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Iraqi Kurdistan has come far, but still
has long way to go: VP of Norwegian Parliament
21.6.2012 |
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Akhtar Chaudhry, is a Pakistani-Norwegian politician
for the Socialist Left Party and vice president of
Norwegian Parliament, Photo: Vemund Sveen Finstad.
June 21, 2012
ERBIL-Hewlęr, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', —
Akhtar Chaudhry is a Pakistani-Norwegian politician
for the Socialist Left Party and fourth vice
president of Norwegian Parliament. Chaudhry recently
visited the Kurdistan Region and, in this interview
with Rudaw.net, acknowledges the region is on the
right path to democracy but believes more effort is
needed with regards to human rights.
Q: What did you
think of the Kurdistan Region, in terms of
development and progress?
Akhtar Chaudhry:
I found the Kurdistan Region to be on a good path as
far as democracy and institution-building are
concerned. But we all understand this is a long and
demanding path.
Q: What was your
aim in this visit to the Kurdistan Region?
Akhtar Chaudhry:
There are a many members in our party (the Socialist
Left Party) with a Kurdish background. They have a
strong influence on policy-making. They advocated
for this visit for a long time. On the visit, we
wanted to develop a network with Kurdish people,
politicians,www.ekurd.net
political parties and NGOs. We also wanted to visit
Halabja and collect as much information as possible
about the Anfal campaign. We are grateful to have
met with many interesting and influential people. We
will now work to ensure recognition of the Anfal
campaign and what happened in Halabja as genocide.
Q: How can
Norwegian Parliament support Kurdish people and
their government?
Akhtar Chaudhry:
We can help and support the Kurdish people by these
sorts of visits, network-building and discussing the
issues in Norway and in our parliament. We have now
established a group called “Friends of the Kurdish
People” in Norwegian Parliament. Seven MPs from
three parties have become members and more will
join. I intend to raise the issue in parliament when
the fall session starts in October.
Q: Compared to
other countries in the region, how much has the
Kurdistan Region developed?
Akhtar Chaudhry:
It has come impressively far compared to other
countries in the same region. For example, the
Kurdish Parliament – Iraq has 43 female MPs. It is a
huge accomplishment and shows that women’s rights
are on the agenda.
Q: Currently,
there are a lot of foreign companies working in the
Kurdistan Region, but we don’t see that many
Norwegian companies in Kurdistan. What is the reason
behind this?
Akhtar Chaudhry:
I would be glad if Norwegian companies became
established in Kurdistan. I am sure they will come
in time.
Q: What about
the human rights situation in the Kurdistan Region?
What do you think of it?
Akhtar Chaudhry:
As far as human rights are concerned, there is a
long way to go in Kurdistan. I am sure politicians
in Kurdistan are aware of this. We all have to
remember that we now are part of the integrated
world where we are watched constantly. Any breach of
human rights will be taken up and criticized whether
the country’s name is Kurdistan, the U.S. or Norway.
By Hawar Abdulrazaq
Copyright ©, respective author or news agency,
rudaw.net
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