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In asserting how federalism strengthens the country,
Prime Minister Barzani affirmed that within the
framework of Iraq this is the way to secure
prosperity and wellbeing for the people of the
Kurdistan Region. He said, “Our only aim is that
Iraq will never come under the grip of a unilateral
dictatorial regime, or the people of Iraq suffer at
the mercy of a centralized government with absolute
power to violate everyone's rights.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the KRG's
rightful requests regarding a federal, democratic
and pluralistic system; fair sharing of Iraq's
resources; and a peaceful and democratic resolution
within framework of the law to disputed areas. He
also highlighted the need for training and equipment
to enhance the capabilities of Kurdistan’s forces to
meet security threats, noting the limited allocation
of MNF resources and programs to the Kurdistan
Region.
Iraq National Security Advisor al-Rubaie said, “The
strength of the Kurdistan Region means the strength
of all Iraq and the weakness of any region means the
weakness of the entire country.” He added, “The KRG
has been independent for 15 years and has become a
voluntary part of Iraq.”
General Mixon said, “Today's event is symbolic
because the people of these provinces have been
taking the lead and demonstrating progress. You [the
KRG] are setting an example for the rest of Iraq.”
He said that the Kurdistan Region is a reflection of
the capabilities and potential of Iraq. “You [the
KRG] have enabled…an unprecedented number of
American and International businessmen to visit this
area…Businessmen leave this area feeling energized
and confident that this is the place that they want
to do business.”
The formal handover ceremony was attended by many
dignitaries including KRG Deputy Prime Minister Omer
Fattah, representatives from the Iraqi, US, UK,
Italian, Korean and German governments, and was held
in the new Shahid Saad Abdullah Conference Centre.
The ceremony was followed by a military parade of
contingents from the security forces of Iraq and the
Kurdistan Region, including a contingent of women
soldiers.
Prime Minister Barzani's speech
at the handover of security responsibility from
the Multinational Force to the KRG
Wednesday 30 May, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq
Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, good
day. I extend a warm welcome to our dear guests,
especially the representative of the Federal Iraqi
Government in Baghdad, Dr. Mowaffak al-Rubaie,
Commander of Multinational Division North, Major
General Benjamin Mixon, and Commander of
Multinational Division North-East, Major General
Yoon Young-bum. Thank you very much for your
attendance.
I am pleased and honored to participate with you in
this ceremony. This is a historic day for our
people. It is another successful step in the process
of rebuilding Iraq.
Following Operation Iraqi Freedom, today the
Kurdistan Regional Government officially assumes
security responsibility from the Multinational
Force. This is yet more evidence of the capability
and capacity of the law enforcement authorities and
the security establishment in the region.
This capacity is a result of vigilance and
experience gained from 15 years of self rule. On 19
May 1992, the people of the Kurdistan Region, in
their first free and fair elections, voted for
peace, freedom and stability.
We continued to strive and sacrifice until the fall
of the regime. Our struggle was against dictatorship
and oppression. Our sacrifices were made to secure
our just rights in a democratic framework.
I wish to express my gratitude to the Multinational
Force for liberating the peoples of Iraq. We value
highly, and pay homage to, the sacrifices made in
pursuit of that noble goal.
We are proud of the role we played, shoulder to
shoulder with the coalition forces, not only during
the liberation process, but also in the political
process of reconstructing Iraq. We sacrificed for
this goal and we have decided to be an important
part of this coalition.
Here, we reiterate our support for Prime Minister
Nouri Al Maliki’s government. We commend his courage
and determination in pressing ahead with his
programs despite difficult challenges.
When we talk about the federal system we mean
building a country based on democracy, respect for
human rights, and the supremacy of law; equitable
justice in sharing power and wealth. We talk of a
system that protects and strengthens the country.
This request is not only for the Kurds, but for all
Iraqi people. What we ask for comes within the
framework of our constitutional rights.
We in the Kurdistan Region have decided to remain
part of Iraq on the basis of a voluntary union,
provided that Iraq is a federal, democratic and
pluralistic country. An Iraq that lives in peace
with itself and its neighbours. And a country that
does not cause suffering and pain to its people.
Since the start of the political process, we have
worked assiduously. We have been part of the
solution, not part of the problem. We have shown
utmost flexibility so that issues can been solved
legally and constitutionally. Our only aim is that
Iraq will never again come under the grip of a
unilateral dictatorial regime, or the people of Iraq
suffer at the mercy of a centralised government with
absolute power to violate everybody’s rights.
When we decided to remain part of Iraq our aim was
to secure prosperity and wellbeing for our peoples
within the framework of Iraq. We do not regret
taking that decision. We work seriously for the
success of this new experience. We have asked for a
federal, democratic and pluralistic system whereby
all peoples of Iraq can enjoy their just national
rights regardless of ethnic, religious or sectarian
background. We wanted a country ruled in accordance
with the constitution and its principles.
We have asked for our fair share of Iraq’s revenues,
which our region deserves. This is a fundamental
request if we want this experience in Iraq to
succeed. We have asked that all disputed areas are
resolved peacefully, democratically, and within the
framework of the law and constitution. According to
the constitution, the opportunity should be given to
the inhabitants of Sinjar, Shekhan, Makhmour, Kirkuk,
Khanaqin, and other disputed areas to make their
decision before the end of this year.
We should hasten to implement this constitutional
article. We must respect the voice and will of our
people. Our insistence on legal and peaceful methods
is yet again evidence of our confidence in a
federal, democratic Iraq. Our position regarding
this issue remains unchanged. Rights that were taken
from us forcefully must be returned peacefully and
democratically. Our people and the principles of
justice and equality, require us to work seriously,
and rapidly, to implement this process.
The success of any part of Iraq is the success of
all Iraq. We believe that the federal system is the
best way to serve all interests. Therefore, I ask
that serious steps be taken to solve these key
issues. We don’t want the bitter experiences of the
past to be repeated. We want to strengthen the
bridge of relations, and the trust, between us.
It is true that the security situation in the
Kurdistan Region compared to other areas of Iraq is
better. However, we too face threats. The terrorist
attack of 9th May in Erbil is clear evidence that we
are also a target for terrorists and saboteurs.
Strengthening the defense systems of the Kurdistan
Region means strengthening the defense systems of
all Iraq.
Therefore, to that end, I address General David
Petraeus, commander of the Multinational Forces
Iraq, and ask this simple question. Of all the
resources and programs in place to rebuild Iraq’s
security and police forces, how much has been
allocated to the Kurdistan Region? What has the
coalition offered our security and police forces,
which are part of Iraq, to help with the difficult
task they have been given from the coalition forces?
Once again, I ask that the Kurdistan Region, as a
part of Federal Iraq, is not deprived of training
courses, capacity building, or the necessary needs.
Our police and security forces in the region are
part of the entire Iraqi system of defence and
protection.
Here, we reiterate our commitment to the Iraqi
constitution. This constitution is a reflection of
the will and desire of the peoples of Iraq. It is
that legal framework which will protect and secure
the rights of all parties. If changes or amendments
to the constitution were to further secure religious
freedom, the rights of individuals and women,
democratic principles and the supremacy of law, such
changes would be understandable.
But changing a document will not change the bitter
realities of today’s Iraq. Only the political
process, dialogue and negotiations can bring
fundamental change to Iraq. We are concerned about
efforts being made to change, and reduce, the
constitution. In order to reach an understanding
with all concerned, we operate within a framework of
clear decisions and political vision for the future.
In return for this we ask only that the promises and
commitments made to us are implemented, in the same
way that we honour our promises and commitments.
Once again, we are pleased today to officially
assume authority. We see no more noble a duty than
to provide stability and safety to the people of our
region. Political stability is the foundation of
economic growth. Kurdistan is the gateway to Iraq,
and is ready to welcome investors.
Here, I thank all those on the joint commission from
the Federal Iraqi Government, Multinational Force
Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government who have
worked concertedly to accomplish this process.
I thank the coalition forces for this initiative,
and their continued support for rebuilding a new
Iraq. We realise this is a difficult task, but with
serious efforts from all concerned nothing is
impossible. I would like to express my thanks and
appreciation for the Korean troops of the Zaytun
force and the good work they have done during their
deployment here. They have been a great help to us.
I would especially like to thank their commander,
Major General Yoon Young-bum.
We want to develop our democratic and constitutional
institutions. We work closely with the Federal
Government of Iraq and Prime Minister Al-Maliki to
serve the interest of all. We work in order to
develop our relations in accordance with the proper
mechanisms.
We believe that in practicing a federal system with
full political and economic participation by, all we
will be able to prevent a repeat of past tragedies.
Federalism is our path to the future, and our
response to the abuse of power, and our painful
past.
I commend the organisers of this ceremony and thank
each and every one of them. We consider today to be
the start of a new phase in our relations with the
Federal Government of Iraq and the Multinational
Force.
We hope that we can take control of responsibility
for security in the disputed areas in order to
achieve a prosperous future for our people.
I wish you the best of success. Thank you very much.
krg org
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