch with them. This would be in the interest of the Kurdish Government and the Kurdish people that there are strong diplomatic representatives, cultural centres and activities within the capitals of the large countries in order to obtain and strengthen support from other nations for your cause and increase the number of supporters for Kurdistan. In your times of trials and tribulation of dark history you were able to gain from the support and help of many individual international personalities such as Andrea Sakharov, Edward Kennedy and Nelson Mandela. Due to the efforts of the Kurds in exile in
Europe, heads of many European countries such as Francoise Mitterrand, Bruno Krysky, Olive Palmer, famous intellectuals like Satra and Simone Dobovuar who defended you was because of the presence of active Kurds living in Europe. During those 30 years, I’ve been
Danielle Mitterrand in Erbil
The proportion of female members in the Kurdistan Parliament is higher in comparison to the proportion in the French Parliament message to you the elected representatives of the nation, just like a family meeting I would like to open my heart to you and share my discontents. You will build your own future. I wish you all the best. Long live Kurdistan! Hewler – Kurdistan Parliament.
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would be supportive of them and sympathise with their liberation. I am often called the mother of the Kurds; mothers always want their kids to understand one another, be supportive to one another and have a good relationship with each other. I would like to convey my
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in friendship with Kurds, I have come to love your people and until now I see myself as one of you. Your case is a just cause and your wonderful traditions and culture is one to be proud of, that’s why I believe the day Kurds among themselves understand one another the entire world
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
'I look to the future with optimism'
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November 2009
Outgoing Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani
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If in the past my official duties prevented me from paying attention to social, political and family duties, from now on I will have time to conduct other social and political tasks that are just as important and necessary, as they are complementary. During the period when I was Prime Minister, with the help of the people of Kurdistan, the entire cabinet and KRG officials, we managed to attain important achievements for our people, and to serve our people in the best manner possible. However, there are still dangers and challenges ahead. We are proud that over the past three years we were able – through the fifth KRG Cabinet – to guarantee the following: to reunite the administrations, ensure security and stability, develop relations with foreign countries, improve the livelihood of our people, provide services to the people and export oil. We established programmes to tackle the issue of housing in the Region, and we managed to reactivate the Agricultural Bank to support development in the agricultural field. And we also established the micro credit programmes to give small loans to people. With the efforts of the KRG, the economic infrastructure of the Kurdistan Region has witnessed unprecedented growth, commercial activity is flourishing, and oil companies with which we have signed contracts convey to us the positive news regarding the
establishment of the oil industry in the Kurdistan Region. Although we have attained these important achievements, we still have challenges ahead of us, including many issues between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq that remain outstanding. We must all work together so that our position in the Kurdistan Region is strengthened in regard to national strategic issues which are important to our future. We must have a clear vision and a unified stance on these issues. Regarding internal politics, we have been able to create political stability, and to a great degree provide a conducive atmosphere for the lives of people and help them progress. We have paid attention to our society. We also managed to guarantee the supremacy of the rule of law, respect for human rights, democracy and the freedom of the individual to a great extent. Socially, we tried to reorganise the Kurdistani family, uphold the beautiful norms and habits of our society, empower women and achieve equality among all components of society. When I first assumed office, I felt a tremendous responsibility on my shoulders. At the same time, my colleagues and I were steadfast to the task at hand. I remember the outset of the first cabinet very well. I pledged that this government would spare no effort in delivering a better life to the citizens of the Kurdistan Region. We have been inspired by the strength of our forefathers, who struggled and sacrificed so that we
might live in freedom. It has been my honour and privilege to serve the Kurdistan Region with this objective. The first unified KRG Cabinet was formed in May 2006. In the first cabinet meeting, I looked at the faces of the members of the cabinet and I could see that, because of past experiences, they still did not trust each other fully. My first task at that time was to try to create trust and overcome the differences in order to establish an effective and efficient cabinet. In order to reorganise Kurdistani society and strengthen our stance in the domestic and foreign circles, we as the people of Kurdistan put aside our historical differences and focused on the needs of the people, because the spirit of patriotism and the interests of the people were in our hearts. That is why, in the end, all of us managed to work together with a spirit of self-confidence and mutual trust. There is no doubt that the next cabinet will benefit greatly from the camaraderie, sense of mission, and unity of purpose that was developed in the fifth Cabinet. Today it is important that we identify some of the problems of that time. At the beginning of our duty, we had a lot of shortcomings. We did not have a trained civil service in essential fields, and we did not have a proper or stable budget. We had to establish a government and develop the potential of our citizens. I asked you to work with the government. Many of the professionals, experts and qualified people today working in the fields
guarantee this peace. Without their struggle, sacrifices and hard work, none of our achievements would have been possible. Of course, like you, I also would like to witness more progress and better service to be provided. I also wish to have a government open to citizens’ demands and responsive to current issues. But if we consider the obstacles and challenges that we have faced, I believe the fifth Cabinet has achieved admirable results, we have laid a strong foundation upon which to build a bright and prosperous future. We established ourselves as a peaceful and stable region as part of a Federal Iraq. While we face many challenges, we have been able to establish a legal and sound constitutional framework for protecting the interests of the Kurdistan Region, as well as working towards resolving the issue of the disputed territories. We have laid a solid foundation of an educational system, which will result in educating and raising future generations, so that they will play productive and important roles in the years to come. We believe
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have been provided as much as possible; some people who had lost hope day after day are now looking to the future with optimism. No task has been more important than maintaining peace and security for our people; protecting the lives and well-being of our people was one of our major responsibilities. When Iraq unfortunately descended into violence, terrorism and bloodshed, our Region was fortunate to be an example of stability and a bright experience for peace, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence, and it should remain like this. We were able to accomplish this due to our traditions of respect and tolerance, and the hard work and exerted efforts of the Peshmerga, security forces, police, emergency forces, as well as the law enforcement institutions. When the Peshmerga were in the mountains, they were defending the rights and the very existence of our people. Now that they are in our cities, they have been a major factor in protecting peace and stability for our people. Today as a modern and effective force, the duty of the Peshmerga is to
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of construction, technology and administration were at that time ordinary citizens. But later they were provided with opportunities to participate and to serve their own people. If we look back and remember, we will recall what the situation in the past was and how it has changed. These changes were not coincidental. What we have achieved today was accomplished through hard work. In the stages of development and progress we, as the government, are not the only ones who are proud of this success. Many of the achievements we have accomplished came from the hands of our dear people of Kurdistan. Yes you, dear people of Kurdistan, supported the government’s initiatives for progress, and you deserve much of the credit. We have made meaningful changes for the quality of life of the people of the Kurdistan Region. If we look into the number of projects to improve the roads, water and irrigation, education, electricity, health and housing, we can see that these have progressed considerably. Job opportunities
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that this effort towards education, to fulfill our children’s wishes and meet their needs, is a sustainable investment and the cornerstone for a bright future. We have encouraged civil society organisations and built government institutions from the ground up. We are proud of the establishment of the independent Judicial Council. Our increased attention to human rights, freedom of press and the rule of law are, for us, sound policies. Although such developments are less visible than reconstruction projects, they are nonetheless absolutely critical in guaranteeing a healthy, civilised and democratic community. We have openly and transparently addressed the role and the treatment of women in our society. We have worked to empower women and to eliminate violence against women in all forms. We have worked hard and have taken concrete steps to develop our natural resources, and we also promoted the oil and gas industry in the Kurdistan Region with this. We wanted to prove that natural resources should be managed for the prosperity and the well-being of the people. During our term we were able to establish strong and productive relations with our neighbours. Compared to the past, our relations
with neighbouring countries have witnessed remarkable progress. The Kurdistan Regional Government worked with dedication in encouraging and broadening peaceful relations and preventing any conflict from occurring. We have opened our doors to the world. There are currently 16 foreign representations in the Kurdistan Region, and the number is increasing. These representatives and the continuous influx of foreign delegations that visit the Kurdistan Region are clear evidence of the high level of our relations with these countries. Above all, we have worked to
provide an environment of safety and security in which all citizens can live in peace and prosperity, without ethnic or religious discrimination. The unique achievement of the last three years was the historic development and export of oil. These resources will enable us to improve the lives of every individual in our society and will help us to build an advanced region if we use them wisely. We can guide our development programme on the basis of two principles: We must put our energy resources to use, not only for the creation of national income, but also in
generation. We must work on the issue of openness and transparency in commercial activities. This is an objective for current needs, so that we can prove that we have listened to the needs of the people – those who supported us and those who criticized us. I was pleased that the platforms during the election campaign included attention to the issues of good governance and transparency. These are issues discussed by democratic and developed countries and this is yet another evidence of our progress. I am proud that, as Prime Minister, we worked on this issue, and we are now on the right track towards building an accountable, modern government. Now is the time for the government to work on issues of transparency and good governance; this process will continue with the same pace. We have fulfilled many of the promises that we made to our people.
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We know that there will come a day when these resources will be depleted. As a responsibility to future generations, we have to think of developing agriculture, industry, tourism and long-term investment, together with establishing a fund for investment for the next
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the creation of infrastructure and commerce. Instead of selling oil and gas directly from the field, we have chosen to use it to provide electric power and fuel. Now thousands of families have benefited from the exploitation of such resources.
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The fifth cabinet was a massive success for Kurds PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
By Dr. Nouri Othman
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November 2009
President Divan of the council of Ministers
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If they allow us to discuss the 6th Kurdish cabinet, then we cannot forget the 5th governmental cabinet, which was made of a very strong president, and motivational vice president, 40 MP’s. Nechirvan Barzani, vice president declared that he will accept the post as a Kurdish, and will not support any of the other regions or political parties. He then started the workers team, which was made from all the different colours of the government. He pursued them to work as a team for our government and not as a representative for a particular party. Although the high number of the MP’s became a concern for the internal media’s, Nechirvan Barzani the vice president of the 5th cabinet in a speech suggested the number of MP’s, the number shows that this cabinet is very capable, is the cabinet for reintroducing nation, after the national war Kurdistan will become the first collective government. Its aim is to put an end to internal issues and to serve Kurdish nation without discriminations against the nation or their religion. In the 5 cabinet the most important points of Nechervan Barzani was changing for the better the national security, human rights, service, education, health, agriculture, fuel
and electricity. Another two main sectors of this agreement of which believe the Kurdish nation in general felt differences were both done with Mr Nechervan Barzani’s supervision. The first was to get rid of the electricity issues of which was one of the main and biggest problem Kurdistan had, of which even until today the Iraqi government is struggling with. However the fifth cabinet for the first time in the history of the Kurdish region was able to provide national electricity, and now has the key to electricity in our hands. The second point was the declaring the law of general publishing and airing in Kurdistan, declaring this law for a long time had an importance to the government and international inventors, in a way this law gives the right to the working class, to a point even the right to ownership internationally. Thus the exchange in the success of petrol and gas was another important promise of the 5th cabinet. Therefore with a lot of hard work Mr Nechervan Barzani is against the surrounding countries even Baghdad government until the law was successful. This law happily became the reason for today’s of which we now have agreement with 35 international
petro organisations in order to obtain fuel in Kurdistan.
The independence of media At the time of the 5th cabinet, himself Nechervan Barzani and the MP’s very strongly supported the independence and the freedom to publishing by the media, the support of both Mr Barzani and the presidential party changed the media from unorganised, messy media to a more organised media. I can say that media in Kurdistan have enough freedom, especially after releasing the law for freedom of publishing in Kurdistan and the future looks to be bright for media.
Human right in Kurdistan Human right in Kurdistan was a main promise in the points promised by the 5th cabinet, in this subject many changes for the better has been made, For example laying laws that does not allow anyone to be jailed without a court order. Therefore no one for political believe are left in the Kurdish jails. Also according to the 5th cabinet promise many modern jails houses are under constructions. To protect the human rights of women
In this area, Turkey is an example for improving the link between Kurdistan and the neighbouring countries. We know during the 5th cabinet the link between Kurdistan and Turkey in many different shapes; Turkey was communicating with
The link between the Kurdish government and their public In the past years the lack of security in Iraq, the terrorists tried to cause conflicts between different tribes, in this many threats were sent to the Christian brothers outside Kurdistan region, thus Masoud Barzani proposed the opening of the Kurdistan regions in order to protect the Christians
in Iraq, and to allow them to come in to Kurdistan, therefore many thousand Christians came to Kurdistan based on that proposal. We helped them in finding work and places to live in, and restart their life in happiness and peace. An example of the changes made for the Christians is the villagers Aenkawa, of which the Kurdish government changed it from a simple village to a very modern city, thus not only the Christians but all the other minority groups in Kurdistan are treated as citizens and given citizen rights, many of the Kurdish freedom fighters laid their lives for the Christians outside the bordered of Kurdistan to protect them, and still many freedom fighters are protecting the Christians in the other parts and areas of Iraq.
November 2009
Relationship between Kurdistan and other countries
Kurdistan with a threat, however the Kurdistan president Barzani and the Kurdish government with their peace offering changed these communications from threat to good and dual- benefits. Until we saw the Turkish international relation officer and the head of retail visited Kurdistan.
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many important regulations has been placed, together with many administrative centre’s were made, now i can say that we have very much succeeded in women right in Kurdistan. While the national communities have worked hard at this, according to the laws the government will provide their rights, and gives them the complete right to work.
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
KRG statement on Human Rights Watch Report
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November 2009
Kurdistan Regional Government official statement regarding Human Rights Watch report – “On Vulnerable Ground” The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has a long standing and productive relationship with Human Rights Watch (HRW). We appreciate what HRW has done in the past. As an oppressed community ourselves, we fully understand the value of ensuring justice for all members and factions of society. In addition, the KRG appreciates the interest in the condition of the minority communities in Ninevah Province’s disputed territories. We regard the well-being of all communities in these areas to be of paramount concern. The KRG is ready and willing to look into each and every allegation, and we are ready to work on these issues under the legal framework of both the Kurdistan Region and the Republic of Iraq, with the help of HRW and other reputable human rights
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organisations. The KRG will investigate each specific claim outlined in the report carefully and thoroughly. There may be instances of maltreatment and neglect; the KRG does not claim to be flawless. But the report reveals a systematic misperception of the
circumstances in Ninevah and a worrying ignorance of Iraqi history. HRW therefore produces an inaccurate portrayal of the situation. Furthermore, due to the methodology employed to produce this report, it cannot be the basis for legitimate judgements or assertions.
The main thrust of this report could be grossly misleading and the KRG affirms its strong disagreement in this regard. The KRG has done more for the protection of minorities than any other entity in Iraq, and
continues to insist on tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the Region and throughout Iraq. However, it is imperative to consider the broader social and political context regarding these claims. Neither the KRG nor the Peshmerga forces have created instability in the disputed territories. On the contrary, the Peshmerga have sacrificed their lives to protect the residents in these areas from terrorists. They have been part of the solution, not the problem. Terrorists and extremists have utilised violence and intimidation, repeatedly violating the human rights of minorities. The blame falls squarely on their shoulders, and they should be held accountable. The HRW investigation appears to have ignored the majority of people from the ethnic and religious minorities in Ninevah, who welcome the presence of the Kurdish security forces and are grateful for the assistance provided by the KRG, especially d u r i n g periods of i n t e n s e sectarian violence and repeated intimidation. In fact minorities, regardless of their ethnic and religious background, have come to the Kurdistan Region, fleeing violence and persecution. This stems from the KRG policy of religious and ethnic tolerance. The KRG has invested heavily in the
the Iraqi and the Kurdistan Region Constitutions. The KRG stands committed to the provision of fair treatment to all residents of the Kurdistan Region and the disputed territories. It is the KRG policy to ensure political stability, personal security, and the rule of law, regardless of ethnic or religious afďŹ liation. The way forward in Ninevah is to address these issues through a coordinated and collaborated effort between the KRG and federal government of Iraq, and to establish security in this troubled area, with the support of the coalition forces. Our common enemies are terrorists and extremists. We must establish delineated procedures through which we can, together, eliminate the scourge of terrorism and sectarian violence 11 November 2009
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marginalising minorities and who also wish to marginalise the Kurds. Iraq needs an inclusive system of governance for all communities. One of the misperceptions in the report is the assertion that Shabak and Yazidi individuals are not Kurds. The report states that these groups are ethnic minorities, and criticizes the KRG for not making such a speciďŹ cation. But the right to make such an ethnic categorization does not belong to HRW, just as it does not belong to the KRG. It is for the individuals themselves to decide. This is one reason why the KRG has advocated a census, to help ensure that democratic rights are secured for all citizens. The KRG considers minority issues of genuine importance in Iraq, and we are ready to play our part to ensure that all citizens are respected and valued as equals as we have in the drafting of both
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welfare of citizens in the disputed territories, at a time when no other entity was willing to do so. The report fails to mention the fact that following every major incident in which Iraq’s minorities have been targeted by terrorists, the KRG has provided humanitarian aid and received hundreds, sometimes thousands of families into the KRG area, where many continue to live today in peace. If the minorities in Nineveh were being systematically intimidated by the Kurds, why would so many seek shelter in KRG-administered land? From reading the report it would appear that all minorities in Nineveh province are against KRG policy, which is far from the truth, as elections results in the disputed areas have consistently shown. The real problem in Ninevah governorate are the terrorists and the extremists, intent upon
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Photo:Karwan Muhammad
PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Kurds own federalism in Iraq
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November 2009
By Adnan Mufti Former Head of the Kurdistan Parliament
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Seventeen years, of the historical decision and process on federalism for Kurdistan, has passed. At that time Kurdistan’s’ Parliament was taking new steps in enforcing Kurdish rights in line with contemporary developments. It decided to take new steps towards another level in accordance with the needs of the people of Kurdistan. Even though we faced many difficulties at that time, we decided that this decision was the right one. During this time many of the opposition groups within Iraq came together and most of them decided federalism for Iraq was appropriate. Even until the time of the fall of Saddam and afterwards, this became the ambition of most of the oppositions. Due to all our determination the permanent constitution was enforced in 2005. After the collapse of negotiations with the Iraqi government in 1991 there was the withdrawal of the administration by Bagdad in October of that year. From there on Kurds faced a new situation as at the same time we needed to fill the administrative gap that now had occurred. We decided that elections needed to be held and a few months after the elections Parliament met and deliberations on the types of necessary laws were made, a proposal was presented detailing that Parliament decided on federalism. This decision became the foundation of today’s
federal system as we can seen. After the uprising and the creation of the Kurdistan Region there was a lot of pressure from Bagdad and the neighbouring countries; especially those countries who had gained other parts of Kurdistan. They showed clear discontent as they believed that these steps were the beginnings of separation and then later independence. This could have an impact on the other Kurdish regions. We continuously repeated that we were not intending on separating or becoming independent, as we did not want them to conflict with us, but they were uncomfortable with the situation and wanted to prevent us from our ambitions. Therefore Iraq put economic sanctions against us, along with the neighbouring states preventing any resources entering Kurdistan. Especially those resources that the economy depended upon. Apart from this, other neighbouring states such as Syria, Turkey and Iran were having continuous meetings with one another to discuss Kurdistan and Iraq’s situation. At the time Kurdish diplomacy was successful to a point in calming down the situation and conveying that we were not intending to separate from Iraq but that we were part of Iraq. Slowly, slowly this issue defused even though it took some time. However, those countries did not go on to
recognising the Kurdistan Region, but somehow the branches of the two main political parties were able to function within the capitals of Syria, Turkey and Iran, until the permanent constitution of Iraq in 2005 enforced federalism. After the collapse of the Ba’ath regime and the reestablishment of the Iraqi Transitional Government our main problem was with the other parties who lacked understanding of how this federalism was going to work out. There were many questions about federalism, from parties like the Dawa Party and the Islamic Party. They had suspicions that this federalism may be a step towards the future separation of Kurds. Kurds were successful in conveying the people of Iraq: Iraq had been established upon a choice of unity and federalism, and that it required the powers to be shared. We have to retract back to the fact that federalism is a new thing and people lack understanding it. Those who are familiar with it are those who are specialists on federalism but, each of them approaches federalism differently. Now we need a deeper understanding of federalism and its benefits and not in relation to nationalistic issues, but probably for the sake of better governance and prosperity of the country. We can see that the federalised countries are much more united and developed.
We are a distinct nation with our own culture, language and territory. That’s why we decided for federalism seventeen years ago.
particular the Arabic states, interfere greatly in Iraq’s affairs. We see that there are tens of Arabic channels who, in their programmes, are against federalism and specifically talk against the Kurdistan Region. This all has its own impact on a proportion of Iraq’s’ citizens. But, when this path of ours succeeds, it will change people’s opinions on Kurds and federalism. When the Ba’athies and terrorists weaken the people of Iraq we will be focusing on development, discussing federalism and thinking
about the future. At the same time those relationships between the central government and the region will be further clarified as so far this relationship has been unclear. For example: not many people know until now how many problems in relation to power sharing still continue. Once these problems are dealt with those in authority would know what their roles are and the circumstance of the situations would become more fixed. I believe that by then support for federalism would become stronger.
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Federalism is founded on the basis of democracy. Here there is a central issue. We had previously requested federalism on the basis of nationalism due to us being distinct ethnically, and having our own culture, language and territory. Even though we may possibly have had similarities with the other ethnic groups of Iraq, but due to this distinction we decided upon federalism for us. There is a truth that must be said here. The neighbouring states and the middle eastern countries, in
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Kurdistan Parliament
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Iraq and its hidden agenda
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November 2009
By Fouad Hussain Chief of Staff to the President of the Kurdistan Region
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The elections of Kurdistan ran very well, peacefully and fairly. It was an achievement which strengthened the people of Kurdistan further internally and internationally. The priority of the Kurds is clear. It is the compliance with article 140 of the constitution, the strengthening of the Kurdish Peshmarga’s, the progress of democracy in Iraq and for Iraq to become a modern and open country. The Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al Maliki stated on his visit to Kurdistan that the political process of Iraq was at risk, that it had an internal and external threat to it. If this threat is realised then all will be at risk such as those in authority, those in the region, those in Bagdad and those below. No doubt about it that this is the reality of the facts. It is true that the political process in Iraq is under threat but in our opinion the internal problems increase the external threats. Once the internal problems are dealt with and the people are content the
impact of the external threats will be reduced, thus the real issue is internal. One of the major problems of Iraq is the stalemate of Article 140, Peshmarga’s, oil, Iraqi forces and the process of power sharing in Iraq’s government. These are the same questions that were raised years ago and will continue to be raised again and again. Article 140 is one of those problems that cannot be spoken of; we were all pleased to hear the prime minister at the press conference stating that this issue was tied to the constitution. The question here is how he is planning to solve this issue? It is necessary that the government of Iraq formulates its own opinion on how to deal with this matter, as Kurds have decided on their own ways of dealing with this same issue which is known to all. In our meeting with the prime minister I felt that they either had no opinion on the issue, no intention to deal with matter or they just did not want to speak about the matter.
actions of the people of Kurdistan, the history of the Kurdish people, Kurdish leaders, the Kurdish president and the strength of the regional president, it can be seen that there is an intense relationship between the Kurds and the outside world. If we compare this relationship with Iraq’s you see that Iraq does not have this quality of relations as a government and not as a country.
November 2009
who is responsible for ensuring compliance with this article in the constitution. In the upcoming elections we will be the largest list within Iraq’s political arena and within Iraq’s Parliament, so if you are a large list then it means you will be making decisions. It is true that the political policy is usually for central governments to have relations with one another but due to the
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Either way: they should announce it from now on so we know where we are in relation to this matter. This is a real problem. They wait to see what is on our agenda and once we have clarified this then they prepare themselves to confront us by a simple yes or no reply, but what is their agenda?! You are the prime minister in power and article 140 provides that it is the federal government
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
The budget
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November 2009
By Sammie Atroshee Member of Iraqi parliament
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In the Iraqi budget there are some issues which are center for disputes. Many of the ministries could not spend their specified budget as allocated for them: for 2009 budget we got the statistics that many ministries just spend thirty percent of their money. Meanwhile the Kurdish government spent a hundred percent of its budget. There is a problem because of the stability in Kurdistan region government is spending its money, but Bagdad cannot do that. For instance last year there was a problem that federal government had not spend 83 percent of its budget and central government had asked Kurdistan to not spend or pay attention to budgetary balance hence they had keep 263 million dinar with them till now this problem is not solved. But central government should benefit from Kurdish government experiences in spending budget and implementing projects. The Iraqi government could have investigated to know how Kurdistan region to spend its money and benefit from it. But they just did this in accounting terms, in Bagdad money returns to treasury ministry, because of not spending it especially in cities. But Kurdistan government had spent a hundred percent of its budget. In this case Kurdish movement is interested because it spends its money perfectly, but for
2010 the 263 million dinar budget which was taken back to central government will be solved and this amount of money should be return to Kurdistan. Any way this problem will exist because Bagdad government can not spend this amount of a hundred percent like Kurdistan can. In my opinion the government is not stabile in economical and politically, this means economy is related to security. I predict till two more rounds of parliament this will be the same case. Unfortunately, economical policy is based on science; just they know how much is spent in favor of production. For example, 10 to 12 million dinar annually for the production in this amount nearly seventy percent to 75 percent will be spent this become the measurement. But in reality fifty percent of this budget is not be spending for the purpose of development economy. But it had been spent for reconstructing some buildings and other things. Obviously, the economic improvements of Kurdistan region is better than Bagdad, the reconstruction of Kurdistan is taken two shape one side public do it and other is governmental sectors. The specific sectors are doing well and this is a good success for the Kurdish government, therefore, the federal government should take the same measures. Bagdad government can not improve economic sector if the government doesn’t improve special sectors. The central bank of Iraq has nearly 45 million dinars. According to statistics this amount of money till this year is about 55 percent to 60
million dinars. There is also foreign direct investment money which returns to government’s budget. This is declared by the international
of Iraq in anti-corruption organization, and this organization last year declared Iraq is first country in corruption, is there any way for Iraq to be member in this organization. Unfortunately till now we don’t have fragility in Iraq and we will not have soon but if we have it then we don’t need deputies in ministries.
November 2009
there is not trust among parties this is the reason that just some people know about budget and Iraqi wealth. This refers to fragility. If we had fragility then we would not have this problem now. If we had policy for dividing money we would not encounter this problem today. I was surprised that Iraq was accepted
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Security Council this is the money of energy export. In Iraq government just a few people know what Iraqi’s wealth is, but now we asked the treasury ministry to indicate the Iraqi money. They did show us, but it had been done in a hurry and therefore they had made mistakes in collecting it. Because,
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Iraqi Government Kurdistan’s
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November 2009
By Dr. Kalil Ismail Geographic expert at Salahaddin University
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Nowadays, every country in the world focuses on its border and protects it, because any country knows that border gives prestigious to their people and it makes their work to be done easily. Kurdish people like other nations want to have its border in order to be independent and do her works on her own. According to Asbatul-Umam's report published in 1925, the border of Kurdistan Regional Government starts from the mountain range of Hamrin. If we trace back to old history, before spreading Islam from the Arab Gulf, Arabs existed only around the Furat River, which means today’s Iraq was under Kurds and Persians control. When Arabs came into Iraq with the purpose of spreading Islam, everything was changed in the area. Islam became the religion of the zone, Arabic became the standard language; all of these led Arabs get the power in the district. Since then the changes have been continuing, Kurdish gradually have been loosing their power. Recently, new plans against Kurdish have been revealed; for instance, in the time of establishing the Republic of Iraq there was a plan to Arabize Kurdish people through using different polices. Kurdish people as a nation have a right to draw their boundary. What we think as a logical phenomenon is to draw a Region’s border, which starts from Hamrin and Makhul mountain range. We believe that our suggestion is geographically and historically logical between ours and other parts of Iraq. The border of Kurdistan was historically approved; for instance, if we go back to Usbatul-Umam’s report (established in 1925), we can find out that Iraq was divided into three main parts; Region of Arabs (i.e. Arabs inhabitant area), Kurdistan Region; lastly, Jazeerah Region. In accordance with the report, the border of Iraq starts from Tkrit on the Deejlah River and Rummadi on the Furat River; this shows that beyond Hamrin does not belong to Iraq. Usbatul-Umam’s report shows that “all Arabic and western sources emphasize that the border of Iraqi Arabs starts from Hamrin and above it does not belong to Iraq”. According to the report the border of Kurdistan Region starts from Hamrin. If we as a geographic compare the mountain range of Hamrin-Makhul, we
see that there are a noticeable difference between both sides in terms of society, economy and nature. Everyone knows that our side (i.e. Kurdistan Region) is very different in terms of weather, rain, mountain and even people from the south (i.e. Arab part); this shows that Kurdish people did not draw this boundary haphazardly. However, unfortunately Iraqi governments have made every effort to hidden this truth. During the negotiation of Kurdish leaders and central government, Arabs kept themselves away from identifying Kurdistan border. For instance, in 1970 there was a treaty known as 11 Azar (i.e. 11th March) in which census had to be taken for identifying independency in Kurdish parts; however, the census was postponed to unknown date. Similarly, after the falling of Saddam the disputable areas were named as the Article 58, which later turned to the Article of 140. The Iraqi government has always been trying to postpone and hide the Article of 140, but Baghdad is not aware of the importance of the Article of 140 for the future of Kurdistan, if it is, it does not want to put into practice, because the Article identifies the border of Kurdistan Region. Honestly, after the downfall of Saddam, census should have been conducted by the government, and based on the results border of Kurdistan should have been drawn. This is what federalism means; because having federalism there have to be a land separated from other areas by an official border. If there is not any separated zone, then we would not have federalism. To my opinion, our problem with the central government of Iraq is to admit our existence; in other words, Arabs do not confess that there is a nation named Kurds. Therefore, Arabs do everything to prevent establishing a Kurdish government in Iraq, and they have many plans to do that. However, the plans are still hidden; this makes the new central Government similar to the previous government (i.e. Saddam). In my viewpoint, Baghdad is responsible for this issue, because they do not believe it that is why they keep themselves away from it. It is worth saying that, Kurdish leaders also have responsibilities to solve this problem, since they are the representatives of Kurdish people. I believe that Kurdish leaders from inside and
is responsible for border dispute
November 2009
authority’s limit. Today, areas, which are known as “disputable areas” are very problematic. For instance, most people in Khanaqin are Kurdish, so they have rights to be separated from Arab districts. People in Khanaqin are totally in need, because central government does not give them any help, due to having many Kurds, and also the government does not allow Kurdistan Regional Government help those people in that city.
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outside of Iraq have to play better role and review their policies to be decision makers not just reactive figures. Actually, we have never thought of being independent from Iraq, and we support new Iraq more than Arabs; we always have believed that we should be a part of Iraq. However, what we want is to be a part of the authority and to have our official border. Every part should have its border so that each part becomes aware of its
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
‘Kurdish lobby is strong in France’ Research By I K P
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November 2009
No country has been able to obtain their place in the heart of the French nation the way Kurds have. France made the Kurdish constituency and approximately 180 thousand Kurds currently live in France. Saywan Barzani announced that the Kurdish lobby in France is very strong; contact is obtained with all the governmental officers. He thinks this bond will remain strong in the next forty years. As well as the children of the other parts of Kurdistan in France suggests that the French will continue to support the Kurdish region. What are the projects and works that you do in France as a Kurdish common wealth representative? The international governmental work in France is not national diplomacy, but it is opposition’s diplomacy. However we are relying on the freedom, the control of Kurdistan, and their development, we have been able to develop a team with the constitution, to aid us in protecting ourselves during the international projects. For example, Danielle Mitterrand who is a friend of Kurds worked hard to protect the Kurdish human rights; she was the first president in the defense ministry to vote for the 688 treaty, in order to motivate the Kurdish nation.
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The opening of the French embassy was the first embassy to open in Arbil, followed by many other European countries opening their embassy. This shows the reality of the Kurds in France. This is the result of having a contact with many of high powered French, such as the president of France, writers and journalists. How is the relationship between the French and the Kurds in general? The relationship between the Kurds and the French are deep and old, thus it goes back to the days of the Aelul war, at the time of which Kameran Badixan was the representative of the Aelul war in France. Yousif Ibrahim, Rafaat Shahewaee, Saheed Jaffar, and Kamal Kerkuki, were the Kurdish representatives in France. The Kurdish political parties have influences and have requested all those information that are being aired in France to be 99 percent positive. We have many friends within parliament, government, and in the media. No country with a high budget or hardworking individuals has been able to find their places in the heart of the French nation the way Kurds have, h o w e v e r this is not the case with many countries due to some of the Kurdish national parties of which have not kept the Kurdish word pure, while in France the Kurdish crisis, and the name is very well known. The Kurds in France, to what extend do they support with completing and seeing to these project?
universities to allocate speakers. There are sixteen Kurds of which have gained PHD in the university of France, while this academic year there are 86 Kurdish students on their way to France to study for a diploma. It has also been agreed with the universities in France to accept approx 200300- Kurdish students in the next academic year. To date there has been approx 300 candidates to gain diploma in the French universities. How is your contact with those Kurds living in France? The number of Kurds in general is roughly between the 160 and 180 thousand Kurds living in France. And three thousand of which are Kurds from south, despite these Kurds being from other regions of Kurdistan such as Lebanese, Russian, Turkey etc. They have still aided and supported the Kurdish region of Iraq. We as representatives from the Iraqi Kurdistan will support them with their social, educational and transport issues including their return to their home land.
Saywan Barzani
November 2009
Is the son of the great Mustafa Barzani, he was born in 1971 in the town Haji Omaran. After leaving Iraq with American and French companies, he became part of the Kurdish student union. He started publishing articles and speeches. He achieved masters’ degree in parliament, as well as gaining a PHD in Kurdish political science at the University of Sorbonne. In 1999 he became the president of the Kurdistan regional government in France, while he has been the candidate to become the president of the Iraqi embassy in France for the past two years. He is currently selected as one of the Iraqi representatives in Europe and is aiming at becoming the Iraqi embassy president in the future.
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The France population is approximately 3000 WHAT? Any one of those Kurds in the town of which they have migrated to, have contacts with the members of parliament, the local councils, the journalists, the local radio and TV studios . This has motivated the others to support the Kurds and has increased Kurdish supporters, this is why it is unlikely for a treaty to be announced against the Kurds, and the journalists and writers not to write about it. What was the reason for the rise of the diplomatic Kurds in France? The national diplomacy or the opposition is much more successful, than the international countries’ diplomacy they use, where they spend a large sum of money and forces. We work on daily basis and build a contact list with all those that have power and can vote, including publications which are very important; we have contact with the majority of media companies from right to left. Also we have contact with one of the detectives that is linked directly to president Sarkozy, of whom had a major part in opening the French embassy in Arbil. Also the minister of foreign affairs and the president of France are Kurdish supporters, thus the opening of the French embassy and the opening of two French schools in a short period of time was essential. Therefore I am suggesting that our connections will remind strong for the next forty years. How does France feel about the Kurds in Iraq and the area? France wants to enforce democracy in the area, in those countries that have Kurdish migrated to, to have as much rights as those in the region of Iraq Kurds. However if we were to discuss the Iraqi Kurdistan then we will also have to agree to the fact that France made Kurdistan Iraq. This is due to France being persistent on the 688 treaty of the United Nations, and sending forces to aid the 36 and upwards. In terms of educations and economics, what have you done for the region of Kurdistan in France? A group of French organisations are relocating to Arbil. In terms of beneďŹ ting from their health services, there a conference will be held with the French taking p a r t ; we have contacted many of the French
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
German consul in Erbil
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November 2009
‘Yes, Kurdistan has the requirements to be independent’
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Dr. Oliver Schnakenberg became head of the German consul in Erbil in 2009. He has been working with the international relations of Germany since 1991. He is surprised by the welcomed feeling brought on by the Kurdish public; he does not even feel like foreigner in Kurdistan. He enjoys the nature of Kurdistan and he tries to travel every weekend to another part of Kurdistan to meet new people. “There is hardly anyone in Kurdistan that does not have a family member in Germany.” According to Schnakenberg there are many similarities between Kurdistan and Germany. For example Germany became a victim after the second world war and was destroyed in such a way that its populations could not mourn for the past but became occupied with rebuilding it. Rebuilding Germany could not be done by the Germans without the help of America. While the populations were committed to building a new country, their difference is that Germany was poor after the war, while Kurdistan in terms of agree culture is very rich. “The only issue is that Kurdistan is very poor in having internal manufactures as we are willing to take all the help we can get.” There are approximately 2025German companies working in Kurdistan. “I can say the ratio is too little and not enough for Kurdistan. However we are hoping that after the treaty of which the German government is publishing in February next year, regarding the German public visiting Iraq and Kurdistan, will push the German companies to visit Kurdistan more.” Regarding helping Kurdistan the German consul has a number of projects that can be presented to the people. “The first centre for practice and to improve the civil servants is run by the ‘Agef organization’, which is sponsored financially by the German office of international relations. This centre has had many important roles for the civil servants, lawyers and judges; these are in
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organizations. The other is helping the Kurdish companies to find similar German companies to help them.” Most importantly Schnakenberg thinks: “Yes, Kurdistan has the requirements to be independent. I know most of the public here wants dependency, however the government and many others know that this stage is better for Kurdistan to be a free and a democratic country within the walls of Iraq.”
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terms of protecting the freedom of laws and running the court room.” Another aim of this centre is helping women in starting their own business. “Also we have been able to, with the help of the office of international relations in Germany, open a few organizations against political prisoners, and genocide in Sulaymani, Erbil and Kirkuk. The opening of the German educational and economic in Kurdistan has two aims. “One is informing them of the education, financial, and security and introducing vacancies to the German
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Photo:Karwan Muhammad
PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Two days with Iraqi Kurds
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November 2009
By Jangez chnader / Hurriyet
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As the New York Times reporter asked northern Iraq’s interior minister Karim Sinjari about ever deepening Turkish-Iraqi ties, Sinjari looked at the deep-blue waters of the Bosporus and said, “A year ago, we couldn’t have imagined being here today.” Sponsored by the Atlantic Council, Columbia University, the American University and the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, a two-day panel on relations between Turkey and the Kurdish Regional Administration was recently held at the Swiss Hotel in Istanbul. The Iraqi Kurdish attendance was quite impressive. Among the attendees were Sinjari, Natural Resources Minister Ashti Hawrami and three other ministers of the new regional administration formed by Barham Salih a week ago. Also present were Fuad Hussein, president of the regional administration, Massoud Barzani’s right-hand man, key oil authorities such as Halit Salih and Kamran Karadaghi, three chairmen of chambers of commerce, along with the university presidents from Sulaimaniyah, Dohuk and Arbil. Such strong attendance by Iraqi Kurds was not balanced out by the Turkish side though: There was
not a single Turkish official at the meeting. For various reasons only our group attended it.
No Turkish attendance The “official” Turkey dislikes David Philips who organized the first meeting in Washington in April. Another critical reason for the lack of official Turkish attendance is the current internal tension within the country. As the “Kurdish initiative” was beginning, Republican People’s Party, or CHP, leader Deniz Baykal, the CHP’s Onur Öymen and Nationalist Action Party, or MHP, leader Devlet Bahçeli kicked up a row for the first panel in Washington, even going so far as to suggest the initiative was a U.S. plot. Apparently, government circles that were negatively affected by the opposition’s fierce criticism have decided not to attend the second meeting so as not to cause more trouble. Besides, they were clearly preoccupied by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and Minister of State Zafer Çağlayan’s visit to the city of Arbil just two days ahead of the meeting. “Since we already visited Arbil, why do we need a meeting in Istanbul?” they
must have thought. Interestingly though, the Iraqi Kurdish officials rushing to Istanbul after hosting Davutoğlu and Çağlayan in Arbil were extremely happy to be present both at the Arbil visit and the occasion in Istanbul. Every single Iraqi Kurdish attendee at the meeting said last week’s Arbil visit was historic. They are looking to the future of Turkeynorthern Iraq relations through a rosy frame. The two-day panel, which was held behind closed doors, prompted much curiosity among reporters waiting outside or in the hallways as to what was going on inside. Actually there was nothing odd going on inside. In fact, we discussed many different things, including: agreements signed/positive trends, the latest developments in Turkey, developments in the energy industry in northern Iraq, trade and investment, education and culture and lessons to be learned from Turkey-Greece rapprochement including civil society’s role İlter Türkmen, the eldest speaker and a doyen of Turkish foreign policy, made a confession at the end of the second day. He roughly said that he had never thought
Strangely enough, the Investment Minister of the Regional Kurdish Administration Herish Moharrem said to me during the meeting that there are 800 registered
barrels a day in 2009. That figure is expected to increase to 300,000 by 2010, 500,000 by 2011 and a million barrels by 2012. Turkey consumes 500,000 barrels of oil a day and 36 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year. Northern Iraq lacks natural gas infrastructure today, but they will eventually reach annual output levels of 6070 billion cubic meters. Let’s think about the dynamics of the initiative in light of these figures… Let’s go back to the beginning: Sinjari, who is responsible for “security” in the regional administration, feels confident that the stagnation period in the Kurdish, or democratic, initiative in Turkey is temporary and that Turkey will soon find a way ahead.
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800 Turkish firms
Turkish firms in the region, 500 of which are permanent. Annual trade volume between Turkey and the regional administration is six billion dollars, twice as much of what we have with Greece. Our annual trade volume to all of Iraq stands at seven billion dollars – that is, almost all of which is with northern Iraq. Moreover, there are enormously rich crude oil and natural gas resources waiting to be explored in the region. Hawrami jotted down a note regarding a few geologic estimations on oil and natural gas reserves in northern Iraq and passed it on to me: He said they produce 45 billion barrels a day in crude oil and 6 trillion cubic meters of natural gas a year. Oil export from the region accounted for 100,000
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Iraqi Kurdish officials could be this qualified. Northern Iraq or “Iraqi Kurdistan” is not that well-known in Turkey. The perception is that there is a man there named Massoud Barzani who rules the region as he pleases. Such perceptions in Turkey should change. Türkmen said that quite experienced officials are in charge there. Perceptions… That’s our problem not only about Iraqi Kurds but also about relations between our own Turkish and Kurdish citizens…
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
‘Obama must not sell
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November 2009
By Thomas P.M. Barnett
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My company, Enterra Solutions, has performed development work inside northern Iraq for close to two years, proving out an economic "connect-up" model we call Development-in-a-Box. That experience leads me to believe that the Kurds' success in nation building could ultimately be their undoing when it comes to President Obama's plan to rapidly withdraw our troops. First off, let me correct my mistake in identifying citizens of the Kurdistan Regional Government as "Kurds," because their leaders prefer the term Kurdistanis, a label they compare to Americans. Why? Kurds aren't the only people living in the KRG, they note, so
let's make clear that citizenship isn't tied to ethnicity. That logic alone tells you the KRG is worth defending. Second, some history: America enforced a no-fly zone over northern Iraq soon after Desert Storm's conclusion. Unlike the rest of Iraq that remained under Saddam's iron grip, the Kurdistanis got a lengthy head start on nation building -- an opportunity they vigorously exploited. That success, in tandem with the KRG's disciplined militia known as the peshmerga, accounts for the almost complete lack of U.S. military casualties there since the war. You know that neocon bit about Iraqis "welcoming us with flowers" and helping us overthrow Saddam?
Well, it actually happened in Kurdistan. As a result, our military hasn't stationed -- or lost -- troops inside the KRG since Saddam fell. So when we talk about U.S. nation building in Iraq, we must admit there was a "good" (Kurdistan) to go along with the "bad" (Shiite south) and the "ugly" (Sunni triangle). Third, the KRG enjoys the financial support of one of the biggest expatriate populations in the world, with substantial numbers living in neighboring Syria, Turkey and Iran -- whose culture Kurdistan most resembles. In their wisdom, KRG leaders make no claim for a "greater Kurdistan" or for secession from Iraq, even as they legitimately contest control over oil-
from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey once U.S. troops leave. Plus, we'll leave behind three armies inside Iraq: the Sunni militias, the KRG's peshmerga, and the reconstituted Iraq army -- overwhelmingly controlled by Shiia. Thus, as our troops draw down, the Obama administration will become essentially powerless to stop any future Shiite attempts to establish unitary control over the entirety of Iraq, meaning a resumed civil war is entirely possible. Moreover, if regional kingpins Iran (Shiite) and the House of Saud (Sunni) are intent in re-igniting a proxy war within Iraq's borders, Washington will be reduced to a bystander. But there is one thing the Obama administration can do
to shape this scary pathway for the better: leave behind enough ground troops inside Kurdistan to effectively take it off the table regarding future civil strife. If we don't, we're essentially punishing the Kurdistanis for their past and current success in not constituting a sinkhole for U.S. blood and treasure. That's immoral. Such "trip wire" deployments have been enormously successful in the past, including our military cooperation with South Korea since the Korean War and with Kuwait since the ďŹ rst Iraq War. It is a cheap and honorable commitment to make to the Kurdistanis, allowing them to continue serving as a model of economic advance and political stability to the rest of Iraq.
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rich Kirkuk. Instead, they believe a secure and vibrant Kurdistan vastly improves Iraq's prospects for loose federalism. The neocons ridiculed then-Senator Joe Biden's promotion of Iraq's "soft partition," but the truth is that outcome was preordained, with the majority Shiia ruling the south and Baghdad, Sunni tribal councils once again governing their own, and the KRG in ďŹ rm control of northern Iraq. The U.S. military's surge strategy achieved success in pacifying southern Iraq primarily by acquiescing to that emergent reality and co-opting it. But here's the rub: the Bush administration's meager efforts to create a regional security dialogue yielded little-tono commitment to Iraq's stability
November 2009
out Kurdish Iraq’
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Why is Syria concerned about Turkey’s democratic initiative?
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November 2009
By Bulent Kenes / Today's Zaman
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In an interview published as a headline story by Today's Zaman on Tuesday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave open and official support to Turkey's democratic initiative, which aims to settle the Kurdish issue. He even went further to declare that he would embrace Syrian militants who leave the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and pardon them so as to allow them to integrate back into society. After expressing his support for the process, he said: "In my opinion, the initiative is not an end but a means. The main target is to ensure the country's stability and development. Whatever you do, you must keep the unity, indivisibility and territorial integrity of the country as your most important target. Political unity and geographical integrity are important issues. Of course, in addition to these, the timing of the initiative is very important. Since I do not know much about the internal affairs of Turkey, I cannot say anything about
whether its timing is good or bad. But, in any case, we will eventually be affected by what goes on in Turkey. Therefore, we want this process to produce stability." Of course, these words also give the impression that Damascus has some serious concerns about the process as well.
Wrong translations If official discourse does not suffice and you hold some offthe-record meetings with Syrian officials, you will observe that these concerns are voiced on a more concrete basis and with added emphasis. While Mr. Assad said: "Of course, in addition to these, the timing of the initiative is very important. Since I do not know much about the internal affairs of Turkey, I cannot say anything about whether its timing is good or bad," these sentences were translated by these Syrian officials as "the timing of the initiative was bad and
wrong." According to some highranking Syrian officials, Turkey should postpone its efforts to settle the Kurdish issue in a democratic framework until the demands of the PKK and the Kurds are considerably minimized. Yes, but what are the grounds for these concerns, which are reflected in Syria's public and official discourse and which will possibly be discussed with Turkish officials during Mr. Assad's visit to İstanbul today? At this point, I must note that as Mr. Assad put it, whatever its results, Turkey's democratic initiative will affect Syria as it will affect other countries in the region. And, unable to predict where these effects may lead, Syria has serious concerns about them. The fact that there are 2 million Kurds living in the country with a total population of 17 million adds substance to these concerns. In the final analysis, if, in addition to the Kurds' obtaining de facto independence in northern Iraq, the Kurds in Turkey acquire
extensive democratic rights as a result of the ongoing democratic initiative process, this may trigger similar demands within the Kurdish population in Syria. And it is clear that despite numerous initiatives undertaken by the young President Assad over the last seven years, the Damascus administration is still maimed by strict bureaucracy and is not ready for a democratic initiative. Hence Assad's emphasis on "timing" the democratic initiative process and Syrian officials' suggestion that the process should be "postponed until Kurdish demands are minimized." Of course, we should not forget that Syria is an Arab state. As an Arab state, Syria is one of the
countries hardest hit by tension between Kurds and Arabs, as seen primarily in Iraq. This being so, Syria may even be justified in its concerns about the Kurdish regional administration in northern Iraq. Meeting with Syrian authorities, one can easily understand that there are some aspects of these concerns that relate to Turkey. The Syrian officials, who wish to remain anonymous, do not hide the fact that they do not like Turkey doing all its business with Iraq exclusively via northern Iraq. In private conversations, these officials even openly voice their dislike of Turkish businessmen investing big in northern Iraq and Turkey's preference for northern
Iraq as its main route for trade with Iraq. Noting that Turkey using northern Iraq as its main channel for trade with Iraq has earned the Kurdish government in northern Iraq serious revenue, the Syrian officials claim that part of this income is being paid to the PKK. For this reason, they say, it is better suited to Turkey's interests to choose Syria as its venue for trade with southern parts of Iraq. Of course, it is not hard to predict that Turkey's business with northern Iraq will skyrocket if the democratization initiative is successful, so the Syrian administration may be calculating that the democratic initiative might not serve its interests.
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November 2009
Kurd in Syrian
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Economic stability in Kurdistan through oil Research By I K P
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November 2009
Kurdistan Regional Government has made thirty agreements with companies from fifteen different countries. Kurdistan has about five to fifteen percent of the product. Production sharing contracts are the type of Kurdistan's agreements. These contracts contain a new pattern and modern methods. The government in
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Bagdad has different patents of arguments, which are technical support contracts. This means the companies get paid for what they do and not having any shame from the product, which to produce from the oilfields. These types of contracts belong to the same political government of Iraq in the past. The international companies were against this pattern of agreements, after destruction of S a d d a m Hussein's p o w e r . They have
continued working with the same agreement methods in Iraq. The worldwide companies have disagreed against the pattern of the segments, which they believe has expired. Exchange commodity of Kurdistan's oil will be the most useful thing for establishing a strong economy in Kurdistan. Oil trade takes Kurdistan forward, develops a strong economy and makes people’s life change. Exchange off oil from Kurdistan. Raise the exchange of oil in Iraq by 90%expotr oil products, which directly connect to the economy of Iraq. Now, the Kurdish Regional Government takes
Kurdistan region will export natural gas through the pipeline of Nabuko to the European countries. Russia is the main supplier of natural gas to European countries. Because of problems with Ocarina Russia has stopped the gas supply to the Indian countries. The European countries are looking for a alternative natural gas supplier instead of Russia, which makes them free to impose from Russia. They have decided that the new gas line from Azerbaijan goes through Turkey. The natural gas from Kurdistan will be transferred by the same gas line to the European countries. They believe to supply twenty-five percent of the European gas necessity. Oil in Kurdistan has an important affect on technology. For example the one in Taq Taq can produce 60 thousand barrels per day. I believe this process can be called: through technology the
economy of Kurdistan will develop more relationships with companies. Kurdistan has achieved effective benefits through exporting oil from Kurdistan to other countries; I believe it is a historical day for the country and its people. Through the contracts between Kurdistan Regional Government and companies such as Genel Energy and Dana Gas a few new school in Kurdistan are build and possibility’s for university students in Kurdistan are realised. Producing oil makes your political side stronger, as well as it makes your economy better.
November 2009
Gas and oil lines
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seventeen percent of oil exchange from Iraq. The oil of Kurdistan sales by the company of trade national oil Iraqi (SOMO). Which directly connect to the Iraqi government. The number of employments in the oil business in Kurdistan is raised. For example the ‘Taq Taq Oilfield’ has employed around ten thousand people. Trading oil has a strong effect on communication and connection with other countries. For example, the cooperation between Kurdish oil companies and Western oil companies will make a strong connection. This will encourage Western countries to have other connections with Kurdistan: like social and political cooperation. Western countries will look at Kurdistan as an important part. The relationship gets closer and economy opportunities will rise.
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Exchange commodity and economy of By Ashti Hawrami
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November 2009
Minster of Natural Resources
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Kurdistan regional government has made 30 agreements with companies from 15 different countries. Production sharing contracts are the type of Kurdistan's arguments which are new pattern and modern methods. Oil companies now face a court on those type both agreements which part of the product after being discovered and produced from the oil fields goes to the company which has produced the product. Kurdistan has about 5% to 15% off the product, but in the other hand the fed government of Baghdad has different patents of arguments, which they are a technical support contracts which means the companies get paid for what they do and not having any shame from the product, which to produce from the oilfields. This type of contracts, are belong to the same political government of Iraq
from the past, after the nationalize oil in 1972 does kind of arguments have established and other things, which has been controlled by a National Oil companies. The international companies they were against this pattern of agreements, after destruction of Saddam Hussein's power. They have continued with the same agreement methods for working in Iraq. The worldwide companies have disagreed against the pattern of the segments, which they believe this patent has expired. Which many times, the oil provisional have thought this type of contracts has the effects to the oilfields and economy of Iraq? Exchange commodity of Kurdistan's oil will be the most useful thing to establish a strong economy of Kurdistan. Oil trade takes Kurdistan, forward and develop a strong economy and makes the change off people's life. That isn't a major issue for Kurdish people and Kurdistan, as it has poor and weak economy now. It's obvious when Kurdistan’s economy have developed it makes the changes of the stage. Exchange off oil from Kurdistan. Raise the exchange of oil in Iraq by 90%expotr oil products, which directly connect to the economy of
Iraq. Now, the Kurdish regional government takes 17% of oil exchange from Iraq the oil of Kurdistan sales by the company of trade national oil Iraqi (SOMO). Which directly connect to the Iraqi government. It has almost employed a number of people in Kurdistan. For example the [Taq Taq’s oilfield] has employed around 10,000 people as (Mohammed Sypal). The director of company for (GENEL ENERGY) trading oil has strong effect on communication and connection with other countries. For example, the part of oil from Kurdistan will go to the Western countries, which makes strong connection and encourage the countries to have other connections such as social, politic which it all come from the economy benefits’. If Kurdistan has the oil trade with Western countries they will look at Kurdistan an important part, which has an important energy, and it makes them have closer relationship with the country for having better economy opportunities. So Kurdistan region will export the natural GAS through the pipeline of [NABUKO] call the {South Line} which takes Gas to the European countries. Russia is the main supplier
Turkish government will have a new embassy in Hawler, which is based on economy benefits? Those changes will develop Kurdistan to the new stage in Kurdistan, and to the worldwide companies. Oil in Kurdistan and has important affect on technology. For example the one in Taq Taq can produce 60,000 barrels per day, which I believe this process; called technology itself through having this economy Kurdistan will develop more companies. Producing oil makes your politic side, stronger, as well as makes your economy better will it remain point of economy in Kurdistan, which makes Kurdistan and forward to a different stage and stronger and it makes us the countries look at Kurdistan as an independent country and release fair in force to the country. Kurdistan has achieved effective benefits through export the oil from Kurdistan to other countries; I believe it is a historical day for the country and to people too. Through the contracts of Kurdistan regional government with the companies they work in Kurdistan people has beneficial maturities, which comes with the new contracts between Kurdistan regional Government and the companies such as (Genel Energy) has mad a mad a few new schools and the company of (Dana Gas) has supplied some ne compos for the student of the USA University in Kurdistan.
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of natural gas to her European countries through having problems with Ocarina has stopped the gas suppliers to the Indian countries. The European countries are looking for alternative natural gas supplier, instead, the Russian which it makes them free from impose of Russia. They have decided have the new gas line from Azerbaijan to the through Turkey. The natural gas from Kurdistan will be transferred by the same gas line to the European countries with them believe will supply 14/ of the European Gas necessity. If the amount of export of natural gas from Kurdistan by 2013 raised to 3 million per day. The Turkish neighbourhood government of Kurdistan subdue the trade of oil and gas well forward of his relationship with Kurdistan in better way. Turkey will have a part of this natural gas from Kurdistan through the export of it to their land. As Henry Barky the prophesier wrote about Kurdistan in (2009)"Turkey has big benefit from the oil and Natural Gas from north of Iraq is so true especially because they believe. In 2011 Turkey, not supplies enough and energy to the population deeper communication of trade theory, producing of underground economy such as oil pipelines makes strong a relationship between countries" Few days ago, the channel of CNN in Turkey are published
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of oil, establish politic Kurdistan, stronger.
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Security in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Research By I K P
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November 2009
Masrour Barzani
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The Kurdistan Region boasts a remarkable security record. Since the war that toppled Saddam Hussein from power in 2003, not a single US soldier has been killed in Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)-controlled territory. Thanks primarily to its successes in this arena, life in the Kurdistan Region has largely returned to normal and economic development is booming. The current Chief of Intelligence and Security for the Kurdistan
Region is Masrour Barzani. He has been serving this post since 1999. On November 20 of the year 2004 the Kurdistan National Assembly passed law 46, which establishes the legal basis for the conduct of security services in the region and regulates the agency's behavior. Kurds from the region have utilized this local success to aid important policing and securityrelated missions in other parts of Iraq. Recognized for their discipline and commitment to duty, Kurdish troops have fought alongside coalition forces in major campaigns throughout the country. Many Kurds are now serving in the Iraqi forces, and several all-Kurdish battalions have served with distinction, in places with high levels of intercommunal tension such as Kirkuk, Mosul, and Baghdad. Kurdish security and intelligence forces have also been responsible for uncovering numerous terrorist cells before they were able to execute their plans. Through cooperation with other regional agencies in Iraq and, most importantly, from the local population, the security forces have successfully protected Kurdistan Region's civilian population from the brutality directed against civilians in other parts of the country. Thousands of Kurds have lost their lives in
support of a new Iraq. Furthermore, as part of a
The president is committed to capitalizing on these security achievements through a continued commitment to improved training, increased professionalization, continued diversification of recruits, and heightened community responsiveness. This will position the Kurdistan Region to meet significant challenges in community responsiveness, border control and monitoring, force restructuring, and antiterrorism into the future.
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has been efforts to abolish the use of torture in the KRG, a truly remarkable feat, given the isolation and cruelty forced upon Kurds under Saddam's regime. While there is still work to be done, the KRG is committed to achieving the highest standards of human rights protection and has actively cooperated with independent monitoring bodies such as Human Rights Watch and the UN Human Rights Commission in order to address potential problems.
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continuing commitment to social development and under President Barzani's leadership, Kurdish security forces have been officially opened to female candidates. Hundreds of women have received training currently. And plans are underway to increase opportunities for qualified candidates in the future. This reform has made the Kurdistan Region a leader in female liberation in the Middle East. Another major avenue of reform
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Security and stability the Kurdish
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November 2009
By Samee Shorsh
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One of the most important measures for deciding about, the truth and falsehood of stability and instability, improvement and withdrawal from any political situation in any country or region in the world and the political stability in this country is related to this country. Stability and security, in fact, is the result of governments well implication of the project, particularly security and political, as we all know one of the biggest problem for the Iraqi government in the last six years, was the security in the cities of Baghdad and other cities. This had created big problem for Iraq and that was the factor that Iraq could not do any thing about education, construction, and political affairs in the country. The security issue had created misconceptions between people and Bagdad government. However, the United States, Uk, and other European and middle eastern countries are helping Iraq, so as to restore its political independency. Because security is not good in the country non of these foreign assistance help Iraq. For example Algeria is a good example like Iraq as Algeria had economical instability and the country had been suffering for 17 years. Second example can be Lebanon as it had bad political situation for 35 years, further, sudden, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey all are suffering security dilemmas. Besides, Somalia and Iran and many other countries shown that the local security is the core of the political and economic stability in them. Kurdistan as a regional autonomic
government had been improving its security and economy this is for sure result of the security and government works. Even though till now Kurdistan is not an independent government and do not act independently, and still lack the features of independent government and did not have long history of its freedom. In this point, it worth to be mentioned that Kurdish problem is that Kurdish people are not anxious to ask questions and do not want to ask, as if they don’t have desire to do. How this stability is established, and from where it started and who created it and how they protect it? Although, these types of questing is very rare however, its two and half a year that there have not been any terrorist attack or security conicts did not happen in Kurdistan. Kurdistan people are enjoying life because of their government, even though some times the foreign media mentioned Kurdistan as stable region in Iraq and Middle East. Any way, to know this stable situation we should accurately look at some important factors, which had helped the Kurdish government to obtain this as it had faced many problems in the beginning. The key factors that are crucial in stability of Kurdistan 1) The geography of Kurdistan is entirely signiďŹ cant as its is in a mountainous region, some of problems are from the boarder like Turkey, Iran, and inside country central government also some international actors like US. And boarder disputes particularly with Turkey and its involvement in to
Kurdish affairs, there is no doubt that establishing a government like Kurdistan stable and peaceful, in such geographical location and unstable politically, is a very hard work.
terrorists and terrorism. These factors and many others make Kurdistan government to work to provide security in Kurdistan. The same situation made international bodied to show their gratitude towards what government had done. If we investigate it closely we on can see all there international councils and ambassadors, and international deputies, in Kurdistan especially in Hawler the capital of Kurdistan, clearly we reveal that world and international actors pay great attention to Kurdistan and how help to provide further peace and security in the region. This shows that the Kurdistan people with all different levels are proud of what government had done it, but some media and political groups do not like to see the things in reality, although they know the work of government and people but don’t see these instead by their speeches hit poisons daggers in the heart of government. Therefore they always try to poison peoples’ hearts towards government, so as to damage the programs of the government. This is a fact that still Kurdistan has many problems and barriers which prevent it, and there are many shortages. Besides, we are a nation that become responsible for our duty and this is short time till know we don’t have profound knowledge, in order to be able to bridge these gaps. But most importantly, in this critical stage we must defend the security, peace and improvements in the region which we gain by the help of our president and other members of parliament and people of Kurdistan.
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2) Regardless of outside adversaries Kurds have many local enemies; all of them are trying to test the democratic situation so as to show that Kurdish government is not capable of to rule its people. These enemies had got support
form outside of Iraq and some of them are inside Kurds or living beside Kurds like the case in Kirkuk, Xnaqeen, Mosel, some are in the federal parliament and further they exist in the political institutions. In reality, preventing all these adversaries and their tactics is not any easy job, it’s v ery hard work. 3) Kurdish the core of the military and police forces are driven from Peshmarga forces. Till not because of Iraqi government and other countries till now the regional government could not have armies and independent forces to defend its region locally and internationally. 4) In economic terms it is good region and successful in performing economic affairs, but because of political disputes’ with Bagdad, up to now could not get the satisfactory point. Despite of that Bagdad is sometimes trying to take back even what is the right of people by taking their economic interests back to central government and central government wants to deprive Kurds from their own wealth. While some of the Iraqi money is been take by the adversaries and they enjoy it and sometimes a considerable amount of money is been spent for deadly plans against Kurds. 5) This is a fact that Kurdistan could create good relationships internationally, but unfortunately till now it did not acquired this. This is good thing which helps the government to fight its enemies and terrorist. Shortly, world until now did not cooperate with Kurdistan very much, in confronting
November 2009
is another outcome of government
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Pollution
in
By Hardi Ali
Kurdistan
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November 2009
The ‘land of Kurds’, better known as Kurdistan is an extensive plateau and mountainous area in the Middle East with around 45 million inhabitants. After the First World War Kurdistan was divided into four countries: Syria, Iraq, Turkey and Iran. Kurdistan is rich with oil fields, natural materials, such as metal, and stones from the mountains. Nature such as air, water, trees, animals and human beings are strongly related to each other on earth. These factors have been related to each other from the beginning of life. As humans we need to breathe, drink and eat for the purpose of survival. When the air or water is polluted, our lives are at risk. Factors like air pollution from factories, old transport exhausts, chemical weapons from the war, tornados, sewage and rubbish are a daily cost in Kurdistan.
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Kurdish people have suffered through air pollution from contamination of heavy smoke from several factories. Many Kurdish cities produce cement, plastic and cigarettes. The governments who have colonised Kurdistan do not want to spend money to transport any of these materials the country produces. A good example in this matter is the fact that former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein built air polluting
factories near the Kurdish city of Sulamany. The factories produce heavy smog which contains chemical dust. This dust pollutes the air and food which has caused many diseases like cancer, skin and kidney problems to civilians. This pollution has carried on for many years, even till this day. The oil fields have polluted the air of Kurdistan by heavy black smoke, burning 24 hours a day since the year 1918. This has caused early deaths in many different places in Kurdistan, especially in the city of Kerkuk. So often the authorities have used chemical weapons through the war with Kurdish people which polluted the air, poisoned water and food causing death and diseases. The chemical bombings in Halabja and surroundings caused the death of more than 12 thousand people on the 16th of March 1988. In this particular area, many children are born with blood disorders, such as leukaemia, physical malformation, and brain disease. Kurdistan is close to the Arabic desert where in the summer, tornados bring dust to the cities that cover the vegetables and fruit. This causes stomach and eye disorders. In Kurdistan we have no tests for our transport. Exhaust omissions are not tested, so we have a build up of this in our cities adding to other pollutants in
the air. In Kurdistan people mainly use water from the rivers and lakes for drinking, cooking and washing. The water is unclean, because many of the small cities and villages are close to the rivers and lakes in the north where there are no sewage or purification systems. Many of the villages, towns and cities are in the mountain areas close to the rivers where the authority of the governments that controlled Kurdistan never want to put their money to make a modern society. In many places the oil fields contaminate these rivers and lakes that ruin crops and the livelihood of farmers. In Kurdistan there is no council system that collects the rubbish and recycles. There is no money spent on important issues such as this. The KRG Minister of Evironment Dara Mohammed Amin said: “Erbil city alone produces 800 tons of garbage every day and Sulamany city produces about 700 tons. These mountains of garbage are not scientifically recycled.” The conclusion is clear. Kurdistan has huge issues regarding environmental health problems. It all happened for different reasons such as profit for dictatorial regimes, causing innocent Kurdish people to suffer, and the lack of education for modernisation. Therefore new technology such as carbon capture,
the current occupying states who only care about their own people. Sources • Regional pollution becomes focal point, Iraqupdates, 022008/11/.
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contains the energy efficiency and encourage green retrofitting would also help enormously. The only way this suffering will end is when Kurdistan produces a humanitarian government that is independent of
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better fuels and taller chimneys for factory fumes are needed. As well as education on environmental and humanitarian issues and modernisation of the sewerage. The M.O.T style system, which
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PRESS URDISH M A G A Z I N E INTERNATIONAL
Underappreciated At Filmmakers Struggle
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November 2009
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NEW YORK – The first New York Kurdish Film Festival took place on October 2125-, presenting a wide range of feature films, shorts, and documentaries under the slogan ‘A Cinema Across Borders.’ The festival comes on the heels of the larger London Kurdish Film Festival, which has been run annually since 2001. Nine full-length films by as many directors and a smorgasbord of documentaries and shorts were screened in New York. Spread over a volatile region encompassing parts of Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq, the Kurdish people for centuries have struggled for identity and statehood. Turbulent history and political realities often force Kurdish filmmakers to express themselves through allegory, symbolism, and allusion. Despite the unfavorable conditions for cultural development at home, Kurdish cinematographers have achieved considerable success abroad, including the Palme D’Or at Cannes in 1982 for "Yol," a film by the Turkish-Kurdish director Yilmaz Guney. "Yol" was filmed by an assistant based on detailed instructions from Guney, who was in prison at the time. Bahman Ghobadi from Iran, whose film "No One Knows About Persian Cats" premiered at the New York festival, is among the better-known contemporary Kurdish filmmakers. Also offering a film in New York was Hiner Saleem, an Iraqi-Kurdish cinematographer based in France. Saleem’s latest comedy, "Vodka Lemon," is a gentle love story about an ex-army officer and a barmaid set in a Kurdish village in Armenia that dismisses the notion that there is a common underlying theme for all Kurdish filmmakers. “We can live in the same city or the same village but think differently or have different sensibilities,” Saleem said. “Unfortunately today for Kurds in Turkey, in Syria, in Iran, it is very hard to make movies. It’s very difficult to work because there is an apartheid against Kurdish [people], there is no equality, there are no human rights, there is no freedom. But some very courageous, brave Kurdish girls and boys [are] making movies in very hard conditions.”
Hollywood Or Melodrama Saleem says that as in many other parts of the world, Kurds are far less excited to see movies about
their bleak living conditions than the latest action flick featuring Tom Cruise. As an example of the extreme lengths Kurdish filmmakers have to go to bring their movies to local audiences he recalls his experience from one of his previous movies. He filmed the movie with the help of a 500,000 euro grant from a French cultural institution, but upon offering it for free to one of the Kurdish TV channels in Iraqi Kurdistan, his offer was declined. Hollywood films and Egyptian and Turkish melodramas dominate the cultural landscape in Iraqi Kurdistan, Saleem notes, and few people show an inclination toward the politically or socially engaged movies that many Kurdish filmmakers produce. Jano Rosebiani is an Iraqi-Kurdish filmmaker based in California whose film "Jiyan" -- a story of a 10-year orphan in the aftermath of the 1988 gas attack in the Iraqi Kurdish town of Helabja -- was screened at the festival. Rosebiani says that terrorism concerns are another major obstacle keeping local audiences in Iraqi Kurdistan out of the movie theaters. “You would not want to sit in a dark room full of people in that region, at least not yet. So, therefore the cinema has not really taken its ground yet in that region,” Rosebiani said. In 2000, when Rosebiani felt safe enough to relocate to northern Iraq's Kurdistan region to start making movies locally, he had to smuggle all the equipment through Turkey because there was none available in Kurdistan. After the films were shot, the negatives had to be flown back to Belgium for development and editing.
Prohibition in Turkey The situation is not much different today, says Rosebiani, who relocated from Kurdistan to California in 2008. “We don’t have a cinema industry in Kurdistan yet because for the majority of the Kurdish regions, you are not allowed to show Kurdish films,” Rosebiani said. Where 60 or 6570- percent of the Kurdish area is in Turkey, you cannot show Kurdish films in Turkey, for example; likewise in Iran or Syria. The only part [where] you can show Kurdish film is Kurdistan in Iraq, that’s only 56- million people, half of which are not at...the age to see a film.”
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Yuksel Yavuz, a Turkish-Kurdish filmmaker based in Germany, says that he was surprised when he received a call from a distribution company in Turkey in 2004 requesting the rights to his movie "A Little Bit Of Freedom." When he later visited Turkey and sought to see his film in Istanbul, www.ekurd.net he discovered that it was being shown only in a small screening room of a local porn-movie theater. "Bawke," a 15-minute film by Iraqi Kurdish filmmaker Hisham Zaman, captures the tension and desperation of a Kurdish father and his young son as they make a perilous attempt to cross Europe and find a safe haven. "Bawke" has received numerous awards, and Zaman, who has been based in Norway for the last 17 years, says that though still underdeveloped, Kurdish cinema has its own distinctive features. “Kurdish cinema for me, what makes Kurdish cinema different from other cinemas, maybe is the way they present human beings, the way they use amateur actors, the way they show their existence and their life and cultural traditions,” Zaman said. The festival featured a special presentation called "Women in Kurdish Cinema," which included short films made by and about Kurdish women. The organizers were forced, however, to cancel a panel on the subject because the moderator, Müjde Arslan, a young Turkish-Kurdish filmmaker, was not issued a U.S. visa.
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shawkat amin, director of crossing the dust film
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His name is Khidr Ahmed Yashwaysy Aliy Bagy Mecaila. He was born in the year 1800 in a village called Khaku Kholl in the county of Sharazur. His father was a farmer and a member of the Jaf trip; he passed away when Naly was a little boy. His mother took care of him from there on and she send him to school. Naly was the first person who written the whole Kurdish language in poetic way. He finished the primary school at mosque of Khaku Kholl. After that he went to the county of Qarakh to finish his studies. He was falling in love with the gale, called Habyba while he lived down Qarakh, and he has mentioned her name in many of his poems. She became the main inspiration for these love poems. Naly moved to Sulymany and worked at the ministry as adviser codification. For the purpose of finding more knowledge he moved to Hawraman. From there on he moved to the west of Kurdistan and lived in Sina, which was controlled by authority of Ardalanyakan. After studying at Darulehsans school a few years he went back to Sulaymany. Naly saw and visited many other places in Kurdistan. He learned different languages such as Arabic and Farsi. And Turkish through third stronger relationship he had with the science and the Masters in his life. He had strong relationship and friendship with the King of Baban at that time.
The world of Naly Naly engaged with philosophical ideas, through his surrealist
methods of his poems. He developed ideas through his dreams in a way that portrayed him like idealist similar to other philosophies such as Aflatun and Aristo. He strongly believed in love and women. Those two aspects were the most important inspiration for his love poems. He wrote many poems about the beauty of women. Naly describes the incense of religion, with true emotion from human mind to human figure. It describes true love through his believes. It seemed that he saw himself in the top with other poets of his time. He felt like a teacher for them and that became reality many centuries later. Naly wrote poems for leisure and not for any other beneficial purpose. He never persuade any one to achieve materials such as money. His lover Habyba become the major issue of his love poems and she had a deep impact on him. She was his muse; he even compared her with the beauty of nature. Naly was one of the Kurdish poem writers who loved his nation and country. He established the school of Krmangy in the South (Sorany) with using his mother language which was a Kurdish. Naly is famous by one of his long poem which he wrote to his poet friend Salm from Sham after he left the country through the invasion time of Ottmans Empire. In this poem he asked his friend about live in the country and whether it is safe for him to come
By Adnan Ali
Naly: a poet that can’t be forgotten
back. And Salm answered to Naly and confirmed to not go back as every thing has changed and the country has destroyed by the power of occupies.
Religion Naly wrote religion long poems about proofs of the Islam, which both his long poems became the best and knowing through the muslin communities and has influenced other poets to write poems about religion.
Nude poems We can see nude poems in his books as he wrote about women parts and women figures. The best known nude poem of Naly is the long poem on a dream desiccation with Kurdish female arts (Mastura). Nan of other Kurdish nude poem became an issue of augment in the whole history of Kurdish art.
The death of Naly After the Turkish invasion he left Kurdistan in 1851 and went to Shudai for visiting to make. After Salms letter he went to Syria and moved to Istanbul and few years later he past away in 1856. Sources 1- D, Marf Khaznadir (History of Kurdish art) 2- M,Habdule Karremy Modarise [Interpretation of Nalis collection] 3- Sidq Borakay (history of Kurdish poem)
him to be. This party has, since their assembly, proven that they are a very strict group, and do not accept others opinions. They have a few political requests, that not only the two Kurdish political parties would not accept, but even the streets of Kurdistan. Especially during the election period they discussed the democracy and freedom, and the return of Kirkuk to Kurdistan region’s control. However after their entry into parliament their requests changed: they requested that the city Sulaymani would become an independent region! These requests are dangerous in the public’s opinion, and are considered a betrayal to the nation. It is obvious that this group is against the Kurdish politics, and it is possible that they support the Syrian and some of the Arabs that are Saddam’s leftovers. According to the news, a few months ago the representatives of Listi Goran visited the Syrian embassy in the Great Britain. They requested them for support and promised to perform the Syrian requests in Kurdistan. For the Kurdistan presidential election, they chose a candidate that we believe had collected money from the Turks for their publications. This political party is aiming to bad mouth Kurdistan in the European countries, especially the Great Britain. This instead of showing the public the good side. They are trying to convince the organisations - whom are looking to re-build Kurdistan - from not going to Kurdistan. The president of Iraq repeated in many occasions that we are aware of the shortages in managing Kurdish politics; however we are continuously working on improving them. Therefore no one in Kurdistan - including those in power are against changes. The European nations need to learn the truth about Listi Goran. They pretend to fix Kurdistan. In reality they are busy destroying it.
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Massoud Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) gave a historical speech in Washington in 2005. With former American president George W. Bush he complimented the American nation’s hard work and their associates in order to lay their lives to protect and free the Iraqi nation against the former Iraqi government. Thus this success of the Kurdistan and their nation, as well as the Kurdish nation’s effort should be recorded as an international victory. In another hand today’s conditions is an example of Kurdistan region governing itself, thus Kurdish history of independency is important anywhere in the world. Hence we are prove of freedom and independency; however the important part is how to protect this? If we actually observe the political progression of Kurdistan, we can select strong political groups. In the 19th century due to the credit crunch in Iraq, Kurdistan nation saw the exposure of strong Islamic politics, to a point where the Islamic parts were due to merge with scientific areas. However the benefits of both powered political parties of PDK and PUK in surrendering the dictator, and their serious effort in re-making the economy of Kurdistan, providing security, job vacancies for the public of Kurdistan and strengthening of the Kurdish footsteps in the government of Iraq without wasting time, the effect of Islamic, and the scientific areas were reduced in a ways that avoided the Kurds to be put in as one list in the last election. Therefore we can clearly feel that the efforts of the Islamic politicians is completely weak and will become even weaker. Listi Goran (the Change-list) is run by one of the strong former members of PUK. The start of this new party was the result of conflicts of opinion between the members and the party. The leader of this party is not who Goran show
By Hemin Husain
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