Kurdish News in Brief: Updated Often PLEASE Add Items

[Anthea]

January 10, 2014

Qamishli (Qmişlo), Amude, Afrin - Hesekê (Hasaka) — Western Kurdistan (Syrian Kurdistan) aka Rojava (West)

Kurdish (Al-Akrad) Front launches offensive against ISIS in Aleppo

Aleppo: The joint operations of the Kurdish al-Akrad Front and military forces of the Syrian opposition against the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) are continuing. According to the information obtained from the region, al-Akrad and some brigades affiliated to the Syrian opposition launched a major offensive against the al-Qaeda linked ISIS in the Kastêlo area and Mesakin neighborhood of the mainly Kurdish city Aleppo on Thursday. Nine members of the ISIS were reported killed in clashes in the region. The al-Akrad Front and opposition forces have also reportedly laid siege to the military headquarters of the ISIS. The joining of the Syrian opposition with the Kurdish Front against the ISIS is in the meantime changing the balances in the civil war in Syria, with ISIS reportedly having withdrawn from many central areas in Aleppo. firatnews.com

Thousands March Against Paris Murders in Syrian Kurdistan [Rojava]

Thousands have taken part in marches across Syrian Kurdistan Rojava on Thursday in order mark the 1st anniversary of the murders of three Kurdish activists – Sakine Cansız, Fidan Doğan, and Leyla Şaylemez – killed in Paris last January 9th. Rallies took place in the cities of Efrîn, Serêkaniyê, Dirbêsiyê and Dêrik and were led by local women’s groups, who organized the rallies to remember the three women and demand justice for their murders. Marchers, most of whom were women, carried signs reading “Bi jina azad ber bi netewa demokratîk” (with the free woman toward the democratic nation) ,“Bila Parîs bejna xwe li ber têkoşîna te bitewîne hevala min”(Paris, my friend, your struggle is honored), “Duh Berlîn îro Parîs, duh Roza îro Sara wê neyên jibîrkirin” (Yesterday Berlin Today Paris, Yesterday Roza, Today Sara, they will not be forgotten). In Dêrik, Dicle Serêkaniyê – a member of the Yetikiya Star – spoke at the rally, saying, “We forcibly condemn these murders. We promise that on this issue we will carry our struggle out to the end. This attack was a continuation of the large conspiracy organized again the Leader of the Kurdish People Abdullah Öcalan. If France does not bring this massacre to light it will found guilty in the heart of the Kurdish people and will be cursed for many years.”...firatnews.com | rojavareport.wordpress.com

Uncertainty continues over Geneva II

Geneva: The Russian and US Foreign ministers have had a telephone conversation in which they dealt with the subject of Geneva II, which is intended to initiated a process of resolution in Syria. US Secretary of State spokesperson Jen Psaki said the two ministers "focused on preparations for the Geneva conference". The spokesperson also said that John Kerry had emphasised the importance of humanitarian aid for the Syrian people who are victims of the conflict. Psaki said the two sides intended to continue their dialogue on Syria at a meeting scheduled to take place in Paris on 13 January, adding that Russian-US co-operation in the security field had been activated. Meanwhile, around 130 Syrian opposition activists, are holding a meeting in the Spanish city of Cordoba. The 130, representatives of 12 Syrian opposition groups, most of them coming from Turkey and Damascus, and Syrian intellectuals, are involved in debates to establish a joint stance as regards the Assad regime. However, the opposition has yet to agree on a joint position.It is expected that the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces will meet the other groups for further talks on the subject of participation at Geneva II and political developments at an extraordinary meeting on 17 January...firatnews.com

Over One Thousand Syrians Flee Fighting in northern Syria to Turkey

Fighting between the Islamic State or Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an al-Qaeda affiliate, and Syrian opposition groups has driven over one thousand Syrians from Girê Spî (Arabic:Til Ebyad), in region of Rakka, across the border into Turkey. The refugees are reported to have crossed through the Akçakale border-gate into Urfa province. According to the district governor of Akçakale, local government officials have counted 1,562 refugees and the number could rise in the coming days. Fighting between the ISIS and Syrian opposition groups affiliated with Islamic Front have been continuing since last Friday. Six wounded Syrian fighters were also reported to have been brought to Akçakale this morning, local time, with four being transferred to hospitals in Urfa later in the evening. firatnews.com | rojavareport.wordpress.com

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/mi ... rd1005.htm

[Anthea]

Dulaimi arrives in Erbil

Defense Minister Dr Saadoun al-Dulaimi arrived today in the city of Erbil, at the head of a high level delegation of senior officers of the Ministry of Defense.
According to a statement issued by the ministry of the defense, al-Dulaimi met with Massoud Barzani, President of Kurdistan Region , and discussed with him a number of common interest issues and the current threats of the so called the Islamic State in Iraq and al- Sham (ISIS) and -Qaeda in Anbar province.
President Barzani, for his part, stressed the necessity to confront ISIS and al-Qaeda.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=18026

[Anthea]

BDP and HDP delegation to visit Imrali

Today, January 11, 2014, a delegation is going to Imrali to meet with jailed Kurdistan Workers` Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocelan.

The delegation includes members of People`s Democratic Party (HDP) and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP).

This is going to be the 14th time that delegation has visited Imrali to meet with Ocelan. The last time was in December 7th, 2013.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=18028

[Anthea]

BDP and HDP delegation to visit Imrali

Today, January 11, 2014, a delegation is going to Imrali to meet with jailed Kurdistan Workers` Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocelan.

The delegation includes members of People`s Democratic Party (HDP) and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP).

This is going to be the 14th time that delegation has visited Imrali to meet with Ocelan. The last time was in December 7th, 2013.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=18028

Question:

Have Ocalan's lawyers been given permission to visit him recently - or are his only visitors still either people who had not seen him for more than 10 years - and people who had never actually met Ocalan before recent visits?

The above being the case - it is long past time when people should all be asking the most relevant of questions:

Why were not Ocalan's lawyers permitted to visit him for more than 2 years?

Ocalan's lawyers are the people who knew him best - he confided totally in them - they knew how he felt - what he thought - they knew his genuine hope and dreams for the future

Now with the help of BDP and others - Ocalan is being made use of by the Turkish government - and through him the Kurdish population is also being manipulated

If the BDP and others had any respect for Ocalan - or any genuine concern for the well being of the Kurdish population - they would not be taking any part in the current farce

[Anthea]

January 11, 2014

Sulêmanî (Sulaimaniyah), Erbil-Hewlêr, Duhok, Kirkuk [Kerkûk], Kurdistan Region 'Iraq'

Call for Kirkuk Arabs to leave to their provinces

Baghdad: Iraq's Deputy Parliament Speaker Aref Taifour called the Arabs who immigrated to Kirkuk during Saddam's regime to return to their original provinces following having their compensations according to Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution. The approximate number of Arab families, according to this article, may reach more than 15.000, who received financial compensations reaching to 20 million dinars and housing area. He called "not to permit these families to vote in the coming elections in Kirkuk and other disputed area, but they can in their original provinces". aswataliraq.info

SOMO director: Exporting of Kurdistan crude oil without the approval of Iraqi federal government is a constitutional violation

Baghdad: The General manager of Iraq's State Organisation for the Marketing of Oil (SOMO), Falah al-Amiri said that Marketing oil of Kurdistan region without the approval of the federal government is a constitutional encroachment and a new upheaval to the state action. The source said "The process of exporting oil from the region and disrupt the work of the policy of the state. It is noteworthy to mention in this context that the Ministry of Natural Resources of Kurdistan region already declared its willingness to sell shipments of crude oil using the Iraqi-Turkish line without getting the approval of the federal government of Iraq to do so. ninanews.com

Kurdistan alliance calls to define terrorism and refrain from pushing the army in internal differences

Baghdad: Kurdistan Alliance in the Iraqi Parliament called on Saturday, political blocs to agree and put a plan to combat terrorism, and to agree on a definition to it, stressing not to use violence and armed forces in resolving internal political differences. “The position of the Kurds and the leadership of the region is clear and known to all regarding what is happening in Anbar, the leader in the Alliance, the independent MP, Mahmoud Othman said. However, at the same time he said that he doesn’t support pushing the Iraqi army in internal disputes, as the confusion between who is a terrorist, who must be fought and protesters against the government's policies must be unmixed. Iraqi forces carried out an expanded military operations since about 3 weeks in deserts of Anbar province to hunt down al-Qaeda organizations, as clashes spread to the cities of Anbar, while tribes have been engaged in the clashes. Othman added that the Kurds confirmed in more than event they are against "terrorism" and are ready to cooperate with the Iraqi government in combating it. He called to listen to anyone who has demands that do not contradict with the Federal Constitution...shafaaq.com

Grand cultural festival in Erbil next March

Erbil: A grand cultural festival shall be held here next March on the occasion of selecting Erbil, the capital city of autonomous Kurdistan region, as the Capital of Arab Tourism in 2014. It is expected that all Kurdish region towns will exhibit their traditional heritage. Artistic works, songs, dances shall be organized for the participating delegates. aswataliraq.info | Ekurd.net

MP: The dispute between Baghdad and Erbil over financial dues to oil companies has led to the delay in approving the budget

Baghdad: A member of the parliamentary Committee on Finance, Nora Al-Abjari said "not paying dues to oil companies working in the Kurdistan region is the contention point between the two governments, which led to the delay in approving the budget." She told the National Iraqi News "The Kurdistan Government is committed that the federal government should pay financial dues to oil companies operating in the region," noting that "there is a violation by the Kurdistan government, as it has not pay the federal government any amount for what is produced by the oil companies in the region since 2003 until now. " She predicted that: "the committee formed for this purpose will reach a final agreement between the two governments this week. She pointed out: "The Acting Minister of Finance said the budget will reach to Parliament this week." It is mentioned that the Minister of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Regional Government, Ashti Horami had announced earlier that "if the government in Baghdad failed to secure the rights of the Kurdistan region, as stipulated in the permanent constitution, we would resort to an alternative plan, which is to export the region's oil and deduct dues of those companies from the revenues " ninanews.com

Syrian refugees in Iraq's Kurdistan to feature high on 2nd donors conf. - Arab League envoy

Erbil: The Syrian refugees in Iraq's Kurdistan province will feature high on the agenda of the 2nd donors conference for the Syrian refugees, due in Kuwait on January 15, an Arab League official said Friday. Sheikha Hessa Al-Thani, the Secretary General's envoy for humanitarian relief, made the remarks during her visit to a camp of the Syrian refugees in Iraq's Kurdistan. Speaking to reporters, Sheikha Hessa said her visit aimed at getting acquainted with the conditions of the Syrian refugees and their needs. She said the number of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries has been growing. Participants in the 2nd donors conference next week, added Sheikha Hessa, would discuss the role of Iraq's Kurdistan government to hosting the Syrian refugees and providing services for them. There are more than 6.5 million Syrians are internally displaced and over 2. 3 million refugees in neighboring and other countries. The UN appeals for USD 6.5 billion for the year 2014 for the Syrian people. The conflict in Syria began in March 2011 and has killed more than 100,000 people so far. kuna.net.kw

ISIS threatens Kurdish students at Mosul University

Mosul: Militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) have threatened Kurdish students studying at Mosul University in Northern Iraq. Lt. Abdulla Jaburri, the head of the police force in Mosul, said that ISIS militants have threatened Kurdish students from Mosul and Kirkuk studying at Mosul University through both telephone calls and letters. Lt. Jaburri also revealed that ISIS has told the students to leave the city as soon as possible and to go back to their homes. “A lot of Kurdish students have left Mosul to go back to their home provinces,” Lt. Jaburri noted. ISIS has recently regrouped in the disputed territories of Northern Iraq and have been threatening people in the region. basnews.com

Kurdish MP Denies report on transfer of Saudi Inmates to Iraq's Kurdistan Region

Baghdad: A senior Kurdish lawmaker in the Iraqi parliament rejected the news reports alleging that Saudi inmates in Iraq are due to be transferred to the Kurdistan region on the basis of a recent agreement. Some Arab media outlets have reported that Saudi Arabia and Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government have agreed on the transfer of Saudi prisoners held in Iraq’s prisons to the Kurdistan region. “The Iraqi parliament is studying the draft for the exchange of prisoners between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, but this has nothing to do with the Kurdistan region,” Kurdish Lawmaker Shawn Mohamed Taha told FNA. Saudi Arabia had earlier asked the Iraqi government to pave the way for meetings between the Saudi inmates in the country with their families by transferring the Saudi prisoners to the Kurdistan region. “The prisons of Iraq's Kurdistan region are part of Iraq’s prisons … and if Riyadh and Baghdad reach an agreement over this request, it would have nothing to do with the Kurdistan region,” Taha said. In July, Iraqi authorities completed the final procedures for the release of 44 Saudi prisoners who were deported to the Kingdom in line with the prisoner exchange agreement signed recently between the Saudi and Iraqi governments...farsnews.com

American Singer sings for Halabja

Sara Simpson, an American singer, has recorded a special song for Halabja, a Kurdish town famous for the chemical weapons attack it suffered under the Saddam regime in 1988. The song dedicated to Halabja is called “Now Nation”. The lyrics were written by Kurdish poet Hamid Qaladizie and translated to English by famous Kurdish writer Sherzad Hassan. Simpson recently visited the Kurdistan region. She was invited by a Kurdish culture center and vowed to sing for Halabja. Halabja recently became Iraq’s newest province after the Iraqi Parliament voted on it becoming the 19th province in the country. According to Qaladizie, Simpson is currently busy recording the song and hopes to release it on March 16th, which marks the 26th anniversary of the Halabja attack. The attack killed more than 5000 people and injured over ten thousand others. basnews.com

Royal College Festival of Sweden awards Kurdish musician

Stockholm: The Royal College Festival of Sweden is an annual festival held with the presence of a huge number of attendants and famous artists of the country. This year's festival was different, witnessing the performance of Kurdish cultural music mixed with Swedish music. This section was performed by Kurdish musician Mukryan Abu-Bakr. The festival dubbed Mukryan as one of the most active and best musicians and was awarded by the festival coordinators. One of Mukryan`s most prominent activities in 2013 was participation in the greatest number of activities in European and Arabic countries. Paying tribute to her efforts, Mukryan was awarded with a 50000 Swedish Krona cello by the festival coordinators. On his side, Mukryan stated, “This is the most important award in my life as an artist.” “Most of my artistic activities were in Kurdistan Region, but unfortunately art and music are not appreciated in Kurdistan Region,” Mukryan added. pukmedia.com

Iraqi Kurdish human rights organizations call to stop execution of 21 Kurdish activists in Iran

Khanaqen: Several Iraqi Kurdish human rights organizations in the town of Khanaqen near the Iranian border have called on Iranian authorities to not go through with capital punishment on 21 Kurdish youth. Salam Abdulla, head of the campaign said that a number of Kurdish NGO’s went to the border with Iran and planted 21 trees as a symbol of the 21 Kurdish youth whose lives have been threatened with execution in Iran. “We sent a letter to the Iranian authorities noting that the country will not move forward by carrying out such practices and that instead they should focus on further development,” Abdulla explained. Iran, which executes hundreds of people every year, has one of the highest rates of execution by hanging, and is only second to China for the second highest execution rate in the world. In recent months, Iran began a campaign executing Kurdish political activists and prisoners. basnews.com

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/mi ... al1485.htm

[Anthea]

January 12, 2014

Qamishli (Qmişlo), Amude, Afrin - Hesekê (Hasaka) — Western Kurdistan (Syrian Kurdistan) aka Rojava (West)

Kurds injured in Syrian Kurdistan denied medical treatment by Turkey

Mardin: Turkey's Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) co-chair in Mardin, Rashad Kaamaz, said that four citizens from Syrian Kurdistan [Rojava] who were injured in Dirk lost their lives on the border as Turkish authorities did not give them permission to receive treatment. In a statement the BDP said that "10 citizens from Rojava were injured in the bombing of Dirk city in Rojava on 8 January. They asked the governor of Mardin to be treated across the border but received no answer". Rashad Kaamaz added that "the co-chair of Democratic Society Congress, Ahmet Turk, met with the governor of Mardin but got no positive answer as to the permission to treat the people of Rojava in Turkey". firatnews.com

Demirtaş: Western Kurdistan [Rojava] is the model for a resolution in Syria

Istanbul: Turkey's pro-Kurdish BDP party co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş said the key to a resolution of the conflict in Syria was the model established by the Kurds in Syrian Kurdistan [Rojava], criticising the West for "still supporting the Free Syria Army, which does not have a peace plan". The BDP Co-chair spoke to journalists from the international media at the Elite World Hotel, where he was accompanied by deputy chair Filiz Koçali and BDP Istanbul Co-chair Emrullah Bingül. Demirtaş recalled that Turkey's 'zero problem' foreign policy was a mistake, criticising the continuing support given to Al Qaeda groups, adding that Turkey's taking sides in the war in Syria had exacerbated the problem. Demirtaş said: "Although the government has rejected our criticisms it has reduced its assistance to these groups to a minimum." On the subject of Rojava Demirtaş condemned the embargo imposed by Turkey, saying: "This is a serious contradiction and is the biggest reason Kurds in Syria do not trust Turkey. Despite the fact the Kurds have stated clearly they do not want to divide Syria the Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoğlu can still say that Turkey will not permit a Kurdish entity in Syria." Demirtaş added that the Kurds in Syria were only defending themselves and trying to gain status, and criticised Turkey's attempts to prevent the Kurds gaining rights at the Geneva II conference. The BDP Co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş said that they were going to organise solidarity rallies with Rojava in Istanbul and Diyarbakir, adding: "support for Rojava is our priority".

Islamic-Jihadists Al-Nusra Front leader arrested wearing women’s clothing and make-up

One of the al-Nusra Front leaders has been arrested while dressed like a woman. Photos published show him attempting to escape to Lebanon from Syria. His arrest in Syria, made by a foreign citizen, came after he had passed through several security check points to enter Lebanon. The new of his arrest was published by several media outlets with close ties to the Syrian regime. Photos of him wearing a wig and a scarf have also been posted via social media sites. Al-Nusra Front is an Islamic extremist organization working to establish one Islamic country for all Muslims to be ruled under “Sharia” law of Islam. basnews.com

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc20 ... rd1007.htm

[Anthea]

January 12, 2014

Mariwan - Mehabad - Sanandaj (Sne) - Baneh - Saqiz - Paweh- Kermanshah - Urmiye (Orumiye), Nowsud, Sardasht, Bokan, [Eastern Kurdistan, Iranian Kurdistan]

Kurdish teacher named hero of the week by Iranian show

Mariwan: A famous Iranian show broadcasted on Iran official TV channel names a Kurdish teacher from Mariwan, a city in East Kurdistan, hero of the week. The honor was bestowed to the teacher after he cut his hair bald to sympathize with one of his students who is diagnosed with cancer. Mohammed Ali Mohammedian, the hero of the week, who is a teacher of Sheikh Shaltoot Elementary School, said in a phone call with the show, “my student was bullied by his colleagues at school due to his baldness that was caused by cancer; so to help him, I decided to cut my hair bald.” On their side, Paysh show staff, which is a well-known, widely watched show in Iran, asked for the student's medical records in order to help him with his disease. pukmedia.com

Cancer is on the increase in Iranian Kurdistan

According to official statistics, cancer rates have increased sharply in Kurdish cities in Iran. “Cancer is increasing unexpectedly, especially breast cancer among women as well as lung and stomach cancer among men,” a member of the general council of surgery in Iran, Dr. Behzad Rahmani, told Iranian media. Rahmani also stressed the age of people who are fighting cancer. Cases in adults around the age of 25 have seen a large rise, compared to more elderly patients. “There are two main factors in Iran which lead to the spread of cancer. Firstly, it is due to the anxiety or being extremely worried about something which weakens the immune system. Secondly, environmental factors such as the increase in dust in Iranian air.” added Rahmani. Kurdish cities in Iran have encountered a situation where there is a very high rate of unemployment as well as a lack of revenue among families which has brought a sense of anxiety and hopelessness to Kurdish people about their future. basnews.com

Azeri Movement Argues for Independence From Iran

Washington: Turkish-speaking Azeris in Persian Iran face severe discrimination and deprivation of language and cultural rights, fuelling calls for an independent homeland, according to political groups struggling for greater Azeri rights. One such group, the Azerbaijan National Resistance Organization (ANRO), says it is in agreement with other groups over the right to self-determination by Iran’s estimated 22 million Azeri minority. “In general, none of the political parties have a dispute over the original purpose of the movement, which is to protect the territorial integrity of south (Iranian) Azerbaijan and enjoy self-determination for south Azerbaijanis” said Babek Chalabiyanli, the organization’s spokesman in Washington DC. He said the group is engaged in a “civil and non-violent struggle,” whose primary purpose is the “protection of Azerbaijan's historical territorial integrity and gaining the right of national self-determination.” Azerbaijani Turks in Iran are denied the right to education in their native language and their region suffers from poverty and unemployment, while natural resources from the region are “looted” by the Iranian government, Chalabiyanli claimed...rudaw.net

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc20 ... rd1037.htm

[Anthea]

January 12, 2014

Sulêmanî (Sulaimaniyah), Erbil-Hewlêr, Duhok, Kirkuk [Kerkûk], Kurdistan Region 'Iraq'

Information about Unified Kurdish Coalition list revealed

Baghdad: The number and names of the candidates of the unified Kurdish coalition list, which includes the unified Kurdish parties in Baghdad revealed by Shafaq news. The leader in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the official of the organizations’ Office in Baghdad, Faryad Roandzi will head the alliance registered in the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) under the name of " Unified Kurdish Coalition." The list includes 19 candidates, 14 candidates from Kurdistan Democratic Party, 4 from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and one candidate form the Social Democratic Party of Kurdistan. The list includes 13 men and 6 women. The list has taken a slogan on the shape of the Iraqi map underneath tangled arms with sun and three fire flames colored green, white and red, a component of Kurdistan flag with the name of ( the Kurdish Unified coalition) catchword written underneath ( With tolerance and coexistence, we build community ). It is scheduled to hold elections in the Iraqi parliament in 30 of next April. shafaaq.com

Pan-Kurdish National conference should not be delayed further: Demirtas

Istanbul: Turkey's pro-Kurdish BDP party co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş emphasised that the BDP and HDP were targeting great progress in the local elections as the AKP had been seriously damaged by the recent crisis and no longer offered hope. He also mentioned the Kurdish National Conference planned to be held in Iraq's Kurdistan region, saying: "Kurds all over the world must unite their forces," and added that efforts were needed to endure the conference was not postponed again and was held as soon as possible. firatnews.com

Massoud Barzani: Parties in final stages of talks for next Kurdistan cabinet

Erbil: In a gathering with foreign diplomats in Erbil, Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani said that political parties are in the final stages of talks to form the new government and that the next four years will be of “peace and progress.” “The next cabinet will be broad-based, in which all parties will participate,” Barzani said. “And their goal will be to maintain Kurdistan’s stability and peace and serve the people.” He said that the long delay in forming a government – following the Kurdish elections -- had been unexpected, but that “all groups have been given a chance to voice their views and their participation has now been finalized.” Political parties ran in Kurdistan’s parliamentary elections on September 21 in which Barzani’s own Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) won the majority of votes, securing 38 seats. Since then, representatives of the winning parties have been in negotiations with Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, who is KDP’s candidate to continue in the post. The other heavyweight in the next cabinet would be the Change Movement (Gorran), which came second at the polls, with 24 seats. “The next four years will be years of stability and economic progress,” Gorran leader Nawshirwan Mustafa told senior leaders of his party in December, a tone indicating a recently-fostered closeness between the former opposition and the dominant KDP...rudaw.net

PUK representative in Ankara against Kurdish oil Export to Turkey

Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)’s representative in Turkey has criticized KRG oil and gas policies and says by exporting it to Turkey they are wasting Kurdish natural resources. Bahroz Galali, the PUK representative in Ankara accuses Kurdish government of wasting Kurdistan’s natural resources by exporting its oil to neighboring Turkey. Galali, who is one of the most experience politicians of Iraqi president Jalal Talabani’s party (PUK) which they share power in Kurdistan region with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) which is seen as the main driver behind the Kurdish oil and gas policies. Galali also acknowledges that KRG share of Iraqi budget, which is % 17, is more than enough, even thought other Kurdish leaders has revealed its less than that number. “Exporting Kurdish oil is a waste of Kurdistan natural resources and we don’t need to export oil’, Galali told a local Kurdish (Nawxo) news website. “If we send the oil export revenue to Baghdad, why we need to sell our oil,’ Galali added. Earlier this week the Kurdish oil export started to Turkey through the new oil pipeline between Kurdistan region and Turkey and this made Baghdad angry and warned both parties. basnews.com

PUK, KDP delegations head to Tehran

Sulêmanî: A Joint delegation from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) are heading to the Iranian capital of Tehran. A informed source said that PUK's delegation had included Kosrat Rasol Ali and Barham Salih as well for Iraqi first lady Hero Ahmed. KDP delegation shall be headed by Kurdistan Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. pukmedia.com

Call for "strict stand" against exporting Kurdish oil, MP

Baghdad: Iraqiya bloc MP Itab al-Douri called the Iraqi Parliament to adopt a "strict stand" against exporting Kurdish oil without federal consent. In a press statement, she added that the "oil is a national wealth which cannot be exported without the knowledge and approval of the federal government", pointing the effects of such action on the Iraqi budget. Iraqi oil ministry expressed its regret for exporting Kurdish oil and threatened to file suits against who collaborated in this action. The ministry pointed out that this action is violating Iraqi constitution and the tripartite agreement among Baghdad, Arbil and Ankara. aswataliraq.info

Experts agree that US arms to Iraq must be conditional (I suggest DO NOT KILL)

Washington: On Sunday, US Secretary of State John Kerry pledged American support for Iraq in its fight against “terrorist groups.” The US has promised to expedite the delivery of military hardware, such as “Hellfire” missiles and drones to Iraq, but has ruled out sending combat troops. "The support... is giving us the confidence that we are moving on the right course and that the result will be clear and decisive: Uprooting this corrupt organization," said Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in a televised speech on Wednesday. “We will continue this fight because we believe that al-Qaeda and its allies represent evil," he added. Sarhang Hamasaeed, a Senior Program Officer at the US Institute of Peace (USIP), told Rudaw that Iraq is currently going through tough times, given the level of violence and resurgence of al-Qaida-affiliated groups. “There is an interest of a number of fractures, ranging from political differences on how to govern Iraq and run its institutions, to a limited or lack of capacity on the side of Iraqi security forces to handle the volume of the security threat the country faces,” said Hamasaeed. “This is definitely compounded with the Syrian conflict spillover,” he added...rudaw.net

Erbil to host 20 international fairs in 2014

Erbil: In the next 12 months, Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region, is expected to host more than 20 international fairs from a variety of sectors. Abdulla Abdul Rahim, head of Erbil International Fairs, said that in 2013 Erbil hosted 15 international fairs in the fields of agriculture, industry, books, and even air carriers. “This year our program includes hosting up to 20 international fairs and we are already making preparations for the first fair of the year,” Abdul Rahim noted. Erbil has been chosen as the 2014 Arab Tourism Capital and Abdul Rahim said that they are planning for this year’s fairs to reflect this designation. Abdul Rahim acknowledged that the fairs will make the Kurdistan region more recognizable on the international market and that more international companies will be willing to do business in the region as a result of the fairs. basnews.com

Barzani Expresses "Concern" about the Political and Security Situation in Iraq

Erbil: Kurdistan president Massoud Barzani expressed concern over the political and security situation in Iraq, especially what is happening in Anbar province. He stressed that "the current situation is the result of the previous accumulation and it was better for the government to deal with these problems in a more rational manner. A statement by the presidency of the Kurdistan Region, said that Barzani met at the resort of Salahuddin the consuls and representatives of foreign diplomatic corps in the Kurdistan region. Barzani outlined that there is a dangerous situation in Anbar province, and is likely to move to other Iraqi provinces, and dealing with the situation by force could exacerbate the problems, it has been on the federal government have to respond to the demands of the people and respect them and blocks the road to the risk of turning the war on terror into a sectarian war between Sunnis and Shiites. On the relations between Erbil and Baghdad , Barzani declared that the Kurdistan Region welcomes a solution to the problem of oil and gas, and Article 140 of the Peshmerga and all other problems and that visits and delegations of both parties would continue."...ninanews.com

Violations against Kurdish journalists have increased: KJS

Erbil: The 12th report of violations against journalists for the previous six month period will be released soon by the Kurdistan Journalist Syndicate (KJS). It is expected that the report will include the copyrights of Kurdish media outlets . “Preparations have been conducted over the past six months for the KJS’s 12th report on violations against journalists and the report will soon be released,” said the head of the Kurdistan Journalist Rights Committee, Hamid Badrkhan, to Kurdish media. Badrkhan also pointed out that, “The number of cases of violations against journalists rights have increased over the last six months, especially in September due to Kurdistan’s Parliamentary Elections.” “The report will be different from previous ones in that it will include another type of violation against journalists - the stealing of reports from Kurdish TV Channels,” Badrkhan added. Badrkhan noted that violations against journalists rights by TV channels are also included in the report. In the 11th report by the KJS, based on the first six months of 2013, there were 20 cases of violations against 30 journalists in the form of arrest, assault, threats and hindrance from performing their duties. basnews.com

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc20 ... al1486.htm

[Anthea]

Ban Ki-moon, Zarif visit Baghdad on Monday

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif shall visit the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Monday to meet with the Iraqi officials, sources from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said.

The visitors shall discus political situation in Iraq and the recent developments in Anbar.

Reported by Layla al-Shimary from Baghdad

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=18055

[Anthea]

January 13, 2014

Qamishli (Qmişlo), Amude, Afrin - Hesekê (Hasaka) — Western Kurdistan (Syrian Kurdistan) aka Rojava (West)

Kurdish Town and Villages Around Aleppo Worry About Takeover by Islamists

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdish residents of the town of El-Bab and surrounding villages in Syria’s Aleppo province are deeply concerned about deadly fighting among rival opposition groups and worried about a takeover by al-Qaeda jihadists.

According to Yassir al-Kurdi, a Kurdish political activist in El-Bab, intense fighting continues between jihadists of the al-Qaeda affiliate the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and units of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) plus other Islamic groups.

“As the fighting intensifies among the various groups, the Kurdish residents still try to hold on to life in the area,” al-Kurdi told Rudaw on the telephone.

El-Bab is a multiethnic town, home to Kurds, Arabs, Christians and Turkmen. Al-Kurdi said that there are around 70 Kurdish villages in the vast farmlands around El-Bab. He added that El-Bab is under the control of the ISIS, but that the entire region is teeming with other Islamic groups which have declared war on the regional branch of al-Qaeda.

“The Kurds of El-Bab prefer to stay in the town, hoping to escape the violence by staying neutral,” al-Kurdi explained. Al-Kurdi said that due to the fighting, the siege of El-Bab and many roadblocks, the town is often cut off from the rest of the country, mainly the city of Aleppo, the lifeline for many smaller towns in the region. “The villagers try to help each other out,” he explained...rudaw.net

Rallies for Syrian Kurdistan

Turkey: Kurdistan People’s Initiative has called on all Kurds to ensure strong participation in the rallies to highlight the demands that all parties and organizations representing the people in Syrian Kurdistan [Rojava] attend the Geneva 2 together, and that their demand for political status be acknowledged by the international community.

The Initiative called on the people of Amed, Serhed and Marmara to join the mass rallies to take place in Van on 15 January, in Amed [Diyarbakir] on 18 January and in Istanbul on 19 January with the spirit of the Rojava Revolution.

The Initiative also called on all patriotic people of Rıha, Mêrdîn, Mereş, Meleti, Semsûr and Çukurova to ensure strong participation in the mass rally to be staged in Gaziantep’s Islahiye district on 19 January to demand the opening of all border gates on Efrin border to humanitarian aid.

The Initiative noted that works are continuing for the building of the Rojava revolution with the people demanding to attain a free life and autonomous status in a democratic Syria.

The Initiative underlined that they will never accept the disintegration of Rojava Kurds within a Syria-centered nation-state, adding that attending the Geneva 2 Conference would constitute a great achievement in terms of guaranteeing the attainments of the revolution.

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/mi ... rd1008.htm

[Anthea]

Sulêmanî (Sulaimaniyah), Erbil-Hewlêr, Duhok, Kirkuk [Kerkûk], Kurdistan Region 'Iraq'

PUK nominates Talabani's son for the post of Vice President KRG: Kurdish source

Erbil: A source familiar with the Patriotic Union 0f Kurdistan plans to run Qubad Talabani, President Jalal Tala bani's son, for the post of Vice President of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The source said in a statement to the National Iraqi News today Monday, Jan. 13, that "Qubad Talabani has large fortunes to get the post of deputy head of the provincial government." He continued, "Talabani's son has great admissibility among political and popular parties to get this post, and he holds a youth positive vision for many issues in Kurdistan." ninanews.com

Kurdistan welcomes Maliki’s meeting with Kurd representatives

Erbil: Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said on Monday that it was waiting to set a date for the visit of Kurdistan Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani to Baghdad to resolve the oil file between the two parties, welcoming the meeting held in Baghdad on Sunday between Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and Kurdish representatives in the Parliament.

“Erbil confirm the existence of a good understanding at the meeting held on 25-12 in Baghdad between Barzani and Maliki as the two sides agreed that give each party would submit its proposals, ”The spokesman of KRG Safeen Dizayee said in a press statement posted on KRG website. Dizayee added that Erbil sent a formal letter On Saturday to Baghdad, announcing at the same time waiting for an appointment to visit Baghdad. Dizayee pointed out that Barzani himself will pay a visit to discuss the proposals made by KRG as well as to be provided by Baghdad.

Maliki has called on the Parliament and Kurdish Minister in Baghdad for an urgent meeting to consult with them about the disputed oil developments between his government and KRG. Maliki informed MPs and ministers, according to press reports on the details of the agreement that took place between him and the President of KRG, Nechirvan Barzani during his recent visit to Baghdad, in which it was agreed on several main points relating to the process of oil export from it...shafaaq.com

Kurdistan Alliance: Maliki Called our representatives to discuss the preparations of Iraqi budget of 2014

Baghdad: Kurdistan Alliance announced that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called on Kurdish representatives to a second meeting to discuss the latest developments in the preparation of the budget of 2014. It said, in a statement on Sunday 12, Jan. that a large number of deputies of Kurdish blocs came to Maliki's office, adding that the Prime Minister emphasized his keenness to resolve any differences and avoid any form of aggravation or escalation of problems.

It pointed out that the recent talks he held with the delegation of the government of the region headed by Nechirvan Barzani was positive." For his part, the Kurdish side stressed the mutual keenness to avoid any internal crisis, and the need to resolve the problematic state in accordance with the texts and provisions of the articles 111 and 112. A statement for al- Maliki's office said that the PM discussed with a delegation including members of the House of Representatives of the Kurdistan Alliance bloc the affairs of the budget and oil imports and the obligations of the region in this field...ninanews.com

Austria grants visas for Kurdistan citizens through the private sector

Erbil: Austria announced on Monday opening a special department to grant visas for Kurdistan citizens in Erbil through the private sector, after it used to be granted from Amman.

“The head of the Department of Foreign Relations of KRG, Falah Mustafa received on Sunday, a joint delegation from Austria and Slovenia,” A statement by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) received. The delegation included all of Alfred Brattanak, deputy chief of Austrian Embassy mission in Amman and Udovij Mok, official of visa department at the Austrian Foreign Ministry as well as Antoine Bering from Visa Section of the Slovenian Foreign Ministry.

The statement said that Brattanak pointed out that the objective of his visit to the region is aimed at opening a special section to grant visas for the citizens of Kurdistan Region in Erbil instead of Amman. On the other hand, the official at the visa section in the Slovenian Foreign Ministry, Antoine Bering, according to the statement said that he would seek to facilitate and ensure granting of visas to the citizens of Kurdistan Region to facilitate the travel of citizens to Slovenia. The meeting discussed joint cooperation in the of agriculture, tourism, economic and educational fields as well as cultural exchanges and strengthen the self capacity in Kurdistan Region. shafaaq.com

New leader will not be elected during PUK convention

Sulêmanî: The head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Council announced that during the fourth convention of the PUK, to be held on January 31, a new leader will not be elected. Only the reports of the committee will be shown said council head Adil Muradi.

“The council has sent a suggestion to the PUK president’s office and the bureau about the PUK’s fourth convention to interpret the reports that the administration of the PUK committee will show, as well as to make some changes within the bureau, but not to elect a new president for the PUK,” Muradi explained.

Muradi noted they want to leave the PUK’s presidency position as it currently is until September. In the fifth convention, which is likely to be held after September, a new president will then be elected. Muradi also pointed out that Gorran (The Change Movement) recently held its first convention in a similar manner, and that the PUK consider it normal to apply such an agenda to their convention as well. basnews.com

Barzani stresses the rule of law and independence of the courts in Kurdistan

Erbil: The president of Kurdistan Region, Massoud Barzani, stressed the rule of law and independence of the courts, noting that the initial conditions for the success of any country is the independence of the courts.

According to a statement by Kurdistan presidency, Barzani expressed, during swearing the oath by a number of new members of the Court of the Kurdistan region on Sunday 12, Jan, and in the presence of Ahmed Abdullah Al Zubair, Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council in the Region, expressed support for the judicial system in order to establish justice in Kurdistan.

He added that it is necessary for everyone to support the judiciary in order to continue his work without obstacles and with complete independence, confirming that any trace of the culture of the former regime on the judiciary should not remain. Barzani congratulated the new members of the Court and wished them success in their duties in order to establish the principles of law and justice in society. ninanews.com

Kurdish source: Masked security forces surround a neighborhood in Chamchamal

Sulêmanî: KNN network close to Change movement in Kurdistan Region reported on Monday, that a masked security force surrounded one of the neighborhoods in Chamchamal city in Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah] province and arrested two youths.

“After a masked force surrounded Raperin neighborhood amid Chamchamal district, it has arrested a young man named (H K H), born in 1984 and his brother, who at the age of 15 years,”The network said in a news. (H K H) had previously participated in the fighting within the ranks of Islamic groups in Khurmal city and was arrested and imprisoned in Salam camp for five years then released.

The network pointed out that it did not reach back to the reasons for the arrest of the mentioned young man so far. Kurdish armed Islamist groups have dominated in the nineties of the last century, many of the regions and cities of Khurmal, Bayara and Twela before Peshmerga forces of Kurdistan Regional Government regain control on them. shafaaq.com

Over 500,000 cars imported to Kurdistan in four years

Erbil: The demand for cars in Kurdistan Region has increased considerably over the last decade as the financial situation of the local people improves. Increased demand has been fed by the continuous import of new card. Government statistics reveal that around 500,000 vehicles have been imported into Kurdistan over the past four years, a figure equal to the number of cars imported in the forty years before that.

Based on statistics released by the General Directorate of Traffic Police in the Region, 528, 307 cars entered the country between 31 December 2009 and 31 October 2013. In other words, nearly 80, 000 cars a year have been imported into the region, mostly to the Kurdish capital of Erbil. There are currently 1,370,063 cars in the Kurdistan Region...kurdishglobe.net

Syrian refugees face cold spell in Iraqi Kurdistan region

Erbil: The winter months are posing a challenge to Syrians who have fled their country to seek shelter in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Press TV reports. According to the report, the Syrian refugees grappling with freezing weather are struggling to stay positive and hopeful despite their desperate situation.

Around 200,000 Syrian refugees are spread across 13 camps in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Fatima, a Syrian refugee, was visibly upset when she spoke with Press TV but she says she is trying to stay positive. “We are not desperate for anything. Everything is prepared for us, bread, food and everything else,” said Fatima to Press TV correspondent.

In December last year, the United Nations expressed concern about the condition of Syrian refugees struggling with the harsh winter weather in neighboring countries. The UN has also warned that the number of Syrian refugees will almost double in 2014. “There is a tragedy in the plight of the Syrian refugees,” the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said at a meeting of donor countries in the Swiss city of Geneva on December 12, 2013...presstv.ir

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/mi ... al1487.htm

[Anthea]

Erbil: Prophet Mohammed`s birthday celebrations



Yesterday: January 13, 2014, marking the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, people of Erbil celebrated the occasion by offering sweets, arranging parades, ornamenting vehicles, the city, and etc.

Link to photos:

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=18093

[Anthea]

January 18, 2014

Sulêmanî (Sulaimaniyah), Erbil-Hewlêr, Duhok, Kirkuk [Kerkûk], Kurdistan Region 'Iraq'

Kurdish MP: the Budget bill is rejected by all political blocs, not the Kurds only

Baghdad: MP, of the Kurdistan Alliance, Mahma Khalil said the draft federal budget law is rejected by most of the political blocs not only by the Kurds. Khalil said "The current dispute on the budget bill is not in the interest of the Federal Government and not agreed upon within the cabinet and passed in this way to the House of Representatives gave a negative sign for the political process," noting that "the Kurdistan Alliance will discuss with the government to reach an exit what Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Hussain al-Shahristani brought us, of violating the Constitution and the law to prevent the rights of foreign companies operating in the Kurdistan region." Khalil, a member of the parliamentary Economic Committee, said that "passing the budget law with all its flaws is unacceptable. It is certain that the dialogue according the Constitution is the only way to deal with those differences, since this law has not been rejected by the Kurds only, but also by most of the political blocs." ninanews.com

MP guesses to pass the state budget of 2014 in parliamentary majority and boycott the Kurds

Baghdad: MP, of the State of Law coalition, Sadiq al-Labban guessed passing the state budget for 2014 by parliamentary majority with boycott of the Kurdistan Alliance MPs. He said "The state budget for 2014 will cause a political problem between the blocs, because of incompatibilities on it inside the cabinet, and the Kurds' rejection to paragraphs of the budget concerning the Kurds," adding that " the Presidency of the Council of Representatives and leaders of parliamentary blocs agreed, during their meeting last Thursday, on the need to approve the budget bill as soon as possible because it affects the economic and living reality in Iraq. "

He explained, "the province wants to control the region oil's export and take care of everything in terms of exports and imports, with keeping the rate of 17%, the region's share in the budget, and this is what is not acceptable to the federal government," pointing out that" the government wants to make the region oil's export by SOMO and there should be coordination between the federal and provincial governments to determine the price of oil exported from the region."... ninanews.com

Kurdistan Region has the right to refine and sell its own oil: Change MP

Baghdad: MP, Latif Mustafa of the Kurdish Change bloc stated that according to the constitution, the refining and selling process of the oil is within the authorities of Kurdistan Region and the provinces. In a press statement he said “The refining and selling of the oil is exclusively within the authorities of Kurdistan Region and the provinces.”

“Article 111 of the constitution states that oil and gas belong to the Iraqi people where it assured that the current oil fields are run by the central government and Kurdistan Region and they share their incomes, but it did not refer to the future oil fields and this allows Kurdistan Region to deal with them and consider them as its own fields,” he concluded. iraqinews.com

Ratifying the budget without the approval of the Kurds' Ministers is a dangerous step: MP

Baghdad: MP, of the Kurdistan Alliance, Hamid Bafi described the approval of the Council of Ministers on the Federal budget without the approval of the Kurd Ministers a dangerous step for the future of Iraq, as he put it. He said in a statement Saturday "Iraq is a multinational and religions state and the Kurds is an authentic component in federal Iraq."

He added: "Baghdad government's decision to pass the federal budget without the approval of the Kurds' Ministers and without listening to their vision is very dangerous and tyranny, indicating that the decision of the government in Baghdad is a clear message to the people of Kurdistan, especially at this particular time, that the economy of Kurdistan and the rights and interests of its people are still under threat."

He stressed that "Kurdistan region's leadership, parliament and its government need to reconsider its relationship with the Baghdad and take a decisive stand to maintain the dignity of the people of Kurdistan and maintain their rights and their freedoms." The Cabinet had approved, on last Wednesday, the general budget of 2014 and sent to the House for a vote. The Kurds objected on that, considering it as an encroachment on their rights...ninanews.com

Price of land rises steeply in Erbil

Erbil: The price of land in Erbil has increased significantly since the start of the 2014 calendar year. Real estate agents believe the increase is due to the export of Kurdish oil as well as Erbil’s designation as the 2014 Arab Capital of Tourism. A real estate agents acknowledged that the price of all regular land in Erbil has increased greatly and that demand to buy land has also increased in recent days.

Mohammed confirmed that the price of land has been increased relative to its location. “Buying land in Erbil has become very expensive recently; each 100 -150m piece of land has increased by almost $ 10,000. However, in certain places, this ratio has increased much more - $ 20,000 more for each 250m piece of land,” Gardi Real Estate Office Holder Abdul-Khaliq Mohammed said. “If the new KRG government is formed on the basis of multiple parties, it will cause another increase of land prices in Erbil,” another real estate agent in Erbil added. basnews.com

Released Algerian detainee tells the “hell” of Iraqi prisons and excludes Kurdistan Region

An Algerian prisoner who was released last week, Muhammad Ali Bojnana from Iraqi prisons, tells what he called the hell of these prisons, and suffering experienced by the Algerian prisoners in the prisons of Iraq. Bojnana has been deported from Iraq to Algeria last week, where he arrived to his family in the state of Mila, a few days ago.

He spoke in an interview with reporters in his family's home about the " hell of prisons," by saying : " We have lived through difficult circumstances as we were exposed to all forms of torture on an ongoing basis." "I'm sad for my classmates who are still prisoners in Iraqi prisons there, they bear great suffering and harsh conditions, and I call on the Algerian authorities to make humanitarian and diplomatic efforts to end this tragedy”.

The released prisoner, who was sentenced to prison for 10 years and was transferred during the period of his sentence between three prisons, which are : Nasirah prison, Baghdad and Abu Ghraib prison. " Bojnana talks about Abu Ghraib prison where he spent the worst duration in it by saying, " We have lived through the bitter pain, severe suffering, as well as humiliation violation of human rights “. He explained the difference of prisons of Kurdistan and said, “these are much more merciful, they are ordinary prisons where prisoners are not subjected to torture or cruel treatment as the case in the South." Bojnana had spent 10 years in Iraqi prisons after being convicted of entering Iraq illegally...shafaaq.com

For the first time, skiing was tested on Korek Mountain in Kurdistan

Erbil: Skiing was tested on Korek Mountain in the Iraqi Kurdistan region in light of Erbil being chosen as the 2014 Arab Tourism Capital. Spokesperson for the Board of Tourism Nadr Rusti recently made the announcement that skiing was tested on Korek Mountain by experts in the sport. “Following the visit of the skiing experts to the Board of Tourism, they met the director of the tourism board in Soran and a skiing test was then carried out on Korek Mountain,” Rusti said. Rusti noted that there will be a skiing exhibition at Korek Mountain on January 30-31. basnews.com

Kurdish singer wins accolades in TV talent show

Duhok: A Kurdish contestant in televised song contest “The Voice” has won the attention of Kadhim al-Sahir, one of the most famous singers in the Arab world, with his rendition of a mawwal, a traditional Iraqi song. “I was looking for a voice like yours,” an impressed al-Sahir said after hearing Kurdish singer Mihvan Salih Amedi. The second season of the TV talent show started on Lebanon’s MBC channel on December 28 last year, featuring

Amedi, who has successfully made it through the first stage of the program. “Five months ago I got in touch with the staff of that program and they accepted my application,” Amedi told Rudaw from the Lebanese capital Beirut, where he is currently filming. Amedi comes from a strong musical background, and his father is the artist Salih Amedi, known for a singing style similar to that of Muhammad Arif Jziri.

Amedi’s first appearance on stage was at a public celebration in 1998, and ever since then his father has been a major supporter as he seeks to carve out a singing career. “I grew up in family that loved music and my father helped me to reach where I stand today,” said Amedi. He sang a mawwal in the contest, previously sung by al-Sahir himself, and passed the first stage to join the group of hopefuls that will be coached by the crooner...rudaw.net

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc20 ... al1492.htm

[Anthea]

January 19, 2014

Sulêmanî (Sulaimaniyah), Erbil-Hewlêr, Duhok, Kirkuk [Kerkûk], Kurdistan Region 'Iraq'

Kurdish delegation begins a meeting with Baghdad to discuss disputed files

Baghdad: Kurdish delegation headed by , Nechirvan Barzani began on Sunday a meeting in Baghdad with Iraqi governmental officials to discuss the issue of the budget and export oil file from the Kurdish region to Turkey.

“The Iraqi government delegation consists of Hussein al-Shahristani , Abdul Karim al-Laeebi, Safaa al-Deen al-Safi and the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, Ali al-Alaq,” a Kurdish source said. The Kurdish delegation consisting of Azad Brwari, Safeen Dizayee, Ashti Hawrami and Amanj Rahim. The Iraqi government has threatened yesterday to punish all of the region and Turkey if continued its operations in the export of oil.

The issue of the extraction, production and export of oil from Kurdistan to Turkey according to agreements between the two sides is considered of the main points of disagreement between Erbil and Baghdad, where Erbil insists on the constitutionality of the procedures carried out by it while Baghdad rejects exporting oil without its consent and deposit amounts at SOMO. shafaaq.com

Central Bank of the Region-Sulêmanî still awaits budget

The Iraqi Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Iraq do not have enough budget to send to the Central Bank of the Region-Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah]. In the next two days, the money will reach the Central Bank of the Region-Sulêmanî.

The General Director of the Central Bank of the Region-Sulêmanî, Abdurahman Salih, said "We wished to have the money today, but it seems that the central bank of Iraq does not have it" Salih ensured the arrival of the money tomorrow or the day after it. A few days before, the speaker of the Ministry of Finance of the KRG has announced that the problem of the salary budget will be solved and the money will reach our banks. pukmedia.com

Kurdistan PM Barzani and Kurdish delegation in Baghdad in absence of Maliki and Shahristani

Baghdad: Kurdish government delegation, headed by PM Nechirvan Barzani has arrived to Baghdad to discuss the issue of the budget and export oil file from Kurdish territory to Turkey. It is scheduled for Kurdish delegation to discuss with Iraqi Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki and his deputy, Hussein al-Shahristani the files of the visit, but the both of Maliki and Shahristani were not in Baghdad. Maliki has headed to Dhi -Qar, while Shahristani is in Tuz Khurmato district.

It is unknown so far the start of the meetings of the Kurdish delegation who is in Baghdad with Maliki and Shahristani concerned to discuss the outstanding issues. The issue of export of oil from Kurdistan region to Turkey, where Erbil insists on the constitutionality of the procedures carried out by it while Baghdad reject oil export without its consent and deposit amounts at SOMO Company. MP Mahmoud Othman Kurdistan region in Baghdad talks with the federal government on outstanding issues, including the budget and export of oil." The Iraqi government has threatened Saturday to punish all of the region and Turkey if continued its operations in the export of oil. shafaaq.com | Ekurd.net

Gorran Movement demands recognition for Kurds at Geneva II

Erbil: Representatives of the Gorran Movement in Iraqi Kurdistan and Iraqi parliaments have stated that the Kurds should be recognised and permitted to participate at the Geneva II conference as an independent delegation, otherwise the Kurds will not be represented.

According to a report from DİHA, parliamentarians from the Gorran Movement said that a conference that fails to recognise and accept the Kurds would be doomed to failure. Dr. Mihemed Kiyani, a deputy of the Gorran Movement in the Iraqi parliament, said: "international forces should understand that the Kurds can take on a dominant role for the resolution of the problems in Syria," while Rebin Omer, spokesperson of the Gorran Movement, pointed out that the PYD was a large political force in West Kurdistan, adding that those who attended the conference without the PYD would achieve nothing apart from undermining the Kurdish front...firatnews.com

Intensive security measures in Sulêmanî's prisons

Sulêmanî: After threatens received by the federal Ministry of Justice by the terrorist groups which threatened to break-in several prisons, security forces in Sulêmanî had intensified security measures at Susa prison and Chamchamal federal prison in case of terrorist attacks.

An official in Chamchamal prison said, Sunday, January 19, 2014, "we had been informed by the federal Ministry of Justice that al-Qaida terrorist group of ISIL have the intention to break-in several prisons including Susa and Chamchamal prisons in Sulêmanî" stressing that security forces had taken their measures to face any terrorist attack.

Peshmerga forces of the KRG Interior Ministry in Chamchamal had declared that they are well equipped to face any suspected terrorist attacks, source added. Chamchamal federal prison has at least 2700 prisoners whom are convicted with crims by the federal court. pukmedia.com

Kurdistan Donkey’s Party Collapses

Sulêmanî: Thirty-five years after it gained official recognition, the Kurdistan Donkey’s Party has come to an end. Omar Klol, General Secretary of the Kurdistan Donkey’s Party, said the group’s dissolution was due to misunderstandings between him and both party members and members of the Kurdish community.

“Those who were with me all these years were with me just for fun, they didn’t understand from my messages that I actually wanted to deliver with this party,” Kilol told Kurdish media. Klol said his family has also paid the price for the negative views that the Kurdish community hold towards the party.

“I will give my position to whoever wants to continue the journey of the Kurdistan Donkey’s Party and complete the duties that I haven’t been able to yet,” Klol said. Klol noted that establishing a party under such a name does not jive with Kurdish tradition and society. The Kurdistan Donkey’s Party was established in the 1950s, but did not receive official recognition until 1979. basnews.com

Emirates Red Crescent opens Syrian refugees' camp in Erbil, Kurdistan

Erbil: A new Syrian refugees' camp was opened Sunday by Erbil Governor Nawzad Hadi and UAE Consul in Kurdistan region Rashid al-Mansouri. The first stage of the camp will accommodate 150 families (1000 persons), which was built by the Emirates Red Crescent. This camp could be expanded to cover 300 families, as officially stated. Governor Nawzad stated that there are 90.000 refugees, 60.000 living in Erbil itself and 30.000 in the camps which were built be the Kurdish region government. aswataliraq.info

Kurdish lawmaker: Exporting oil from the Kurdistan region to Turkey is constitutionally

Baghdad: The MP, of the Kurdistan Alliance, Mohsen al-Sadoun, exporting oil through Turkey is constitutionally and based on Article 111 of the Iraqi constitution. Sadoun said " the Iraqi constitution grants the provinces, which produce oil full powers in coordination with the central government / Ministry of Oil / in the exploitation of oil wealth," considering all the charges against the province of smuggling oil to Turkey are illegally."

He added, "All judicial charges brought by the central government on the export of oil to Turkey, would be respond to Iraqi courts because they are not based on the articles of the Constitution of Iraq," He said that preparations are underway " to file a lawsuit against the Turkish government for allowing the Kurdistan to pump oil through the export pipeline without the consent of the Iraqi central government, considering that as clear violation of the agreement signed between the two countries, which regulates the export of Iraqi oil through Turkey." ninanews.com

Iraqi Government sends army to disputed region

Khurmatu: An Iraqi delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Hussain al-Shahristani, has been sent to Tuz Khurmatu, a town in the Salahaddin Province of Iraq, located 55 miles south of Kirkuk. Iraqi army troops were sent along with Shahristani, who arrived to the town in the disputed region of Northern Iraq by helicopter. With his arrival, the army has spread throughout the town.

As a security precaution, all government institutions have been shut for the day. It is reported that the SWAT force and the federal police have been put on standby in the town until Shahristani’s departure. Meanwhile, a Kurdish delegation has arrived in Baghdad, headed by Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, for talks on the ongoing oil issues with his Iraqi counterpart, Nouri al-Maliki. basnews.com

Kurdistan Regional Government participates in the International Meeting for water Resources in Tehran

Tehran: During the day on 12 -15/1/2014 in Tehran, capital of Islamic Republic of Iran, held the formal meeting between the delegation of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Iraqi federal and Iran, At the meeting, Mr. Mohammed Amin Bindarway representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government in the high Committee of negotiations was attended and the Iraqi federal government delegation headed by Mohammed al-Haj the adviser to the Iraqi foreign minister and membership adviser to Prime Minister and a number of General director in the ministries of water resources and internal and the delegation of Islamic Republic of Iran headed by Mr. Ali Reza Jahangir Assistant Foreign Minister of Iran.

in the meeting they discussed several topics, including the Algiers Convention and Taluk line in 1975,they also discussed how to determine the Shatt al-Arab and distribution of rivers water and the distribution and regulation of water resources a number of(40)common rivers between the two countries and a number of other boundaries between Iran and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the exchange of information on water resources...moawr-krg.org

Raparin University to hold a 3-day campaign about the archeological sites

Raniyah: Kurdistan Region: Raparin University, history department, will hold a three-day campaign for reserving the archeological sites of Kurdistan Region. Distributing a book titled ' the law of archeology and antique' published in 2002 will be one of their campaign's activities.

Araz Ramazan, the speaker of Raparin University told PUKmedia: the History Department tomorrow, January 19, 2014, will hold a campaign for three days to focus on the reservation and protection of the archeological places. "To raise public awareness, we will distribute 10 thousand posters in the cities of Rania, Qaladza and some other places" he detailed regarding the campaign.

The speaker of Raparin University concluded that another activity of the campaign will be the translation of the Iraqi law of archeology and antiques, number 55, and released in 2002. This will be in a form of a book, and they are going to distribute them among the governmental/political parties' offices. pukmedia.com

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/mi ... al1493.htm

[Anthea]

January 20, 2014

Qamishli (Qmişlo), Amude, Afrin - Hesekê (Hasaka) — Western Kurdistan (Syrian Kurdistan) aka Rojava (West)

Kurdish YPG marks third year since its foundation

Afrin: Yekîneyên Parastina Gel (People's Protection Units-YPG) commander Sipan Hemo spoke to ANF Seyit Evran on the third anniversary of the foundation of the organisation. He stressed that the organisation had been established on a historical legacy and a tradition of commemorating martyrs. Hemo added that they had developed their struggle in memory of their founder, Xebat Derîk, adding that they had put up a heroic resistance to concerted attacks by certain regional forces and Kurdish collaborating forces. Hemo said the YPG had proved it was the only defence force of the people of Rojava, adding that the steps taken in the Cezirê area were for a democratic Syria. Hemo also evaluated the latest clashes in Tel Hemis and Tel Berek, saying these were instigated by perfidious collaborating Kurdish forces, and that they would receive the appropriate response and that vengeance would be taken for their martyrs. "The YPG is resisting for the revolution in Kurdistan and a democratic Syria," added YPG Commander Sipan Hemo, who answered our questions...firatnews.com


Kurds at London protest demand own seat at Geneva talks

London: Kurdish demonstrators rallied outside the British prime minister’s office on Monday to demand that Syria’s Kurds be given their own seat at the so-called Geneva-2 peace talks, due to begin in Switzerland this week. It was among a series of protests in Europe spearheaded by the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), whose military wing controls much of Syrian Kurdistan and has successfully fought off incursions by jihadist groups. The demand for independent Kurdish representation at the international conference may turn out to be irrelevant for the time being: A surprise invitation from the United Nations on Sunday night for Iran to attend the opening session at Montreux on Wednesday threw the talks into doubt. The Western-backed Syrian National Coalition, the mainstream political opposition to President Bashar Assad’s regime, threatened to pull out of the conference over the invitation to Iran, Damascus’s key regional ally. If the talks do go ahead, the PYD wants Kurds to have their own delegation under the umbrella of the Supreme Kurdish Council. On the eve of the conference – assuming it will now go ahead – the plan is for Kurds from the foreign relations committee of the Kurdish National Council to be part of the wider Syrian opposition delegation...rudaw.net

Democratic autonomy in Cizîre canton on 19-20 January

Qamishli: An official who did not wish to give his name has said that democratic autonomy will be declared in the Cizîre Canton of West (Syrian) Kurdistan on 19-20 January after the completion of work for a Transitional Executive Assembly. This declaration will come 2 weeks after the decision to split West Kurdistan into three cantons, and will coincide with the Geneva II conference scheduled to take place on 22 January. After the declaration of a Cizîre Transitional Executive Assembly, which will deal with economic, political, social and cultural matters, preparations will be made for elections 4 months later. Work towards democratic autonomous government began in December 2013 following a proposal by the PYD, and is continuing in the other areas for a Transitional Executive Assembly and democratic autonomy.

At a meeting on 6-7 January at the West Kurdistan Autonomous Administration Legislative Assembly the region (Rojava) was divided into 3 cantons, Cizîre, Kobani and Afrin. In accordance with decisions taken at that meeting each canton is establishing its own autonomous administrative assemblies. While accepting the "Social Agreement" with the character of a constitution the meeting decided the three cantons would each have their own autonomous administration. This model is based on four principles: canton system, Legislative Assembly, administration, justice and high election council. According to the decision of the Legislative Assembly the cantons will organise elections within 4 months in order to establish democratic autonomous administrative assemblies. The Cizîre canton will have an assembly with 101 deputies. The other cantons will establish the number of seats according to their needs. Each canton will have 20 ministries. All communities in the region, Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian, Chechen and Armenian will be represented in the Legislative Assembly. This assembly, part of a decentralised system, is seen as a model for a future democratic Syria. firatnews.com

Copyright ©, respective author or news agency

http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/mi ... rd1018.htm