Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq, 16
July (KRG). KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani told a visiting US
Congressional delegation that American investors and companies can
benefit from a recently passed investment law.
He urged American investors and companies to establish businesses in
the Kurdistan Region, en route to developing private sector
commercial activities throughout the country as conditions permit.
While there have been dozens of US Congressional Delegations (CODELs)
visiting Baghdad and other parts of Iraq, this was only the second
to visit the Kurdistan Region.
Prime Minister Barzani invited US Congressman Peter Hoekstra of
Michigan and welcomed him and his delegation to the Region. Other
members of the delegation were Congressmen Gil Gutknecht of
Minnesota, Mike Rogers of Michigan, Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota,
Christopher Shays of Connecticut, and US Government staff.
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US Congressman Peter Hoekstra (R) with PM Nechirvan Barzani (M) and
Deputy PM Omer Fattah (L)
Photo: KRG |
The Congressmen expressed their pleasure and optimism at the
progress being made by the Kurdistan Region as a model for Iraq, in
moving from a brutal dictatorial past towards a peaceful and
prosperous representative democracy. Prime Minister Barzani affirmed
the policy of the KRG toward a federal, pluralistic, and democratic
Iraq.
He highlighted the recent visit of Iraq Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki,
assured full support to the federal government, and offered help and
assistance.
Prime Minister Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Omer Fattah
expressed their appreciation to the Congressmen for America's
protection and support over the past 14 years, which has enabled the
Kurdistan Region to begin moving beyond the threatening conditions
of the past. Prime Minister Barzani said there is a strong will to
succeed.
He emphasized it was an honour to fight and work side by side with
the coalition forces, and said that America's sacrifices are most
respected, valued, and not forgotten.
Regarding Kirkuk and the region's natural resources, Prime Minister
Barzani emphasized that they will be handled in accordance with the
Constitution.
The Congressmen visited the Kurdistan National Assembly (KNA, the
Region’s parliament), where they met with Speaker Adnan Mufti,
Deputy Speaker Kamal Kirkuki, and some members. The Speaker and
Deputy Speaker expressed their appreciation for America's protection
and support and highlighted efforts being made at the parliamentary
level to promote the rule of law.
The KNA leadership emphasized that the settlement of the Kirkuk
situation, which, regrettably, has been excessively delayed, will be
handled in accordance with Article-140 of the Constitution.
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