Kurdish News in Brief: Updated Often PLEASE Add Items

[Anthea]

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

Former Kurdish political prisoner froze to death

Shno: A former Kurdish political prisoner by the name of Ismail Qaderzadeh froze to death on January 1 in the city of Shno in Iranian Kurdistan. Qaderzade spent 11 years in prison on charges of being a member of a Kurdish opposition party. He was brutally tortured on numerous occasions. In a separate incident three other Kurdish individuals froze to death in the Kelashin Mountain on January 2. Shoresh Temashakhan and Tahir Koche are the names of two of the men that froze to death, the name of the third individuals is still unknown. pdki.org

Kurds in Iran continue to be underrepresented in parliament

Iran’s large minority Kurds continue to be underrepresented in the Iranian parliament, where out of 20 new seats that are to be added to the 290-seat Majlis only one will go to the Kurds. The Iranian constitution stipulates that once every 10 years the number of MPs should increase, based on geographical, political and other conditions such as an increase in population. Out of the 20 new seats expected to be added to the Majlis, only one has so far been allotted to the Kurds: The number of representatives from Kermanshah, the largest Kurdish city in Iran with a population close to one million, will increase from three to four. Rudaw has learned from sources close to MPs from Sina (Sanandaj), Kamiaran, and Diwandara that these cities also tried to raise their allotted seats, but failed in the effort. “Considering the political, economic, and geographical factors, the number of representatives of these three cities should be increased,” one source noted. The population of Sina, Kamiaran, and Diwandara totals 615,871 people. The three cities are regarded as a single electoral district and are represented by two MPs...rudaw.net

Kurdish Citizen Arrested in Qorveh

Qorveh: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard arrested a Kurdish citizen by the name of Erfan Mohammedi in the Kurdish town of Qorveh on unknown charges. Witnesses state that Mohammedi was arrested early in the morning on January 2 in his home. Revolutinary Guard also beat Mohammedi when he was arrested, witnesses said. During the past 12 days 11 Kurdish civilians have been arrested in Iranian Kurdistan. pdki.org

Iranian repression of Kurds continues

Saqiz: Two Kurdish civilians were killed as a result of fire opened by Iranian regime forces in the Saqiz and Şirmeşanê towns of East Kurdistan. Kawa Mistefayi (24) was killed in Saqiz, and Purya Esedi (30) in Şirmeşanê as he passed by the Iranian intelligence's office last week. Esedi's family has reportedly filed a criminal complaint against those responsible for his death. According to another news reported by Kurdistanmedia website, Iranian security forces arrested five people from the Derekê village of Sewlawa, in Hewreman region, on 29 December 2013. Four of those detained have been named as Sebah Mehmudi, Ehsen Husêyini, Qutbedin Husêyini and Alid Mihemedi. Five Kurds have reportedly been arrested for going to the Derbendê mountain, while the charges they face remain unknown yet. On the other hand, another civilian, Ramyar İbrahimi, was shot by Iranian soldiers, and critically wounded, as he crossed the border near the Bejoa village of the Serdest town. Soldiers opened fire on İbrahimi on the grounds that he crossed the border illegally. firatnews.com

Close to 100 landmine victims in Qasre Shirin

Qasre Shirin: During the past 22 months close to 100 individuals have become victims of landmine explosions in the Kurdish town of Qasre Shirin. According to a report published by the local authorities in Qasre Shirin 13 individuals have died and another 78 have been injured in 105 landmine explosions during the past 22 months in and around the town. Residents of the Qasre Shirin maintain that the real numbers of victims are much higher but the local authorities are hiding the real numbers on orders of the government. Every year hundreds of Kurds fall victim to landmine explosions in Iranian Kurdistan. pdki.org

IRGC Killed Three Kurdish Civilians

In three separate incidents Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) killed three Kurdish civilians. In the Kurdish city of Saghez IRGC soldiers killed a 24-year-old Kurdish man by the name of Kawe Mustafai. Witnesses state that Mustafai was shot by IRGC soldiers after that he had a verbal disagreement with one of the soldiers. The witnesses also state that Mustafai did not do anything illegal, he just talked back to the soldiers when they insulted him. In a separate incident, IRGC soldiers killed a 30-year-old Kurdish man by the name of Poria Asadian in the town of Shaabad in the Kermanshah province. Asadian was according to witnesses shot by an IRGC officer by the name of Rashidian. Witnesses also state that Asadian was first handcuffed and then killed. IRGC soldiers also killed 23-year-old Kurdish man by the name of Ramiar Ibrahimi in the Alan region of Sardasht. Witnesses state that IRGC soldiers shot Ibrahimi in the head. pdki.org

Five Kurdish civilians arrested in Hawraman

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) arrested five Kurds in the Hawraman region of Iranian Kurdistan. The five men were arrested on December 31, 2013 in the Derben Mountain in the Hewraman region. The names of four of the five men are known, Sabah Mahmodi, Ehsan Husseini, Qotbedin Husseini and Adel Mahmodi. The fifth person is believed to be Ali Mahmodi. There is currently no information on what charges the five men have been arrested for. pdki.org

Heavy snow blocks several roads in Iran

Heavy snow in Iran has blocked roads leading to 315 villages in the country's Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Kurdistan provinces, Mehr news agency reported. In some areas the snow height reached 2 meters, according to the report. Snowfall has been continuing in Iran's 12 provinces since Dec. 31. Heavy snow has caused problems on the roads in Tehran, Kurdistan, Fars, Lorestan, Kermanshah, West Azerbaijan, Isfahan, Qazvin, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces. Snow removal and rescue works are underway. Snowfall will continue in several provinces for 24 hours, ISNA reported on Jan. 2. Rescuers of the Iranian Red Crescent Society are involved in the snow removal and provision of aid to people who suffered from the natural disaster. trend.az

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[Anthea]

Dukan Lake`s water levels decrease continuously

Manager of Dukan Dam, Hama Tahir Jalal, told PUKmedia, “Due to lack of sufficient plans, water levels of Dukan Lake are decreasing continuously.”

Engineer Hama Tahir Jalal also stated that this year`s raining range was 203 ml, and that 1 billion cubic meters of water has been used to generate electricity.

“Currently, half a billion cubic meters of water is being accumulated in the lake,” added Tahir Jalal, so Dukan Lake`s water is decreasing continuously and could not be accumulated sufficiently.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=17937

[Anthea]

PUK`s Government and Parliament Committee meets Green Fraction MPs

Today, January 5, 2014, PUK`s Government and Parliament Committee for the fourth congress gathered with MPs of the Green Fraction (PUK Fraction) in Kurdistan Region Parliament at the PUK Political Bureau office.

The main theme of the meeting was to discuss and re-write a new program to regulate PUK`s organs.

In the meeting, the PUK MPs presented their notions and ideas regarding reform in PUK structures and how to create a successful program for PUK to get back to its triumphs.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=17940

[Anthea]

January 6, 2014

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

Iranian security forces killed a Kurdish man and dragged his body behind a car

Iranian security forces dragged the body of a 26-year-old Kurdish man behind a car for two kilometers after that the security forces had killed him. On Saturday, January 4, Iranian security forces shot and killed a 26-year-old Kurdish man by the name of Saman Khzri in the town of Sardasht. Khzri’s body was stripped naked and dragged behind a car for two kilometers, witnesses told Kurdpa. “The security forces dumped the naked body of this 26-year-old youth in a place called Khre Shiwe Kodo”, a witness said. Saman Khzri had just gotten married a couple of months ago. kurdpa.com | pdki.org

In Iran, violence against women highest among Kurds

About 88 percent of women in Iran’s Kurdistan Province reportedly experience some form of abuse, among the highest in the country. According to the BBC’s Persian service, 66.3 percent of Iranian women experience violence in their lives, but Kurdistan Province and the city of Ahvaz are reported to be the two most violent cities for females. The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life." Despite the huge numbers of women living with abuse in Kurdistan Province, abusive men enjoy impunity under the patriarchal laws of Iran’s Islamic Republic. According to the Kurdpa news agency, in the Fall of 2013, 33 Kurdish women were reported to have experienced violence. Fifteen women committed suicide, eight were imprisoned (three of them activists) and seven were executed by the Iranian government. Activists say that Kurdish men and women need to receive education about the definition of violence and its effects on women, children and society. They complain that the Iranian government does not seem to have any intention of raising awareness in this regard and only Kurds themselves can make a difference...rudaw.net

Kurdish man injured in landmine explosion in Ilam

Ilam: A 55-year-old Kurdish man lost one of his legs in a landmine explosion in village of Qalawezane, located in the Ilam province, Kurdpa reported. Hussein Daweri, a 55-year-old Kurdish man, stepped on a landmine that was left from the Iran-Iraq war. Residents of Ilam said that Iranian authorities has not cleared the region of thousands of landmines left from the Iran-Iraq war despite numerous promises to do so. According to a report published last week by the local authorities in the Kurdish town of Qasre Shirin 13 individuals have died and another 78 have been injured in 105 landmine explosions during the past 22 months in and around the town. Residents of the Qasre Shirin believe that the real numbers of landmine victims are much higher but the local authorities are hiding the real numbers on orders of the government. Every year hundreds of Kurds fall victim to landmine explosions in Iranian Kurdistan. pdki.org

Kurdish human rights activist arrested in the University of Orumiye

Urmia: A Kurdish Woman who is a known human rights activist was arrested by Iran’s intelligence agency in the Urmia Islamic Azad University, Kurdpa reported. Shermin Qadri, who is 29-years-old and originally from the city of Mahabad, was arrested by Iranian intelligence agents after that she had written several letters to the education board of the Western Azerbaijan province complaining that students were being illegally forced to pay money to continue their studies. Qadri, who studied Management at the university, was taken to an unknown prison after that she was arrested on January 1. Shermin, who is the daughter of Mehiedin Qaderi, is a known human rights activist who has worked with human rights organizations. During the past year Kurdish student activists have been put under increasing pressure by Iran’s intelligence agency and Shermin is the second Kurdish female student that has been arrested during the past couple months. Another Kurdish student by the name of Afsane Bayzidi was arrested at the Peyam Noor University in Bokan two months ago. 176 Kurds have been arrested by Iran’s intelligence agency during the past four months. pdki.org

Iran attempts to lure Kurdish students to join the Basij

Shno: Iranian authorities are attempting to lure Kurdish students to join its paramilitary Basij forces by offering them financial loans with low interest rates, Kurdpa reported. The Qarargahi Basiji Sazendegi in the Kurdish town of Shno has announced that all students who join the Basiji forces will be offered financial loans with low interest rates. The source also said that the Basij forces are spreading information leaflets with the offer and visiting the different schools in Shno to lure the students to join the Basij. This action by the Basij forces has worried the parents of the Kurdish students in Shno. The Islamic Republic of Iran has during a period of more than 30-years purposely and systematically neglected Iranian Kurdistan, refusing to invest in the region, making it one of the most deprived and poor regions of Iran. Unemployment rates in Iranian Kurdistan are among the highest in the whole of Iran, forcing some young Kurds to join the paramilitary Basij force on promises of loans with low interest rates. A statement issued by Basij commander to students in the Kurdish city of Saghiz that reads; if you in the future want to be accepted at university, you have to fill in a form to become a member of the Basij. kurdpa.com | pdki.org

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[Anthea]

January 6, 2014

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

Car bomb target headquarters of PUK and Communist party in Tuz Khurmato

Khurmatu: A security source in Salahuddin province revealed on Monday, that four civilians were wounded in a car bomb explosion targeted the headquarters of the Kurdish parties in the center of the district. “The explosion occurred in Imam Ahmed neighborhood in Tuz Khurmato, 120 km east Tikrit and targeted the headquarters of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Kurdistan Communist Party, wounding four civilians,” the source said. Tuz Khurmato is one of the disputed areas between Baghdad and Erbil which is experiencing unstable conditions as armed groups organizations carry out acts of violence targeting mostly security forces, government headquarters, gatherings of citizens in markets and commercial areas. shafaaq.com

Protests in Erbil and Sulemani against Kurdish Journalist killing

Erbil: Hundreds of people protested in Erbil and Sulemani city on Sunday against the assassination of Kurdish journalist Kawa Germyani and other journalists killed in Kurdistan region. The demonstrators call on the Kurdish government to bring the perpetrators and murderers to justice. Anticorruption Kurdish journalist, Kawa Germyani, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on December 5, 2013, in Kalar in Sulaimaniyah province. He was shot in front of his house, and later died at the hospital. Ruling PUK party's officials are suspected in killing the journalist Kawa Germiyani. Ekurd.net

Coptic Church opens in Sulemani, Iraqi Kurdistan

Sulêmanî: The Secretary of the Central Council of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan , Adel Murad announced on Monday that the end of the construction work in a Coptic church in Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah] will be soon as President, Jalal Talabani has allocated a piece of land for it in 2004. Adel Murad said in a statement that he received a delegation from the Coptic Christian Church , that is visiting Kurdistan Region to be informed on conditions of Coptic Christians in Kurdistan . He added that the delegation is composed of Ethiopian bishop , Dimitros , the patron of the Copts affairs in the Gulf countries ; Jordan and Lebanon , accompanied by all of the social worker , Bishop Abba Jabra Hanna and instructor of the Coptic Church in Chwar Chira area in central Sulaimaniyah who is from an Egyptian nationality ,Tharwat Hubaysh . He said the construction work will be completed after weeks . Murad noted that Dimitros promised that he would talk to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs , to open a consulate in Kurdistan Region and praised the stable security conditions and respect for religions and sects in the region and the cities of the region’s turn to cities of love and peace...shafaaq.com

Kurdistan Region Delegation to visit Baghdad on oil, Budget and Peshmerga issues

Erbil: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance of the Kurdistan Regional Government announced a planned visit by a government delegation to Baghdad this week to discuss the issues of oil and the financial budget and the share of Kurdistan Region of the budget. Tahir Rashid in a press statement said that it’s scheduled that a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government to visit Baghdad this week to discuss details of the issues of oil and Budget and the Peshmerga, noting that ' the visit is scheduled to take place on January 7. pukmedia.com

Two Iraqi Kurds behind attack on Aleppo hospital

Two Iraqi Kurds are behind last month’s attack on Aleppo’s Kennedy Hospital, the second largest hospital in Syria. Islamic Kurdish news outlet revealed that two men from Sulemani were behind the truck of TNT’s that exploded in the hospital. Al-Nusra militants have been in control of the hospital since the attack. The two Kurdish youths were members of Al-Nusra front. Prior to the attack, they requested that their identities not be revealed. Over 200 Iraqi Kurds have travelled to Syria, many of them have been killed in the conflict. The Kurdish website published a video of the attack on Youtube. basnews.com

The second largest urinary bladder stone in the world removed from a patient in Erbil

Erbil: In a private hospital in Erbil, the second largest urinary bladder stone has been removed from a woman by a Kurdish doctor. It weighed 1030 grams and ranged between 110mm and 85mm in width. Qadriya Mohammed Hassan, 46, had been suffering from pain in her kidneys, stomach and urinary bladder for two years. Despite visiting numerous doctors and taking several medications, pain relief was limited. “The remedies were temporary,” said Qadriya. “First, the doctors told me there was a nodule in my stomach, later they said it was cancer. Then Dr. Bahzad did a light examination around the pain and told me that there was a big stone in my urinary bladder, and that I had to have surgery immediately,” Qadriya said. Dr. Bahzad Rashad Koyi graduated from Mosul University and is an expert in kidney and urinary tract surgery. From 1987 – 2010, he worked as a kidney and urinary tract specialist in the UK .Now he is the head of clinical affairs at the doctors’ council as well as the head of kidney and urinary tract surgery in a public hospital in Erbil. “This is the second largest stone that has been taken out from a patient’s urinary bladder in the world. The largest stone was taken from a man’s urinary bladder in the Czech Republic and weighed 1130 grams,” Koyi said. Koyi pointed out that “the reason that the stone grew so large was due to irregular urination, a lack of drinking water, and not visiting a doctor soon enough.”...basnews.com

Saudia Arabia requests incarcerated nationals in Iraq be transferred to Kurdistan region prisons

Erbil: Saudi Arabia’s foreign Ministry has requested that those Saudi national prisoners currently in Iraqi Prisons be moved to Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) prisons, so that their relatives can visit them. Sa’adi Asslami, the head of Saudi prisoners in Iraq and Jordan has revealed that the main factor behind the Saudi Authority request is the instability of Baghdad and its prisoners. And he also says, “because of terrorists threats the prisoners relatives can not visit the prisoners, and guards abuse the prisoners.” Furthermore, Asslami noted that the number of Saudi detainees currently in Iraqi prisons number about 60 and the Iraqi authorities prevent Saudis from visiting their relatives. There are also reports that the prisoners are being held in poor conditions. The deputy of the Kurdistan Region Interior Ministry, Fayaq Tufiq, said that the decision whether to transfer Saudi prisoners to the region region lies with the Council of Ministries and not them. Since 2003 and the Iraqi war, a lot of Saudi nationals have been arrested in Iraq on terrorism related charges and some have been hanged. basnews.com

More than two trillion ID to be cut from Kurdistan’s Budget

Erbil: Due to a shortfall in the budget of Iraq, more than two trillion dinar is to be cut from the budget of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) by the central government for 2014. A KRG official from Kurdistan claims that Kurdistan’s budget for 2014 has never been stable. The KRG Deputy Minister of Finance and the Economy, Rasheed Tahir said that the Ministry of Finance in Iraq has excused the reduction of the Kurdistan Budget for 2014 due to a shortfall in the central Iraq Budget. “At first, Kurdistan’s budget for 2014 was more than ID 18 trillion, but now it has been reduced to ID 16 trillion. However it is not stable, and there is a probability that it will be reduced even more,” added Tahir. Tahir also pointed out that “the budget of Iraq was ID 175 trillion to begin with, but then suddenly it was lowered to ID 160 trillion - a reduction of ID 16 trillion. There is no clear reason for this drop.” Tahir stressed that internal political affairs in Iraq hinder the process of approving the 2014 budget. According to data, 17% of Iraq’s annual budget is meant for the KRG, while many Kurdish officials believe that the actual share they receive from central government is sometimes less than 13%. basnews.com

Almost 29,000 children born in Kurdistan Capital, Erbil, in 2013

Erbil: According to the statistics from Erbil Children’s Hospital, almost 29,000 children were born in 2013, an increase on 2012. “From the beginning of 2013 until 2014, almost 29,000 children were born in Erbil Children’s Hospital.” The head of the statistics department of Erbil Children Hospital, Kazhal Shakr, said. The statistics show that more than 18,00 children were born naturally and 11,000 with the help of surgery. The ratio of boys to girls among natural births was about 50/50. 6,000 males were born with the help of surgery, compared to 5,000 females. The statistics also show that there were 909 sets of twins and 318 stillbirths. In 2013, almost 49 thousand women visited Erbil Children’s Hospital. “The number of births has increased in 2013 compared to 2012, which saw 26,600 births,” concluded Kazhal. basnews.com

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[Anthea]

January 6, 2014

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

Constituent Assembly approves Syrian [West] Kurdistan constitution

Amude: The West Kurdistan [northern Syria] Constituent Assembly tasked with preparing the necessary laws for democratic autonomy has approved the social agreement characterised as a constitution. Today's session of the Constituent Assembly for Democratic Autonomy was attended by 52 people consisting of representatives of various peoples, political parties, civil society organisations and leading thinkers. The President of the Constituent Assembly, Evdilkerin Omer, said the social agreement had been approved by majority vote. Omer added that the agreement would be valid for all cantons of West Kurdistan. firatnews.com

Siege of Kurdish neighbourhoods in Aleppo being relieved

Aleppo: The Kurdish Al Akrad Front is continuing a series of operations in Aleppo to relieve the encirclement of Kurdish neighbourhoods in the city. Three neighbourhoods have so far been cleansed of Al Qaeda forces. The Al Akrad Front, consisting of people from different ethnic groups in Syria, has liberated the neighbourhoods of Bustan Basha, Al Hulok and Bedin from the control of armed groups from the Al Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS). Roads leading to the Sheikh Maksoud neighbourhood, where many Kurds live, have now been cleansed of armed gangs. The Al Akrad Press Centre has confirmed that the neighbourhoods of Bustan Basha, Al Hulok ve Bedin have been liberated and that the Alriz road leading to Sheikh Maksoud will be more secure. Al Akrad added that at least 20 ISIS members had been killed and some captured. The Al Akrad Front was established as a joint defence force in areas where Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen and other ethnicities live. It is particularly active in the Aleppo/A'zaz/Al Bab triangle, assisting in the defence of Kurdish neighbourhoods of Aleppo. firatnews.com

Explosion in Hesekê

Hasaka: One person was wounded in a bomb explosion in the Nasra neighbourhood of the city of Hesekê (al-Hasaka) in West Kurdistan [northeastern Syria]and houses in the vicinity were damaged. The explosion took place at 5.45 pm on 5 January after a bomb placed at the roadside went off. Local security forces have started an investigation. firatnews.com

Left Party: Kurds should go to Geneva II as an independent delegation

Qamishli: The Kurdish Left Party in Syria General Secretary Muhammad Musa has stated that the failure of the talks in Hewler [Erbil] between the West Kurdistan People's Assembly (MGRK) and the Syrian Kurdish National Council (SKNC) to produce sound conclusions was down to the SKNC being part of the Syrian National Coalition, and was therefore unable to make independent decisions. Musa added that the fact parties within the SKNC (Al-Parti, Azadi, Yekiti) had put their organisational interests before national unity had contributed to the failure of the talks, saying the outcome was at least better than nothing, using a Kurdish proverb: "being cross-eyed is better than being blind" According to Musai disagreements between the Kurdish political parties in West Kurdistan have reached a problematic level that disturbed the people, and the talks began in Hewler after the PKK and KDP requested a resolution of these problems. “The Geneva II talks were one of the main items on the agenda in Hewler. There was intensive debate. As you know, our council is in the Syrian National Coalition. The SKNC cannot act independently of and take different decisions from the coalition as this would cause problems. At the meeting we decided to participate in the conference as Kurds. This was a previous decision of the SKNC, but the Political Unity Movement which dominates the SKNC did not recognise this decision. The 6 parties within the SKNC wish to go to Geneva 2 as part of the Syrian National Coalition", Muhammad Musa said. Musa continued: "Whatever the name of the delegation the important thing is to go in an independent delegation. If the Kurds go to Geneva in the Syrian National Coalition the Kurds will not be represented properly. For this reason as the Left Party we say it is necessary for the Kurds to go to the conference as an independent delegation."... firatnews.com

The Kurds have the right to establish their own administration: Kurdish Left Party

The Kurdish Left Party in Syria General Secretary Muhammad Musa said that the Kurds had the right to set up their own administration, saying: "In our opinion there are two aspects to democratic autonomy. One is service. There is a vacuum in places from which regime forces have withdrawn. Some bodies have been established and are functioning, but a proper system is needed. Every region should set up its own administration. Opposition forces have done this in Aleppo, Homs, Hama and in some areas of Damascus. We as Kurds living in Rojava can also set up our own administration, but this is not a permanent solution, as the administration is an interim one. However, it will constitute an important basis for our people. Arabs, Assyrians, Chaldeans and Circassians can also take their place in this structure." Kurdish Left Party in Syria General Secretary Muhammad Musa added that many of the parties within the SKNC, apart from the Political Unity, wished to participate in the interim administration. He continued: "The Syrian National Coalition stated it would not accept democratic autonomy. Therefore the SKNC cannot participate, but the parties within it, apart from the Political Unity, may take part". firatnews.com

85 illegal immigrants arrested in Greece, among them and Syrian Kurds

Athens: Syrian Kurds were among 85 illegal immigrants that set off from the coast of Turkey bound for the Greek islands. The sailing vessel found itself in trouble due to difficult weather conditions and radioed for help 5,6 nautical miles southwest of Astypalea. After a long search Greek coastguard found the 85 migrants in serious trouble. They were immediately given food and water and later safely transported to a community clinic in Astypalea. During the operation, the Coast Guard infromed the Minister of Marine and the Aegean, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, and the chief of the Greek coastguard service. According to reliable sources, among the Illegal immigrants were 32 minors and women. Further investigation found that among the 85 migrants were 2 Turkish nationals, who were regarded as the ’’Traffickers’’ of the operation. The prosecutor gave an oral order to transfer all the Illegal immigrants to the island of Kos, as there wasn’t a suitable place of residence in Astypalea. Immigrants from Turkey arrive illegally in Greece daily, by sea. Immigrants know that the winter passage to Greece by sea is extremely hazardous, as the road from the shore is impossible to pass because of Frontex. Migrants are prepared to risk their lives attempting to reach Greece, as it is recognized as the gateway to Europe. basnews.com

Two Iraqi Kurds behind attack on Aleppo hospital

Two Iraqi Kurds are behind last month’s attack on Aleppo’s Kennedy Hospital, the second largest hospital in Syria. Islamic Kurdish news outlet revealed that two men from Sulemani were behind the truck of TNT’s that exploded in the hospital. Al-Nusra militants have been in control of the hospital since the attack. The two Kurdish youths were members of Al-Nusra front. Prior to the attack, they requested that their identities not be revealed. Over 200 Iraqi Kurds have travelled to Syria, many of them have been killed in the conflict. The Kurdish website published a video of the attack on Youtube. basnews.com

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[Anthea]

Doctors Demand Protection

“We demand special protection for physicians who are worried about being re-targeted and abducted by armed groups”, said Abdel-Mohsen Abdel-Hamid, head of the Doctors Union, Kirkuk branch, told Kirkuk Now.

Doctors in Kirkuk have been targeted over the last few years and abducted. Some have been released for large amounts of money the highest amount of money that kidnappers received was half a million USD in some cases. Others were killed and their bodies were left outdoors.

“Special methods of protection need to be provided especially for doctors who have successful medical reputations often times they are the ones who are most targeted,” Dr. Abdel-Hamid continued.

More than 20 doctors in Kirkuk left Iraq to go abroad in recent years; more than 30 others have left to live in other towns in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, seeking safety, according to statistics from the Doctors Syndicate, Kirkuk Branch.

http://kirkuknow.com/english/index.php/ ... rotection/

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Region Delegation to visit Baghdad on oil, Budget and Peshmerga issues

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance of the Kurdistan Regional Government announced a planned visit by a government delegation to Baghdad this week to discuss the issues of oil and the financial budget and the share of Kurdistan Region of the budget.

Tahir Rashid in a press statement said that it’s scheduled that a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government to visit Baghdad this week to discuss details of the issues of oil and Budget and the Peshmerga, noting that ' the visit is scheduled to take place on January 7.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=17948

[Anthea]

Baghdad tries to prevent Kurdish oil exports

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[Anthea]

January 7, 2014

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

Victims of Kirkuk explosion up to 57 dead and wounded: Asayish

Kirkuk: A Kurdish Security Directorate (Asayish) announced said that the death toll of the explosion of a car bomb went off in Kirkuk Tuesday rose to 57 dead and injured. A medical source said: "The number of victims of the blast, which occurred near a police station, rose to three dead and 57 injured, including a number of police officers." The truck bomb exploded downtown Kirkuk this morning. “A truck bomb exploded on Tuesday in front of Quriya police station in central Kirkuk, adding that the blast killed three people and injured 57 others,” A statement issued by Asayish said. Agencies | Ekurd.net

Kurdistan offers 7 million dollars to support Tuz Khurmato

Khurmato: Tuz Khurmato administration in Salahuddin province revealed on Tuesday, that it has received financial support from Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) reached seven million dollars to service projects and sports “KRG granted seven billion dinars for sport projects, including the establishment of five large playground and rehabilitation of youth building in the center of the city,” Deputy governor of Tuz Khurmato , Shalal Abdul Ahmed said. Ahmed added that the district demanded from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to implement a number of projects , including a project to prepare the youth center , but did not get but promises. KRG has allocated funds from this grant for water and electricity projects in the district, he added. Tuz Khurmato is of the disputed areas between Iraq and Kurdistan, it used to be affiliated to Kirkuk province (80 km south ) before being affiliated by the former regime by a presidential decree in the seventies of the last century to Salahuddin province ( 120 km to the east). shafaaq.com

Iraqi court recognizes expulsion of 2 Kurdish cities as genocide

Baghdad: The Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal has issued a statement announcing the recognition of the exile of people of Said Sadiq and Qaladze, two districts of Kurdistan Region, as genocide. The people of Said Sadiq and Qaladze have been put to exile by the former Ba`ath Regime that ruled Iraq and exploited Kurds in very cruel ways. The announcement of the Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal has been read by Minister of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs, Aram Ahmed, in a press conference today, December 7, 2014. Aram Ahmed, on his said, noted, “This case will be an addition to previous cases such Anfal, chemical bombardment, the Anfal ‘Barazanis’, and etc. that the court has recognized as genocide.” According to the statement issued by the court, the people of these two cities could ask for compensation from the Iraqi Government. For this reason, “We prepared and presented a project regarding the compensation of the people of these cities to the KRG, so that it could present the project to the Central Government,” added Aram Ahmed. pukmedia.com

Kurdish Islamic leader visits Iran

Sulêmanî: The Kurdistan Islamic Group (KIG) leader, Ali Bapir is currently in Iran and has visited the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative Office in Tehran. The official website of KIG has announced that Ali Bapir and his delegates have visited the KRG Representative Office in Tehran and were welcomed by Nazim Dabagh, the KRG’s Representative in Tehran. The main topics of the meeting were the internal affairs of Iraq and the Kurdistan region as well as the current relations between the political parties of the KRG. Bapir emphasized the importance of the KRG’s office in Tehran representing not a single political party, but rather all citizens of the region. basnews.com

Well-known Kurdish doctor killed in Mexico

A Kurdish doctor Ahmed Basirah killed in Mexico after being shot by an armed robber in the city market, Basnews Arabic reported. The thieve fired on the doctor in Mexico city, where he was accompanied by his wife on a visit to that country to spend the New Year holiday there, has died after two days of his stay in the hospital. According to media sources, "the Mexican thieve attacked the doctor and his wife, trying to steal Ms. Basirah necklace and then shot Dr. basirah." The same sources added, "after the fall of Basirh on the ground, the unknown killer escaped" Ekurd.net

Air Show in Kurdistan region

Erbil: As part of the Festival of Culture, celebrating Erbil’s year as Arab Capital of Culture, the airline Zerin is partnering with a Swedish airline in the hope of staging an air show. Yusuf Sarmami, the owner of the Zerin Airline Company said, “We have contacted the organizer of the festival, and the Ministry of Culture and the District of Erbil about our plans to stage an airshow.” He continued, “Our air show will comprise of paragliding, powered paragliding, air ballooning, parachuting and aerobatic display planes.” By partnering with a globally recognized Swedish company, it is hoped that the event will gain international recognition. Yusuf Sarmami said that as soon as the festival organizers grant permission, preparations will begin. He urged the committee to accept his request and bring something new and unique to Erbil. The Zerin Airline Company was founded in 2010 in the Ankawa district of Erbil by pilots Captain Haydar Zaher and Engineer Yusuf Sarmami. basnews.com

Iraq: More than 872 million oil barrels have been exported in 2013

Baghdad: The oil marketing company SOMO in Iraq has published statistics for Iraqi oil exports and the number of foreign oil companies and corporations in Iraq in 2013. The statement shows that more than 872 million oil barrels have been exported with a monthly average of about 73 million barrels. Revenue was more than US$89 billion with monthly revenue estimated to be US$434 million at a cost of US$102,230 cents per barrel. ‌The released figures also show that 778 million barrels were exported through Basra Port in the last year as well as 70 million barrels through northern pipelines. 31 foreign oil companies and corporations bought Iraqi oil in 2013, according to the statement. Proven oil reserves in Iraq are considered the world’s fifth largest, at an estimated 140 billion barrels. basnews.com

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[Anthea]

January 8, 2014

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

Kurdish (Al Akrad) Front liberates two neighborhoods in Aleppo

Aleppo: In a joint operation with some brigades affiliated to the Syrian opposition, the Kurdish al-Akrad Front has launched an offensive against the al-Qaeda affiliated ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) in the mainly Kurdish city of Aleppo on Tuesday. Following the offensive which witnessed severe clashes in the neighborhoods of Biêdin, Huluk, Bistan Basa and Maber Elriz of Aleppo, the Kurdish front liberated two neighborhoods, Biêdin and Huluk. Intense clashes are also reported to be taking place between the Syrian opposition and the ISIS in Bistan Basa. On the other hand, opposition forces have launched a cannon attack targeting the military bases of the regime forces in the Heyderiyê neighborhood. Many civilians were reported killed in the attack which targeted civilian residential areas as well. Six other people, including a child, were also killed in regime forces' artillery attack on the Heyderiyê neighborhood. A military headquarter of regime forces in the Elshar neighborhood was targeted by a suicide attack by ISIS. A large number of civilians have reportedly been killed in artillery attacks of armed groups affiliated to the Syrian opposition in the Seyf Eldewle neighborhood. firatnews.com

Clashes in Tel Abyad

Tel Abyad: Clashes broke out between the Kurdish al Akrad Front and al-Qaeda affiliated ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) in the Tel Abyad (Girê Spî) city of West Kurdistan on Tuesday. Clashes in the villages near Tel Abyad are taking place between gang groups affiliated to ISIS and the Shêgo Eyubi brigade affiliated to the Al-Akrad Front which is made up of different peoples in Syria including Kurds, Arabs and Turkmens. According to the information obtained from al-Akrad's press office, severe clashes are also taking place between the ISIS and opposition groups in the region of Rakka. ISIL is reported to have called for the reinforcement of its forces deployed here. firatnews.com

ISIS attacks Kurdish neighborhood in Rakka

Units of the Islamic State or Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an al-Qaeda affiliate reported to have launched an assault on a Kurdish neighborhood in the Tegba district of Rakka. According to local sources ISIS fighters killed and kidnapped a number of Kurdish civilians. Following the attack fighting broke out between local Kurds and al-Qaeda fighters. The fighting is reported to be on-going. firatnews.com

Fighting between ISIS and Syrian opposition increases, al-Nusra Front calls for a cease-fire

Fighting between the Islamic State or Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an al-Qaeda affiliate, and local opposition groups in the north of Syria is growing. According to reports, at least 247 people have been killed since clashes broke out on Friday. The fighting comes just weeks before the Geneva-II peace Telks, scheduled for January 22nd. The fighting began when a group of fighters identifying themselves only as ‘rebels’ attacked the ISIS in Cebel Cewiya on Friday, killing 34 ISIS fighters. Following the outbreak of clashes, the ISIS is reported to have executed around 50 civilian prisoners – including four news reporters from Shaza el-Hurriye Television, as well as number aid workers, some of whom were women. The ISIS had earlier threatened to kill over 100 civilian prisoners in their custody. In Aleppo, the ISIS is reported to have captured the headquarters of Syrian Opposition’s 46th Brigade. Haci Bekir, an influential ISIS commander, is said to have been killed in the fighting. Abu Mohammad al-Jawlani, the leader of the al-Nusra Front, has called for a cease-fire between the ISIS and the Syrian opposition. Al-Jawlani is reported to have the called the fighting “an emergency” on his Twitter page, and called for a “committee based on Sharia and formed from all the important brigades to provide for a cease-fire, an exchange of prisoners and to put the fight against the regime first.”...firatnews.com

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[Anthea]

January 8, 2014

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

Sulêmanî employees gather to demand their unpaid salaries

Sulêmanî: Dozens of staff of Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah] Health Directorate and other Directorates gathered on Wednesday, in front of Rasheed Bank in Sulaimaniyah to demand their unpaid salaries, while many of banks in the province lack for cash required for the payment of salaries. The finance official in Health Directorate of Sulaimaniyah said. The bank officials informed them that there was no sufficient cash flow to pay their salaries“. For their part, staff at Sulêmanî Department of Water complained, that more than eight days have passed on the date of payment of salaries, but they have not been paid because the banks in Sulêmanî didn’t pay them their checks. A number of contractors had threatened earlier this week to stop their projects if they didn’t receive their money deposited in banks. For his part, economic and academic expert, Mohammed Rauf said the money crisis in Sulêmanî province is a fake crisis, accusing the political party of being behind it, seeking political aims, without having to disclose that party”. shafaaq.com

Kurdistan Delegation's visit to Baghdad is important to accomplish what has been agreed upon between the province and Baghdad

Baghdad: MP, of the coalition of Kurdish blocs, Mohsen al-Sadoun said that "the Kurdistan delegation's visit to Baghdad is an important to accomplish what has been agreed upon during the recent visit of the head of the provincial government, Nechirvan Barzani to Baghdad." He said "The delegation will be technical and will concentrate its work to accomplish what has been agreed upon between Barzani and Maliki during the visit of the delegation of the provincial government , especially issues of budget and oil." Sadoun added that "the delegation's talks, hoped his arrival in the coming days, will become clearer after sending the budget from the government to the parliament." Sources pointed to the imminent arrival of a delegation from the Kurdistan region to Baghdad to implement what has been agreed upon during the recent visit of the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Barzani in 25 of the last month and his meeting with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. ninanews.com

Kurdish Peshmerga forms a security belt in the disputed areas

Sulêmanî: Ministry of Peshmerga in Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced on Wednesday that the Peshmerga forces are in preparation status and formed a security belt in disputed areas between Erbil and Baghdad, to prevent al -Qaeda from infiltrating to the region. “ The security belt which was formed currently by brigades of the Ministry of Peshmerga is in partnership with ( 70 and 80 ) forces, Asayish forces and police in the region. The Secretary General of the ministry of Peshmerga, lieutenant general, Jabbar al-Yawar and spokesman of the General Command of the protection forces of Kurdistan Region said in a statement. He added that the decision to form a security belt has been issued after Hawija events by (KRG) and the Ministry of Peshmerga In particular, referring to the formation of a defensive line in " Kurdish areas outside the administration of Kurdistan region," which is disputed areas between Erbil and Baghdad in Diyala, Kirkuk, Salahuddin and Nineveh. Yawar said that this belt starts from the oil area near Jalula, Saadia and Qaratapa to Tuz Khurmatu areas then crossing to the west of Kirkuk, and from there towards the west of Debes down to Makhmor, Sinjar, Bashiqah, Sheikhan and Feshabourareas...shafaaq.com

Maliki: Iraqi elections will take place as scheduled

Baghdad: Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki confirmed that the elections will take place as scheduled and will not accept delaying even for a single day." He said in his weekly speech on Wednesday 8, Jan that "terrorists are trying, by attacking cities and civilians, disrupt the upcoming elections," noting that "the government will not accept this and it is ready to hold it as scheduled." Maliki added that "the election is an important step to sustain the political momentum and the continuation of the democratic process and transferring power, which ISIL and Qaeda seek to end it in Iraq." ninanews.com

Nujaifi calls Barzani to open Kurdistan’s borders in front of displaced people of Anbar

Erbil-Baghdad: The Iraqi Parliament Speaker, Osama al-Nujaifi demanded on Wednesday, President of Kurdistan Region to facilitate the entry of fleeing people from the tense security situation in Anbar provincesto the region and to provide humanitarian as well as medical aid to them. Nujaifi’s statement mentioned that Nujaifi discussed on Wednesday, via a telephone conversation with Barzani, the repercussions of Anbar crisis and armed operations in addition to the status of refugees of the people of the province”. The statement noted that al-Nujaifi called on institutions and all concerned human rights organizations to provide humanitarian aid to the besieged people of the province, according to his description. Combat troops backed by air support have launched since days, large-scale of military operation in the desert areas of Anbar, an extension of the borders of Syria and Jordan against the strongholds of al-Qaeda after killing a number of military commanders, which led to the displacement of hundreds of families from the province towards the neighboring provinces and Kurdistan region. shafaaq.com

Dubai trade team heads for Kurdistan

Dubai: A high-level Dubai team will head to Kurdistan region of Iraq as part of its strategy to expand into key emerging markets of the world. The Dubai Chamber delegation, which includes a number of senior business leaders, will hold several bilateral meetings, site visits and a roundtable discussion with prominent public and private sector representatives of the Kurdistan region. The three-day visit from Jan. 13 is mainly to identify opportunities for joint cooperation, particularly in industry, construction, transport, communications, real estate, tourism and agriculture. Dubai has plans to trade with Kurdistan region and also to use this region as a base for business and trade with the rest of Iraq, and with other countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, including Turkey. The delegation is headed by Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, chairman, Dubai Chamber. arabnews.com

No one knows Talabani’s whereabouts: Ayad Allawi

Baghdad: Former Iraqi Prime Minister and head of Al-Iraqiya bloc Ayad Allawi has said no one in Iraq knows the fate of ill Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. In an interview with Qatari Newspaper “Al-Watan”, Allawi said that the issue of Talabani has been covered, but no one knows where he is. “This is the first time that a country hasn’t had a president for more than a year,” Allawi noted, urging Iraqi leaders to be transparent in their handling of Talabani’s situation. Allawi says the Iraqi constitution should have elected a new president and believes the fate of Talabani will remain a mystery until the Iraqi Parliamentary elections are done, scheduled to take place on April 30th. “The President should be present so that the election is legitimate and legal,” Allawi added. According to the Iraqi constitution, after 30 days of absence, the Iraqi Parliament can elect a new President. Since suffering a stroke in December 2012, Talabani has been recovering in a private hospital in Berlin, the capital of Germany. There has been little information or detail about the health of Talabani since he suffered the stroke, however his family maintains that his health is improving each day. Last month a few photos of Talabani were released of him sitting in a chair, the first photos of him to be seen since he fell ill. basnews.com

Germany investigates case of German companies involved in Halabja bombardment

Halabja: Today, January 8, 2014, Halabja Chemical Bombardment Victims Group and a number of Halabja's officials received German MP and Deputy Secretary General of German Left Party, Yen Fen Akin. The main theme of the meeting was to discuss the case of a number of companies that cooperated with Ba'ath Regime in the bombardment of Halabja with chemical weapons. Yen Fen pointed out in a press conference that “a number of German companies have been involved in helping Ba'ath Regime in Halabja Bombardment and, currently, Assad's regime and we are willing to gather sufficient evidence to be able to stand against them.” At the present time, Halabja Chemical Bombardment Victims Group has collected the name of more than 400 foreign companies that cooperated with Saddam's regime in the bombardment of Halabja. A number of these companies are German, and the group has recruited attorneys and issued complaints against a number of these companies. Currently, three French companies are being brought to court. pukmedia.com

High prices in Erbil cause tourists to consider other destinations

Erbil: Many Arab tourists who have visited Kurdistan in recent years have opted to travel to Turkey during holidays, rather than return to Kurdistan. Unlike Kurdistan, the cheap prices of hotels, restaurants and transportation, particularly in Istanbul, which is well-known for tourism, are major factors in drawing tourists to Turkey. Ali Ahmed, an Arab tourist from Baghdad visiting Turkey, said that, “My family of seven have been in Turkey for several days already. Yet all the money we have spent so far, including entry tickets, has not reached the huge amount of money that we spent on hotels and restaurants in Kurdistan last year.” “My father told us that from now on we will come to Turkey for holidays because it is cheaper here,” Ahmed added. Imad Hashem, another Arab tourist from Baghdad, said that his family experienced difficulty finding a hotel in Kurdistan last year and that prices were very expensive. This year, Hashem’s family decided to visit Turkey, where they have found accommodation to be much cheaper. “We found a suite in the center of Istanbul suitable for a big family, and we are paying only $400 per week. For such a place in Erbil, we would have paid $700 – 800,” Hashem explained...basnews.com

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[Anthea]

Early on Tuesday evening, seven Iraqi Kurdish youth from Erbil kidnapped and raped a 16-year-old Syrian Kurdish girl.

The girl, who came to Iraqi Kurdistan from Syrian Kurdistan and worked in a mall in Erbil, had left work when the attackers abducted her in a white colored car.

According to sources close to the case, three men kidnapped the girl and took her to an unknown location outskirt of Erbil.

When they reached the location, they were joined by four more men and the girl was raped multiple times. When the attackers saw a light approaching, they fled the scene leaving the girl there.

Syrian Kurds across the Kurdistan region are outraged by the incident and there were plans for widespread protests in Erbil on Wednesday,www.Ekurd.net but the demonstrations did not take place.

A Kurdish social expert believes the people who attacked and raped the victim are mentally incapacitated.

“These incidents will have a negative effect on society and the Kurdish authorities should arrest those who were involved as soon as a possible,’ said Kurdish social expert Shivan Ismael.

Erbil police told Basnews that the case of the Syrian girl was taken on by the Kurdish security forces who are investigating the matter, but so far none of the attackers have been arrested.

By Mohammad Dargalayi. Published by Ekurd.net in cooperation with Bas News.

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[Anthea]

January 9, 2014

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

March against Paris murders denied permission in Erbil, Kurdistan

Erbil: The Governor of Erbil [Hewlêr], the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region, has denied permission for the march set to take place today to mark the first anniversary of the Paris Kurds killings of Sakine Cansız, Fidan Doğan and Leyla Şaylemez. Maxmur Refugee Camp's (Martyr Rustem Cudi Camp) İstar Women's Assembly has been denied permission to stage a march outside the French embassy building in Erbil on Thursday. The Women's Assembly said in a statement that they were denied permission by the governor of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). The Assembly strongly condemned the attitude of the Federal Kurdistan Region which it criticized for not denying its people a demo, a legitimate right, and not adopting an attitude against the Paris murders. With the governor's decision, Erbil has become the only city denying permission for a demonstration against the brutal murder of three Kurdish women which has been been strongly condemned across the world. firatnews.com

Strong Earthquake hits Shikhan city southeast of Duhok

Duhok: A source in the rough waters of the General Authority for air and seismic monitoring said on Thursday , that an earthquake struck southeast of Duhok. The source said "Sheikhan (48 km south- east of Duhok province) suffered from a strong earthquake felt by all the people there." The source who requested not to mention his name said that material damages took place caused by the tremor but without casualties. More than 20 aftershocks took place in Shikhan district in mid of last year, one of them was " strong " as it was felt by people in neighboring areas of the district in Kurdistan region. shafaaq.com

About 13000 persons from Anbar arrived in Erbil, Kurdistan

Erbil: Director of Information and Public Relations in Erbil province, Hamzeh Hamed, announced that about 13000 persons from Anbar province have arrived in Erbil, because of fight in their area. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) web site quoted Hamed saying on Wednesday, Jan. 8, saying that the displaced persons have settled, each according to his ability, while some jointed relatives living in Erbil, while others are living in hotels or rented apartments in various places, until things settle in their home province. He added that local authority is facilitating their temporary stay and providing them with necessary needs. Hamed went on saying that though no funds is been allocated for receiving them, but if their number increases, then measures with be adopted to facilitate their stay. ninanews.com

Washington might provide Iraq with “Apache " aircraft to fight al- Qaeda

New York: U.S. newspaper quoted a senator for the Democratic Party in the U.S. Congress , by saying that U.S. might allow Iraq to get Apache aircraft to fight al -Qaeda militants. “It might be allowed to transfer of Apache helicopters AH-64 to Iraq while the Iraqi government is trying to confront militant groups west of the country,” The Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez said to New York Times newspaper , in a statement. Menendez , chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee has stopped all sell deals or lending aircraft to Iraq since months , fearing that the Iraqi government might use it in targeting civilians. Iraqi forces are working along with thousands of people from the tribes of Anbar province, in a military confrontations against armed groups linked to al -Qaeda since about 3 weeks , in the cities and deserts of Anbar...shafaaq.com

KDP Expects to Win 26 Seats in Iraqi Parliament

Erbil: Four hundred members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party have applied to run in the Iraqi parliament elections in April, but only 30 names have made it to the desk of the KDP’s political bureau. “A large number of people have forwarded their CVs. We only chose 30 applicants and sent the names to the political bureau for the final selection,” said Kakamin Najar, a member of the bureau. “The political bureau can change, replace, remove and/or add names. They can add members of the KDP’s leadership council, but the list cannot exceed 30 names,” he told Rudaw. January 9 is the deadline for candidates to register for the parliamentary elections in late April. KDP officials do not believe they will win 30 seats. “We are expecting 25 to 27 seats in the coming elections.” a senior official in the KDP’s elections office said. According to the Iraqi Elections Law all three Kurdish provinces -- Erbil, Sulaimani and Dohuk - will have 54 representatives in the parliament. Erbil will have 15, Sulaimani 18 and Duhok 11. The Election Commission has authorized the political parties to nominate two candidates for each seat...rudaw.net

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[Anthea]

January 10, 2014

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

Kurdish MP describes Abadi as "Worse head of parliamentary committee"

Baghdad: MP, Furhad al-Atroushi, of the Kurdistan Alliance described the head of the Finance Parliamentary Committee, Haider al-Abadi, as “The worse head of a parliamentary committee.” Earlier, Abadi attributed the delay in sending the Budget law to the parliament, to the political disputes among the political blocs. Atroushi said “Abadi is the worse head of a parliamentary committee because he interferes in the Budget law drafts and his statements over causing the delay by the Kurds are inaccurate.” “The Kurds want the same 17% share of the budget and no one can change it due to the lack of the census,” he concluded. iraqinews.com

Erbil Governor: 13 Persons from Anbar arrived in Erbil in recent weeks

Erbil: Governor of Erbil, Nuzad Hadi, said that about 13 persons from Anbar province have arrived in recent weeks in Erbil. In a statement to the press on Friday, Jan. 10, Governor Hadi said that many families came to Kurdistan Region in fear for their lives because of events in Anbar. He added that the comers have settled in the city of Erbil, as well as the province’s districts, such as Shaqlawa, while others are staying with relatives who are permanent residents in Erbil; stressing that movement toward Erbil is continuing. Governor Hadi went on saying that local government instructed authorities to facilitate their stay; especially that many of the incomers are in hard circumstances since they have forced to leave their homes. Their stay in Erbil is temporary, until situation settles back to normal in Anbar province, the Governor concluded. ninanews.com

Iraqi Defense Minister Dulaimi arrives in Erbil, Kurdistan

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. pukmedia.com

Biden, Barzani discuss support for war on Al-Qaeda

Washington: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and President of Iraqi Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani have discussed support for the Iraqi government clampdown on Al-Qaeda organization. The Office of the Vice President said in a statement Biden spoke Thursday with the President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, and that the two leaders reaffirmed "the need for close coordination among all Iraqi leaders to isolate terrorist networks." Biden and Barzani discussed "their support for the joint efforts by local and tribal leaders and Iraqi Security Forces to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant," the official statement said. He "encouraged President Barzani, as he has done with leaders in Baghdad and Ankara, to find a common way forward on the matter of energy exports and revenue sharing." The statement noted that Barzani "agreed to continued dialogue with the Iraqi government to seek agreement on a path forward." "The Vice President emphasized the strong and enduring U.S. support for a unified and federal Iraq as defined under the Iraqi constitution," it affirmed. kuna.net.kw

Dutch Traveler Working on First Guidebook to Kurdistan Region

Erbil: Soon, the Kurdistan Region could have its first travel guidebook for visitors, thanks to the efforts of Dutch writer and photographer Yvonne van der Bijl. “Kurdistan the Friend,” to be published by London-based Gilgamesh Publishing, is the culmination of two years of travel in Iraqi Kurdistan during 2011 and 2012, during which van der Bijl collected information for her travel guide. “Every time I travel to Kurdistan people ask me why I chose Kurdistan,” said the writer, who has been coming to Kurdistan and researching Kurdish culture since a first visit in 2007. “I got to know the Kurds from two Kurdish musicians, Baban Kirkuki and Munir Goran. They helped me learn about the Kurdish and other Middle Eastern cultures,” she said “Later, I began to interact with the Kurdish diaspora. The Kurdish ‘Halparke’ dance attracted me the most about Kurdish culture. Kurdish dance is something very special to me personally. It is a beautiful feeling when men and women hold hands and dance shoulder-to-shoulder,” said the intrepid traveler, who has worked on guidebooks to Bolivia, Guatemala and Morocco...rudaw.net

Iraqi Turkmens to have education in mother-tongue

Kirkuk: A new law amendment in Iraq will allow Turkmen, Syriac and Asuri people to open schools in their localities for education in their mother tongue, Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) head Ershad Salihi said on Thursday. The Iraqi National Assembly voted on Wednesday in favor of the amendment to add Turkmen, Syriac and Asuri languages to official languages of Iraq, bringing the number of official languages in the country to five after Arabic and Kurdish. "Turkmen, Syriac and Asuri minorities in Iraq will be able to open courses and educational institutions at all levels that serve to enhance the human potential," said Salihi in a written statement. The Turkmen language was used officially in Iraqi provinces such as Kirkuk and Erbil as far back as 80 years ago, he said, adding that the practice was later banned. The Iraqi Turkmen leader said that he considers the ratification of the amendment meaningful especially in a period of violent incidents against Turkmens. The new measures came out after an appeal by deputies representing the three minorities. The new law also includes a clause on the use of Kurdish in all governmental procedures and official correspondence as well as scripts on money and passports. worldbulletin.net

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