Kurdish News in Brief: Updated Often PLEASE Add Items

[Anthea]

January 20, 2014

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

Economist accuses Turkey of being behind delay approve the financial budget for Iraq

Baghdad: The adviser of the body of economic studies, at the University of New York, Ali al-Furaiji accused the Turkish government of being behind the delay in approving the budget in Iraq. He said "the Turkey breach to the 1976 Convention, which stipulates respect for the sovereignty of both countries, through importing oil from the Kurdistan Regional Government without the approval of the Iraqi central government, raised the conflict between the center and the region and delayed approval of the state budget." He added, "The factors of delay in approving the budget have become a political factors between the political blocs and between the center and the region around the reduction of the region's share as a result of smuggling oil to Turkey," stressing that" the delay in approving the budget leads to significant economic loss to the country. " He called to find radical solutions to the political problems for approving the budget as its delay caused effect disbursement of benefits to the provinces losing time that must be invested economically."ninanews.com

State of Law member: Kurdish delegation visit to Baghdad was positive

Baghdad: A member of the state of law coalition, Adnan al-Sarraj described the visit of KRG President Nechirvan Barzani and his accompanying delegation to Baghdad, to discuss all the contention points between the Centre and the governments of the region regarding the issue of the budget for 2014, as positive visit. Sarraj said in a statement "The Kurdish delegation may understand that the issue of approving the budget is related to the export of oil, and oil export related to funds, which must be placed in the Development Fund by the (SOMO) Company." He added: "The Kurdish delegation needs critical decision more than discussion to the contention points between the two governments," pointing out that "the delegation would return to the region to give a final answer to the central government in the coming days." He pointed out : "The Kurdish delegation understands the critical situation through which the federal government with respect to the constitutional and legal materials related to oil, and this encouraged them to give their answer in the coming days after their return to Kurdistan."...ninanews.com

Nechirvan Barzani donates $100,000 for the Yazidi House in Georgia

Erbil: President of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Nechirvan Barzani donated on Monday an amount of $ 100 000 in favor of the Yazidi House in Georgia. “Barzani has donated for the benefit of the Yazidi House with an amount of $ 100 000 for the completion of its own building in the Georgian capital Tbilisi,” Peiar Akeed, the official of the Yazidi House in Georgia said in a press statement. He added that this news was transferred to us by a former member of the Kurdistan Parliament, Adel Akrawi, during his recent visit to the Yazidihouse. Akeed expressed the thanks and gratitude of the members of the Yazidi House in Georgia to the head of KRG that he described as " his noble humanitarianmove." The Yazidi House was established in Georgia in 2010 in the Georgian capital Tbilisi that aims to maintain the culture and folklore of the Kurdish Yazidis there. Georgia is home to about 30 000 Yazidi. Some 350,000 Yazidis live in villages around Mosul, with additional communities in Transcaucasia, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, and Syria, estimated to over 600,000 worldwide. shafaaq.com | Ekurd.net

Finding the body of a dead person with gunshot East of Sulaimaniyah

Sulêmanî: Security forces found on Monday a body of a person with signs of gunshots in the province of Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah]. A security source said that security forces found on Monday the body of an unidentified person with traces of four gunshots in Tangro area eastern of Sulêmanî province. ninanews.com

Travelers from 74 countries travelled to Sulêmanî through Sulêmanî airport

Sulêmanî: Brig-General Salar Abdullah, the Director of Sulêmanî Airport/Home Office, announced that 2 million travelers flew through the airport in 2013, and that's 1 million more than last year, 2012. "876 of the travelers were not allowed to come in due to different reasons, 571 for having different diseases, and 12 of them were AIDS positive. We sent them all back to their countries. Also, we confined 91 fake passports and other illegal documents," he added. Abudullah concluded saying that since 2012 up to date, people from 74 different countries traveled to Sulêmanî through Sulêmanî airport. pukmedia.com

Anbar refugees in Kurdistan to be relocated to camps

Erbil: Anbar’s internally displaced persons in Kurdistan are living in places such as schools. The Displacement and Migration Ministry of Iraq is now offering shelter in the form of refugee camps and basic needs. Displacement & Migration minister, Dindar Najman, told Iraqi media that the ministry will provide shelters for Anbar refugees in Kurdistan and other parts of Iraq with the help of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). “Since the start of the conflict in Anbar, more than 22,000 families have left the province,” said Najman. Najman also explained that while 10,000 of the displaced families have settled in other parts of Anbar, the remaining 12,000 have relocated to neighboring provinces like Babylon, Karbala, Salahaddin and the Kurdistan Region. The Ministry of Displacement and Migration is sending 15 truck loads of food and medications and 16,000 blankets. The Federal Government has also sent seven truck loads of basic needs to a number of provinces. basnews.com

Birth rate 6 times higher than death rate in Sulêmanî

Sulêmanî: Mhamad Sa'eed, Passport Directorate Officer, in a press conference Monday announced that "In 2013, in Sulêmanî, 36376 children were born. 18571 were male and 17805 were female." In the same year, 6348 citizens passed away. Moreover, we have 14669 marriage cases with 1942 divorces," he concluded. pukmedia.com

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[Anthea]

Iranian Kurdistan News in brief 21.1.2014

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

Kurdish border traders (Kolbers) attacked by Iranian forces

Mariwan: Attacks on Kurdish kolbers (small cross border traders) by the Iranian regime is continuing. Two Kurdish kolbers from Serdesht lost their lives and some others were badly injured when the Iranian military fired on the group. The kolbers were from Mariwan and Sardasht. The last two attacks on kolbers happened at the end of December. Iranian military opened fire in the area of Serdesht killing at least 3 men.

In a second shooting, another man from Mariwan was killed by Iranian forces. Since the Iranian Revolution 1979 one of the areas that have been neglected is Kurdistan. Despite having natural resources and mineral reserves of precious kind, instead of being a gateway for tourism and free trade, it has become a double fear for the militarization of the region by the Iranian security forces also prevalence of Kolberi phenomenon in the Rojhelat borders because of unemployment. In

recent years it has been denying the Kurdish people of their cultural rights and political participation was regarded as a red line in the law. In his recent report to the UN General Assembly, UN Special Rapporteur on Iran Ahmed Shaheed highlighted the “indiscriminate killings of Kolbers in violation of the domestic laws and international obligations of Iran.” firatnews.com

PDKI Member Killed in Hawshar While Disseminating Leaflets

Iranian security forces killed a member of the PDKI by the name of Elias Nori in the Hawshar region of Iranian Kurdistan while he was disseminating leaflets that urged people to participate in the anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Kurdistan. Elias Nori was 27 years old. Iranian security forces in the Hawshar region killed Nori and his body was found early in the morning on Monday, January 20 in his home village of Memer.

Witnesses state that he was found with a black plastic bag over his head and that he had visible marks on his neck, which indicates that he was suffocated to death with a plastic bag. The PDKI sends its heartfelt condolences to Nori’s family and all PDKI members for the loss of yet another brave member. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of the Kurdish people. pdki.org

Analytical Report-Statistics of 1151 cases of Human Rights’ Violations in Kurdish Residential Places in Iran (2013)

Arresting, Sentenced to Prison, Men and civilians’ Injury, and murder due to landmine explosion in the Kurdish Residential Places comprise the content of this analytical report (Including Statistics) of 2013 which is published by Kurdistan Press Agency. This report has been prepared depending on Kurdistan Press Agency’s statistics in which it is expressed numerically.

According to the report 29 Kurdish Journalist Activists. 17 of them have been arrested and the other 12 have been sentenced to prison. Furthermore, 22 of them were students that 18 of them have been arrested, and the other 4 sentenced to prison. Also, 6 of them were web blogger, poet and writer, 4 arrested and the other 2 sentenced to prison. 132 Men, 80 Yari Religion Followers, 50 hand sales, 30 Civilians with the doubt of holding smuggle, 15 Civilians who had protested due to Basij barrack creation, and 16 Kurdish Citizens due to their defense of their stocks have been arrested by the Security Forces.

Since Last Year, the total of 75 Kurdish men have been killed and injured by the Military Forces’ Shot due to Border Blocking. According to Note 3 of Part 10 of Article 3 of Weapon Consumption Law, Militants can only use weapons when they have no other choice ahead. Also, according to Article 7 of this Law, they just have to shoot the leg of the attackers most and try not to have them killed. In border places these laws are not being used, rather awhile ago ‘’Ahmad Gradwand’’ Sub-Commander of Military Forces had spoken to mehr Press: ‘’ those men who import stuffs illegally from the borders, will be shot by the Military Forces...kurdpa.net

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[Anthea]

January 21, 2014

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

Kurdistan Parliament members pressure to speed up electing Presidium of Parliament and new government

Erbil: Members of Kurdistan region Parliament held a meeting in the parliament building to put pressure on political forces and parties to speed up the election of the chairman of the parliament and the formation of the new government. The meeting was attended by members of the various political blocs to urge political parties to intensify their consultations and dialogues to reach a consensus on the election of the chairman of the parliament and the formation of the new government. The elections in Kurdish was held in September 21, while first session, which was held in the November 6, was adjourned without electing the Presidium of Parliament. ninanews.com

Police find a body of a Muktar in Sulaimaniyah

Sulêmanî: Police forces in the province of Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah] found the body of a Muktar (mayor) killed by gunshot in the Kelsrdh area southwest of the province. A security source in the Police Department said that police found the body of the Muktar killed by gunshots, pointing out that the body was transferred to forensic medicine in Sulaimaniyah and opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of the crime. nonanews.com

Kurdistan MPs sit-in to choose its presidency body and formation of KRG

Erbil: MPs of Kurdistan Region protested on Tuesday, at its headquarters in Erbil to demand the selection of the Presidency body and speed up the formation of Kurdistan regional government (KRG). The sit-in comes four months after the legislative elections without choosing the Presidency of Kurdistan Parliament , which was reflected in the lack of possibility of forming a regional government for the lack of the agreement of political blocs on the distribution of positions . The members of all the winning political blocs in the election are involved in the sit-in.

The elections of Kurdistan Parliament have been performed on 21 of last September that resulted in the progress Kurdistan Democratic Party , led by the region's president , Massoud Barzani after gaining 38 seats, while Change opposition, led by leader of the split MP, Nawshirwan Mustafa gained 24 seats and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led by President , Jalal Talabani was ranked the third by winning 18 seats and came after the Islamic Union with ten seats , Islamic group by six seats that were distributed among the rest of the seats to parties and small entities , quota seats were allocated to the components and religious nationalism in the region numbered 11 seats of the total 111 that the regional parliament consist of ...shafaaq

Massoud Barzani to give speech in EU Parliament

Kurdish president Massoud Barzani is expected to give a speech at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday. The president is currently in Europe and is expected to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Jan. 22nd. Barzani will speak under the title “A dialogue about the current situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq”. According to a European Union press release, the EU invited Barzani to give the speech. Following the speech there will be time for questions and answers with the president on the current situation of the Kurds in Middle East. basnews.com

Kurds set to win Iraqi Parliament Speaker post

Erbil: According to London-based Arabic newspaper al-Hayat, in Iraq’s upcoming election the position for parliament speaker will be for Kurds, presidency for Sunnis and prime minister for Shiites. Iraq’s next parliamentary elections are expected to be held on April 30, 2014. al-Hayat predicts that Iraq is due to enter a new phase as a result of the emergence of new influential people. The publication also believes that none of the existing parties are capable of winning more than 60 seats in parliament out of 328, this will largely decrease the gap between parties in terms of their voting ratio. While the Shiites will not win the PM position easily, they will ultimately obtain it. Although the presidency post will be expected to go to a Kurd, the latter’s wish to obtain the parliament speaker position will likely result in a Sunni president. basnews.com

Former Diyala governor: I am not a thief or a fugitive and have no properties in Kurdistan

Diyala: The former governor of Diyala, Omar al-Humairi denied on Tuesday that he is wanted to Iraqi judiciary on charges of wasting public money or a fugitive from justice, while noting that the talk about his properties in Kurdistan is not “true”. The former deputy governor of Diyala province, Furat al-Tamimi demanded on Monday, Humairi to give himself up voluntary in order to defend himself against charges of wasting public money, warned of his escape to the outside the region and the formation of a government committee to confine his property in Kurdistan.

Humairi said in a press statement that " the talk of former deputy governor of Diyala, Furat al-Tamimi on the existence of an arrest warrant against me and that I am wanted on charges of wasting public money is nonsense and not true," noting to “ the presence of malicious false charges filed against me in order to destroy my reputation and the reason is my national position that I pay for its price every day. " “I don’t have any properties in Kurdistan and I am living in a rented house now,” he added...shafaaq.com

Al-Qaeda's prince of Taji city arrested in Erbil, Kurdistan

Erbil: A source in the security of Kurdistan Region, Asayish said on Tuesday, that the prince of al-Qaeda was arrested in one of the regions of Erbil province. “A force of Asayish managed on Monday to arrest the prince of al-Qaeda in Koysenjaq district in Erbil," noting that " the detainee was serving as a prince of Taji district in Baghdad, an escapee from Abu Ghraibprison,” a source said. Asayish forces arrested last month, two wanted of the " Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham " organization ISIS, what is also known for short as (Daash) in Chamchamal district in Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah] province. shafaaq.com

Iran wants some one like Talabani to become Iraqi President

According to sources, Iraqi president Jalal Talabani will not attend his party’s general convention due to health problems. The convention, planned for Jan. 31st, will be delayed. Jalal’s party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), had previously announced that the convention would be a platform for change in the leadership group. Last week saw Tehran and a PUK delegation to Iran discuss the future of the Iraqi presidency after Talabani. Tehran allegedly asked the Iraqi Kurds whether they were aiming for a presidency again, and reassured the delegation that Iran would not be against this. However, the Iranians also specified that the candidate should be close to Tehran, like Talabani.

A member of the PUK political bureau said that Tehran has called on the PUK to make changes to its leadership. They listed a series of requests, including former Iraqi deputy prime minister, Barham Salih, becoming Talabani’s sole deputy and have a stronger authority within the party. They requested that Talabani’s wife, Hero Ibrahim Ahmed, become the head of the committee overseeing PUK interests. The Iranians also asked that current members of the PUK political bureau Kosrat Rasul Ali, Adnan Mufti, Fuad Ma’asum and Omar Fatah step aside and become members in the newly formed committee that oversees PUK interests. Finally, that Talabani’s son Qubad Talabani, a former Kurdistan Regional Government representative in Washington, become member of PUK political bureau. basnews.com

Othman expects reaching a compromises between the federal government and Kurdistan

Baghdad: The Kurdish independent MP, Mahmoud Othman expected "to reach compromises to outstanding problems between the federal government and the province, describing the atmosphere of the talks that took place between the Kurdish delegation headed by Barzani, and the federal government as positive."

He said the province will not accept all the points raised by the federal government, in contrast, the federal government would not accept to all the demands of the Kurds, but there will be a compromise solutions that satisfies both parties." He added, " it's better to pass the budget in the House of Representatives after getting final agreement between the federal government and Kurdistan, on the grounds that it will facilitate its approval, but it is possible to pass the budget in parliamentary majority without the Kurdistan Alliance, calling on the federal government and the provincial government to speed up holding talks between them order to reach a solution that satisfies all parties, to pass and approve the budget in parliament easily. "...ninanews.com

British MPs report on five years of progress in Kurdistan

London: When the British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) first started sending parliamentary delegations in 2008, Iraqi Kurdistan was barely on the mental map for most. That has changed markedly thanks to many commercial, cultural and political groups. Successive British Governments have abandoned an unwarranted wariness and now positively engage with the Region.

The focus in the APPG reports on practical measures has helped lift the quality of the British-Kurdish relationship. The APPG has played a major role in supporting an international campaign by the KRG to win formal and legal recognition of genocide against the Kurds of Iraq. The Kurds told the APPG that the current revenue-sharing agreement should give them 17% of the national budget but that they usually receive about 10% and not consistently. The crucial need is for a robust and reliable revenue-sharing law...rudaw.net

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[Anthea]

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

Kurdistan Alliance: No terrorism or corruption issues against our MPs may prevent them from traveling

Baghdad: Vice president of Kurdistan Alliance in the parliament, Mohsen al-Sadoun said on Wednesday, that his mass MPs do not have any legal problem that may prevent them from traveling or from nominating for the next parliamentary session. Press reports have pointed to the existence of judicial warrants with about 20 MPs of the Iraqi parliament from various political blocs on charges related to supporting terrorism or corruption, while judicial sources said that there is a high possibility to prevent them from traveling or from nominating themselves in the upcoming parliamentary session.

Sadoun said that all members of Kurdistan Alliance and various Kurdish political forces do not have any legal problem with the judiciary and there is no judicial complaint against them. He added that the proper legal position of his mass MPs means that they cannot be prevented from travelling or prosecuted on charges related to supporting terrorism or corruption of files, or even prevent them from running for a parliamentary session if they wanted to run. Reports conflict regarding the existence of arrest warrants and investigating with a number of MPs in the Iraqi parliament, while observers say that the issue is related to the approaching of parliamentary elections. shafaaq.com

One Syrian refugee killed and 2 injured in a fire in refugees camp in Sulaimaniyah

Sulêmanî: A security official in Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah] province revealed on Wednesday, the death of one refugee and the injury of three others after a fire broke out at a Syrian refugees camp in the province. “A fire broke out today in a tent for Syrian refugees in Arbat camp killing one person and wounding two others who were taken to hospital for treatment,” The director of Arbad sub-district police, Param Atta said. He said that the initial investigations took place as it is likely that an electrical fault had caused the fire and the investigation is still ongoing to find out the real reasons for the accident. Arbat camp which comprises about two thousand Syrian -Kurd refugees is located 20 km south of Sulêmanî city. shafaaq.com

Hundreds protest in Khanaqin to convert the district to a province

Khanaqin: Hundreds of Khanaqin district of Diyala province, demanded the central government to transfer their district to a province similar to the decision of the Council of Ministers Tuesday on approving to convert Tal Afar and Tuz Khurmato, Nineveh plain and Fallujah districts to provinces. The head of the municipal council in Khanaqin said that citizens believed that their demand is a legal and a constitutional entitlement. Ekurd.net | SHQ | Agencies

62% of Kurds believe KRG is unsuccessful in combating corruption

Erbil: A recent poll suggests the public’s disillusion in the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) ability to curb corruption. A majority claimed the KRG has not been successful in combating corruption. 3,000 participants from all parts of the region took part in the survey, which was carried out in December 2013 by the Kurdistan Institute for Political Affairs.

The survey addressed the question of corruption and the Kurdish government’s ability to deal with the problem. 62% believe that the KRG has been unsuccessful, 9% responded that the KRG has been successful and 28% believe they have been successful to some extent. 55% of the participants claimed that the KRG has been unsuccessful in controlling the market price while 36% saw the KRG as dealing successfully with the market price and 8% said very successful.

The survey also addressed the problem of social justice. 13% of the respondents believe the KRG has been very successful in tackling the issue, 43.37% responded that the KRG has been successful to some extent and 43.54% said the Kurdish government has not been successful when it comes to social justice. basnews.com

MP calls not to involve the army in the political disputes

Baghdad: MP, of the Kurdistan Alliance, Hamid Bafi called not to involve the armed forces in political disputes. He said in a statement "The Iraqi Constitution prohibits and criminalizes involving the armed forces in political disputes or to influence the outcome of the election," adding : "The declaration of a state of emergency in any of the regions must be approved by the House of Representatives and it is unfortunate that the Council's role is weak because of the executive's rebellion on the legislative branch, " as he put it.

He added : "Some of the political parties are trying unfortunately to stir up trouble to disrupt the election in order to remain in their posts as long as possible to get powers and authorities and money, otherwise why we found the armed forces, which was supposed to fight al-Qaeda and terrorist groups in the desert, are suddenly entered some cities and try to crush on the freedoms and rights of citizens ? ", noting that the Constitution prohibits and criminalizes that." ninanews.com

Sulaimaniyah build the largest seismic station in the Middle East

Sulêmanî: The Department of Meteorological and Seismology in Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah] province in Kurdistan Region revealed on Wednesday its intention to build the biggest seismic station in the Middle East. “The station which is due to be build during this year at the foot of Azmar Mount in Sulaimaniyah by a Moroccan company will cost about 432 million dinars,”

The manager of the department, Dara Hassan said. Hassan added that several additional stations for monitoring earthquakes will enter into force this year in Qaradagh, Sankaw, Betwen, Khalkan and Siran binareas. He said that his department had previously erected during the past year other stations for monitoring earthquakes in Bazian, Kalar and Medan areas thus to covered most areas of Sulêmanî by these stations. shafaaq.com

In Kurdistan the number of millionaires rises

Sulêmanî: Iraqi Kurdish officials reveal that the number of millionaire in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has increased radically over the past few years. During a press conference held in Sulaimaniyah, the head of Kurdistan Investors Union, Mala Yassin, told reporters that a number of Kurdistan’s wealthiest men are also some of the richest in the world. The economic boom that has taken place in Kurdistan over the past years has meant an increase in individuals’ income.

“Some of Kurdistan’s wealthiest people have told us that their wealth exceeds $4 billion while some have been listed as wealthiest men in the world,” said Yassin. Yassin also explained that the number of wealthy people will continue to increase. “There are currently 11,360 people in the region whose wealth exceeds $5 million,” added Yassin. basnews.com

Gorran set to win Kurdistan Deputy Prime Minister post

Erbil: Following September’s elections, the winning party Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) reassured Gorran that they would receive a governmental position in line with the result of the elections. This might result in the failure of Iran’s plan to maintain the role of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). After the KDP and PUK visits to Iran, Tehran expected the KDP to move according to the “strategic plan” between KDP and PUK; however the KDP has reassured Gorran that they will receive positions that are relevant to their successful results in the elections.

A source from within the delegation said that the KDP has said that Iran’s request to save the PUK’s role in Kurdistan’s politics will not be completely implemented in the interest of that party. The source also revealed that the KDP has decided to distribute posts according to the result of the election.

“The distribution of governmental positions should be done in a fair way which is according to the result of the elections because people have voted political parties and their votes should form the government cabinet,” High Official in Gorran Movement, Sheikh Jengi Sllayi said. Sallayi also pointed out that KDP has previously mentioned that the new cabinet of the government will be based on the multi-political parties according to the result of the election.

However, the Head of the Organization Centre of the PUK, Arif Rushdi stated that the governmental positions should be distributed based on the “Strategic Plan” between both KDP and PUK since the plan is part of the agreement between both parties. Member of KDP negotiation delegate, Dilshad Shahab, has said that the government will be formed soon. basnews.com

Foreign investment in Kurdistan at $33 billion; UAE among top investors

Erbil: Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Kurdistan Region stands at $33 billion, and the United Arab Emirates is among the top investors, according to a senior Kurdish official. The comments by Nawroz Mohamed Amin, vice chairwoman of the Kurdistan Investment Board, came at a panel discussion in Erbil of Kurdish officials and a visiting delegation from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), which reported the remarks in a statement. “Kurdistan has adopted a new policy to encourage investment in certain sectors which has resulted in a massive investment development leading to USD 33 billion FDI,” the statement quoted Amin as saying.

It reported her saying that, “UAE investments in the region stood at US$2.5 billion which is far below both sides’ capabilities and expectations.” Amin called on UAE investors to increase their investments in the region and highlighted the attractions offered to foreign investors in Kurdistan, including land allotment at competitive prices, tax exemption and equal opportunities for local and foreign investors...rudaw.net

Salahuddin province waves of a region to face Tuz Khurmato province

Salahuddin: Salahuddin provincial Council announced on Wednesday, after an emergency meeting attended by the governor and officials of Tuz Khurmato, its rejection to convert to the latter to a province, pointing out that the choice of a region still remains. Salahuddin province, the first Iraqi provinces outside Kurdistan Region voted on a project to convert it to a province in 2011, but Iraqi authorities have aborted the project, claiming that the regions stipulated by the Iraqi constitution would divide the country.

The head of the Council, Ahmed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said in a news conference in the compound of the presidential palaces that "converting Tuz Khurmato to a province is a decision that has political and sectarian forms and threatens the unity of Iraq." Karim added that "the decision was made to support certain individuals at the expense of the interests of the people of Tuz Khurmato and aims to achieve electoral gains...shafaaq.com

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[Anthea]

Kirkuk oil refinery project conducted by Iraq

Today, January 22, 2014, Iraqi Ministry of Oil promised to conduct Kirkuk Oil Refinery project, which has been accepted some time ago.

The decision has been announced today in a press conference with the presence of Oil and Gas Committee members, Ali Salayi and Fuad Hussein, in Kirkuk Province.

Members of the Oil and Gas Committee also revealed that the Iraqi Government has showed approval on mutually finishing the Kirkuk-Dubz highway.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=18282

[Anthea]

January 23, 2014

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

Kurdish Minister defends financial independence of Kurdistan Region

Erbil: The Minister of Justice within Kurdistan Regional Government, Sherwan al-Haydari, stated that “The discussions between Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government over the oil exporting from the Region and the State Budget is a normal matter for regions in any State.” Haydari reported in a statement ”The current discussions are normal in any State that adopt a Federal system to obtain the financial independence for its citizens since the Constitution grants this right.” ”The law express the will of the people within the legal and constitutional rights which was identified by 17% of the State Budget in order to pay the salaries of the Peshmerga forces and compensate the Kurds for their suffer throughout years,” he concluded. iraqinews.com

The next Tuesday's session includes discussion of the budget of 2014: Iraqi Parliament's Rapporteur

Baghdad: The Rapporteur of the House of Representatives, Mohammed al-Khalidi said that the Council's session, scheduled on next Tuesday, will include the budget law of 2014. He said in a statement Thursday "The Presidency of the Council of Representatives included in the budget bill on Tuesday's session to be discussed and approved as soon as possible." He added: "the Retirement Law was not included, until now, to be voted on Tuesday's session." A parliamentary source said "The House of Representatives will hold its meeting on next Tuesday and its agenda will include vote and read a number of laws. ninanews.com

Yazidi MP calls on Iraqi Council of Ministers to make Sinjar district as province

Baghdad: MP, Amin Jijo, of the Yazidi Community requested the Council of Ministers to make Sinjar district as a province. He stated in a press conference on Thursday “I requested the Secretary General of the CoM to make Sinjar district as a province as the other districts that were transferred into provinces.” “The decision of the CoM over this issue is brave and brings justice to the Iraqi communities,” he concluded. The Yazidis are primarily ethnic Kurds located near Mosul. Some 350,000 Yazidi Kurds live in villages around Mosul and Sinjar district near the border with Kurdistan autonomous region. iraqinews.com | Ekurd.net

Changing areas into provinces violates constitution: MP

Baghdad: MP Alia Nsaif said that the Iraqi Cabinet's resolution to change four small administrative units into provinces violates the Iraqi constitution, calling the government to follow legal procedures in this regard. In a statement, Thursday, she added that "the Cabinet is not authorized to change small units into provinces". Nsaif pointed that the change stipulated the agreement of 50% of the population of the smaller unit citizens which should be submitted to the Cabinet that will refer the matter to the election commission to conduct a census for this purpose. On the other hand, Nineveh and Salahal-din provinces rejected the resolution to change Tuz Khurmatu area into a province, describing the attempt as "denominational inclination to divide Salahal-din province itself". aswataliraq.info

New provinces: a "plan" to divide Iraq: MP

Baghdad: Wataniya bloc MP Kadhim al-Shammari criticized the Iraqi Cabinet's resolution to add new provinces to Iraqi administrative map, describing it as "a plan to divide the country". In a statement by his media office, he added that "we will discover, in future, that Iraq will compete with the United States with the number of provinces". He added that "Iraq does not need extra province, as much loyalty to the country itself". On the other hand, it is expected that voices will call for smaller areas to be changed into province. aswataliraq.info

Kurdistan's Erbil agrees to open a camp for Iraq's Anbar refugees

Erbil: Anbar provincial council announced on Thursday, the approval of Erbil province and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to open a camp for refugees in the province. The member of the council, Amera Aday said "the governors of Erbil and UNHCR have agreed to open a refugee camp in Baharka area in Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan.” Aday added that “humanitarian assistance provided by the citizens have helped in opening the camp and we call on organizations to provide relief for the people fleeing from the hell of indiscriminate shelling.” She pointed out that " most of the families have children , women and elderly people living in difficult circumstances , especially that the atmosphere in Erbil is very cold." shafaaq.com

Company plans Sulêmanî-Kirkuk rail link

Sulêmanî: A company in Sulêmanî has planned a railroad link to the city of Kirkuk, its director said. “The project is very strategic. It will be used for the transportation of passengers and goods, and this will have a positive impact on reducing the load on roads between the two cities,” said Faruk Mala Mustafa, head of Faruk Holding, a giant firm involved in construction, communications and a string of other sectors. “The Kurdistan Regional Government has approved the implementation of the railroad between Kirkuk and Sulêmanî.

The project implementation will start this year and the first phase of the project will cost $2 billion,” he added. The length of the rail link will be around 110 kilometers, and the project is designed by a Hungarian company, Mustafa said. “The second phase will extend to Penjwin city, cost $6 billion and provide a large number of job opportunities for Kurdish people,” according to Mustafa. He said the project, signed by Kurdistan Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, will be a joint venture, and encouraged the Iraqi government to take part. “I have talked to three big companies to carry out the implementation. I also need to talk to the Iraqi government, as well as farmers whose lands will be destroyed but who will be compensated,” Mustafa explained. rudaw.net

Kurdistan government formation expected next month, official says

Erbil: Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani is concerned about the delay in forming the new Kurdish government, but believes it is not for him to interfere in the process, his chief of staff said. “The issue is in the hands of political parties. They have to expedite the formation of the government,” Fuad Hussein told Rudaw in an interview. He said the political parties are expected to reach an agreement next month, “because the Kurdistan parliament has been paralyzed due to the delay of forming the new government.”

It has been four months since elections for the autonomous Kurdistan Region’s own legislature, but the new cabinet has yet to be formed. The delay has largely been blamed on the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). “It is not our right to blame one party for the delay in negotiations,” Hussein said. “It might be a negotiation technique by some political parties. Maybe it is because of an inability to overcome internal differences within a party with regards to the negotiations. Maybe some political parties are demanding posts that cannot be given to them,” he added...rudaw.net

Kurdish Health Ministry: Iraqi government not sending medicine to Kurdistan

Erbil: The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Health Ministry has revealed that the Iraqi government doesn’t send medicine to the Kurdistan region and doesn’t support the ministry financially. Dr. Rekawt Hama Rashid, Kurdish Health Minister, told reporters at a press conference in Erbil that authorities in Baghdad won’t allow medicine to reach the Kurdish region. Further, the Iraqi government currently owes the KRG up to one trillion Iraqi Dinars because Erbil has been forced to buy medicine as a result of Baghdad not providing it. “The Iraqi Heath Ministry budget doesn’t help us financially,” Dr. Rashid pointed out. Dr. Rashid called on the central government to front the money they owe the KRG so that the Kurdish Health Ministry can provide greater healthcare services throughout the region. The healthcare system in Kurdistan poses many challenges to the KRG, yet it is the sector that has received the least amount of attention from government officials. basnews.com

ISIS is a threat for Kurdish truck drivers

Garmiyan: Truck drivers in Garmiyan face danger due to the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The representative of Kurdistan Workers Syndicate in Garmiyan, Omar Mohammed, said that truck drivers in Parwezkhan entry border are often faced with with danger when they transport goods to the other parts of Iraq. ISIS has killed drivers and burnt their trucks. “I hope the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government will find a solution to this problem and protect these drivers,” said Mohammed. Parwezkhan entry border is located between Iraqi Kurdistan and Iran. There are more than 2,700 drivers working to transport goods to the mid and southern provinces of Iraq. basnews.com

Kurdish pizza wins against 3500 pizzas in Sweden

In a competition between 3500 Swedish restaurants, a Kurdish pizza has come in first for its superior quality and delicious taste. Every year in Sweden, a pizza competition is held over the internet amongst all pizza restaurants. Customers cast their vote for what they consider to be the most delicious pizza in the country. In this year’s competition, the winner was a Kurdish chef who earned 4.97 points out of possible five. Dilshad Ahmed Mohammed, the Kurdish Chef who won the competition, was born in 1971 in Sulêmanî, in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.

Mohammed moved to Sweden in 2000 and opened his pizza restaurant, Staden Chili Pizzeria, in 2006 in Falkoping. Mohammed said that in the last three years, his pizza was chosen as the best pizza locally and came in seventh in all of Sweden. Now, Mohammed’s restaurant will be known for serving the best pizza in Sweden. “I am so happy with my success. The most important thing for me was to create delicious pizza by using new ingredients - this is the key to my success,”...basnews.com

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[Anthea]

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

Real solution for Syria is in western Kurdistan [Rojava] model, says Muslim

Geneva: Representatives of the Kurdish and Assyrian communities, who were not invited to the Geneva II Conference, are holding a press conference in Geneva at which they are putting forward the message that "the solution in Syria is in the Rojava autonomous administration that combines the communities of Syria in a shared government." İlham Ehmed, a member of the Kurdish Supreme Council, PYD Co-chair Salih Müslim, Assyrians Union Assembly President Basan İshak, Hanibal Yakup from the Assyrian Unity Party and Peter Bronsweld are holding a joint press conference in Geneva. The first speaker, İlham Ehmed, said that Syria was passing through a historic period and that instead of participation that could establish a common life for the communities in Syria, Geneva II involved an externally supported coalition. "This coalition does not represent the peoples and the conference has thus failed at the outset," added Ehmed, who saluted the autonomous administration declared in the Cizîre canton of West Kurdistan. "This is a model for a shared life for the peoples. For us this is a historic step. The solution is democratic autonomy," said Ehmed. PYD Co-chair Salih Müslim also stressed that those inside the conference did not represent the Kurdish people and that the genuine representatives of communities had been left outside. Müslim added: “the real solution is in the model of democratic autonomy declared in Cizîre." The press conference, at which it was explained that the canton system in West Kurdistan is based on that in Switzerland, is continuing. firatnews.com

PYD to open representative office in Baghdad

Erbil: The Democratic Union Party (PYD) plans to open a representative office in the Iraqi Capital Baghdad. Ja’afer Hannan, a PYD representative in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, said the aim of opening party representative offices is to foster stronger relationships with all neighboring countries. The PYD is considered the strongest Kurdish Party in Syria, however some refer to the party as the Syrian branch of Turkey’s Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Meanwhile, on Tuesday, two months after declaring self-rule, Syrian Kurds have named a municipal council for one of three majority-Kurdish regions in the country’s northeast, an official said. “We have named a municipal government for the Jazeera area,” Saleh Muslim, head of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), told AFP. “Soon similar councils will be named for Afrin and Kobani, the two other cantons of the Kurdish regions in Syria,” Muslim added. Syrian Kurds announced self-rule in November among the majority-Kurdish regions in north and northeast Syria. The move was seen as “hostile” by their main opposition, the Syrian National Coalition. basnews.com

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[Anthea]

Barzani and Oglo discuss bilateral relations

Apart from Davos World Economic Forum, President Massoud Barzani met with Ahmed Daoud Oglo, Turkish Foreign Minister.

In the meeting, subjects such as bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and Turkey, recent political developments in Iraq, and Syria`s condition have been brought into discussion.

The meeting stressed on the importance of continuous negotiations on matters related to oil export from Kurdisan Region to Turkey.

The meeting, which was held yesterday, January 23, 2014, also featured discussions on the Geneva 2 Convention, for which the Turkish minister showed happiness to see Kurdish political entities participating within Syrian Opposition.

At the end of the day, both sides agreed that relations between Kurdistan Region and Turkey should benefit Iraq in general, and that the Iraqi Parliamentary Election should be held in time in order to promote democracy in the area.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=18313

[Anthea]

First skiing festival to be held in Korek Mount.

In the framework of the recognition of Erbil as Arab Tourism Capital 2014, a skiing festival is going to be held in Soran District of Erbil for the first time.

The festival is going to take place at the end of January in Korek Mountain, and this is the first activity since the recognition of Erbil as the Arab Tourism Capital 2014.

Kamal Khudada, chief of Soran`s tourism directorate, told PUKmedia that the festival is going to last for two days if more snow falls on the mountain, otherwise the festival will last for only one day.

Worth mentioning, all the necessary arrangement for tourists and guests are being made at Korek Mount. for the day of the festival.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=18307

[Anthea]

Japanese Delegation: We are Surprised with Developments in KRG

Karwan Jamal Taheer, the director of the international relations department welcomed Shigi Watanab, the Director of Counter-Terrorism Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Tsoba Okomota, the Third Secretary of the Deputy of the Consulate in the Japan Embassy in Baghdad

Both sides discussed on their relations, the current ongoing issues in Iraq and the KRG, and the security.

Jamal, in a brief speech, talked about the KRG affairs and Erbil-Baghdad's pending issues to the Japanese official delegates.

"Terror is a world phenomenon, and it needs international cooperation to attack terrorist threats," Jamal said.

The delegation expressed their deep feelings towards the developments in the Kurdistan Region especially in terms of security and wished to visit other cities in Kurdistan Region in their future visits to see the situations of the area with their own eyes.

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=18302

[Anthea]

January 24, 2014

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

Erbil denies making camps from Arab refugees from Anbar

Erbil: Kurdistan government denied making camps for the Arab refugees from Anbar province and assured their temporary residence in Erbil. The spokesperson of Erbil governorate stated in a press statement “The reports over making camps for the refugees from Anbar province are groundless,” noting that “Their residence is temporary and will last no more than three months and its extension will be taken into consideration.” iraqinews.com

Gorran and the KDP to discuss Kurdistan government formation

Erbil: A high negotiation teams of the Movement for Change (Gorran) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) will meet to discuss the formation of the eighth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) next week in Erbil [Hawler]. “What we see now in the Kurdistan region is a caretaker government that considers itself above law” says Dr. Sardar Aziz, author, academic and a visiting lecturer at University College Cork, Ireland.

“The government officials in Kurdistan prolong the situation and the delay of the cabinet so that they will not be under the observation of the law, parliament and to avoid transparency and responsibility” he adds. “The crisis caused by a lack of cash in the banks of Sulêmanî is a dangerous message for two reasons: first, it frightens the people of Sulêmanî. Second, it makes people poor.” says Dr. Haval Abubakr, Sulêmanî University lecturer. Saidi Ahmed Pira, member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Political Bureau in the last period told the media that they are not in a hurry to form the cabinet...knnc.net

Iraqi MP Ashwaq Jaf calls to keep Budget law away from political disputes

Baghdad: MP, Ashwaq Jaf, of the Kurdistani Alliance called the parliament to endorse the Budget law after reaching a compromise with the Kurds. She said “The Budget law was submitted by the Council of the Minister to the parliament without reaching agreements with the Kurds over its articles.” “Endorsing the Budget law is a vital issue especially at this stage where Iraq faces huge challenges,” she added. She urged to keep “The Budget law away from the political disputes and the electoral propagandas.” iraqinews.com

Massoud Barzani and Ahmet Davutoglu discuss bilateral relations

Davos: Apart from Davos World Economic Forum, President Massoud Barzani met with Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkish Foreign Minister. In the meeting, subjects such as bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and Turkey, recent political developments in Iraq, and Syria's condition have been brought into discussion. The meeting stressed on the importance of continuous negotiations on matters related to oil export from Kurdistan Region to Turkey. The meeting, which was held yesterday, January 23, 2014, also featured discussions on the Geneva 2 Convention, for which the Turkish minister showed happiness to see Kurdish political entities participating within Syrian Opposition. At the end of the day, both sides agreed that relations between Kurdistan Region and Turkey should benefit Iraq in general, and that the Iraqi Parliamentary Election should be held in time in order to promote democracy in the area. pukmedia.com | Ekurd.net

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[Anthea]

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

Kobani to announce Democratic Autonomy

Kobani: After Jazeera Canton in Syrian Kurdistan [Rojava] it would be the turn of Kobani to declare the democratic autonomy. The proclamation will be announced next Monday, after the meeting, today of the Kobani body for the Democratic Autonomy. The Democratic Autonomous Government in the Cizîre canton will be based on a 101-seat assembly and 22 local ministries. Speaking at a press conference in Geneva on Thursday, PYD co-chair Salih Muslim said that "if a democratic system is wanted in Syria, then the autonomous government that is being constructed in Jazeera should be taken as the model principle. All peoples can find a place in this system in a free and democratic fashion." firatnews.com

Turkey pro-Kurdish HDP party delegation will visit Syrian Kurdistan

Ankara: A delegation from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), including co-chair Ertuğrul Kürkçü and Istanbul MP Levent Tüzel, have planned a visit to Syrian Kurdistan [Rojava], to hold official talks with various circles. Kürkçü said they wanted to cross into Rojava from Federal Kurdistan Region, denying the allegations that they were denied permission for the visit by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Remarking that HDP group deputy chairs applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the previous weeks for a visit to Rojava, but were given a negative answer by the Ministry which said the border crossing into Rojava will not be opened. “We however have no obstacle to going to Rojava from Erbil after going to South Kurdistan. The Ministry denied permission for our crossing into Rojava from Turkey but it doesn't require any permission for us to go to South Kurdistan”, Kürkçü underlined. Kürkçü added that they have received no answer from Federal Kurdistan Region yet in response to their application to go into Rojava through a border crossing there. firatnews.com

Explosion hits the Kurdish city of Dêrik in Syrian Kurdistan

Dêrik: A bombed car exploded on Thursday at around 1pm in the center of the Derek city on a highway which goes to Qamshli city, killed 3 civilians and injured several. It is understood the explosion was caused by a car bomb. One of the dead, reports say, could be a small child. A number of injured people was carried to a nearby hospital. It is worth mentioning that this explosion happens after the Kurds declared an autonomous administration in Syria on January 20 the area of Dêrik is next to the canton of Jazeera which has just declared democratic autonomy. firatnews.com | Ekurd.net

Celebrating the new Kurdish autonomous government in Syria! The celebration starts on 25th January 2014 London

Kurdish Community Centre, Haringey. We would like to invite you to join us to salute and celebrate the establishment of the transitional democratic administration for self-governance in Rojava. While the Syrian government, the Western-backed Syrian ‘opposition’ and regional and international players continue to wrangle over the future of Syria without the genuine input of people most affected by the conflict, the people of Rojava, Syrian Kurdistan, have been busy establishing self-rule in northern Syria. Two months after the Transitional Interim Administration was announced, with the agreement of over 35 different parties, civil and social organisations, the people of Rojava have been to the polls and elected representatives for the newly formed government.

Putting the principles of Democratic Autonomy into action, Rojava is developing an inclusive and democratic political project based on pluralism, gender liberation, participatory democracy and freedom of faith and identity. To reach this point, young men and women have sacrificed their lives against foreign-backed mercenaries and jihadist fighters, defending their right to exist as a nation and a people. Please join together to celebrate the Rojava revolution! The celebration starts on 25th January 2014 from at 1PM in KCC, Haringey With cars convoy/ rally in London. Followed by a night of Music, dance & Celebration in Halk-Evi at 6 PM: 31-33 Dalston Lane, London E8 3DF. Peace in Kurdistan Campaign- peaceinkurdistan.blogspot.com

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[Anthea]

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

Jailed Kurdish leader in Turkey Abdullah Ocalan writes letter to Iraqi Kurdistan president

Istanbul: In a statement to reporters following Saturday's visit to Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı prison, Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Sırrı Süreyya Önder and Amed deputy Leyla Zana said that they had handled the ongoing resolution process, relations with Iraqi Kurdistan region and Syrian Kurdistan [Rojava] and Kurdish National Congress. According to the statement by Önder and Zana, Öcalan stated that the resolution process in Turkey cannot be treated independently from the developments in Rojava region.

Zana and Önder noted that Öcalan has written a letter to Iraqi Kurdistan president Massoud Barzani, and that the letter has been submitted to authorities for delivery to Kurdish politicians. "After receiving the letter, we will go to Federal Kurdistan Region where we will hold talks with the parties of the Kurdish National Congress. Öcalan underlined that the current process was too important to be sacrificed to election plans, Zana and Önder said and quoted the Kurdish leader as saying that; "The process will sustain a great harm should the Turkish government display carelessness."...firanews.com

The decision to exempt Kuwaiti and Emiratis from visa to enter Kurdistan does not affect Baghdad: KA

Baghdad: Kurdistan Alliance said on Sunday that the decision of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to exempt the Kuwaiti and Emiratis from visa to enter Kurdistan came in terms of trade and economic relations with these countries. A member of Kurdistan Alliance, Muhsin Sadoun said that the decision does not impact Baghdad”. The General Authority for Tourism in the Ministry of Municipalities of KRG announced earlier cancelling the requirement to obtain a visa to Kurdistan region for citizens of some countries of the Arabian Gulf. KRG stated that this step comes to support the tourism sector, especially after selecting Erbil city, as the capital of Arab tourism in 2014.

Sadoun said, "because of the trade and economic relations with these countries, then facilities in the economic and business dealings must be present, including the exemption of the citizens from the visa. He added that “these countries have good relations with the federal government and have embassies in Baghdad and there s noting that prevents granting its citizens from university professors or traders to visa."... shafaaq.com

IHEC: Not possible to conduct elections in newly formed provinces on time

Baghdad: The Independent High Electoral Commission IHEC ruled out the possibility of conducting the elections in the newly formed provinces on time in case the decision of turning some district into provinces endorsed by concerned authorities. Deputy Head of the IHEC, Kat’e al-Zubayi said “We have a plan set according to the current number of the provinces but conducting the elections in the newly formed provinces will require new periods to be determined legally.” “It is difficult to print new voters’ records and forming new centers for new provinces,” he concluded. iraqinews.com

Iraqi budget will not be acknowledged in less than two months: Parliament decision maker

Baghdad: The decision maker of the Parliament , Muhammad al-Khalidi revealed on Sunday , the inability of parliament from approving the budget in less than two months, attributing this to the wide differences on some of its articles among the political blocs . Khalidi said “ the parliament will discuss the 2014 budget law on Tuesday in an effort to resolve some of the contentious points and accelerate the approval service to the public interest of the country”. He explained that the government's budget bill has been sent to parliament without the agreement of the political blocs causing delays in approval during the next few days . He added that the main points of contention in the budget law is the rejection of Kurds for a lot of articles and their withdrawal from its session as well as the rejection of oil-producing provinces on the petro-dollar stakes...shafaaq.com

Kurdistan Islamic Group leader Ali Bapir blames the PUK over Kurdistan government formation

Sulêmanî: Ali Bapir, Leader (Amir) of the Kurdistan Islamic Group (KIG) accuses the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) of delaying the formation of the eighth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in an interview with the Anadolu agency. “Up until now the five top winners of the September 2013 Election have not reached an agreement to form the cabinet. The PUK is the main factor behind the delay” Bapir confirmed. Bapir links the delay of the government to the challenges that surround Kurds especially that Nouri Al-Maliki is now at war with Al-Qaeda insurgents in Anbar and Fallujah and this affects the Kurdistan region as well.

He says that Turkey sometimes gets violent and the situation in Syria is atrocious. “The high ranking officials of the KRG should leave their political shells and compromise and work with a spirit of nationalism for bigger and better things” he added. Aram Sheikh Muhammad, member of the negotiation team of the Gorran Movement, told the daily Hawlati Newspaper that they are going to meet with the KPD‌'s negotiation team on Sunday 26/1/2014 and he said that they are not sure whether this meeting is the last one or there will be other meetings in the future...knnc.net

Maliki: Kurdistan Govt (KRG) should pay the salary of the Kurdish Peshmerga military forces

Baghdad: With the issues of oil and budget still ongoing between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi central government, new statements from PM Nouri al Maliki shed light on how complicated these outstanding issues might be than they appear. In an interview with Sumaria TV, Maliki states that the Iraqi government is not associated with Peshmerga budget as it is the duty of the KRG according to the Iraqi Constitution. Maliki further adds that for the issue of Peshmerga to be solved, KRG has three options.

The first is to provide the revenue for Peshmerga from the 17% share of budget that Kurdistan Region received from the Iraqi government. Secondly, Peshmerga forces could become part of the Iraqi army. Thirdly, and finally, there is the possibility of amending the constitution to settle the issue in the favor of the KRG. The Iraqi PM warns in a rather threatening attitude that the amending of the Iraqi constitution and the further adjournment of the revenue will lead to far ‘greater problems.’ pukmedia.com

Kurdistan imported $20 billion in goods in 2013

Sulêmanî: The Importer & Exporter Union of the Kurdistan Region – Sulaimaniyah has announced the statistics on imports and exports of goods for 2013. In a press conference, Mustafa Hama-Rahim, Director of the Importer & Exporter Union of Sulaimaniyah stated that, “Nearly $20 billion in goods were imported into Kurdistan in 2013 from all five entry borders and both the Erbil and Sulaimaniyah airports.” Regarding exports, Rahim acknowledged that many domestic products have been exported abroad, but did not mention their total net worth. These products include Kurdish specialties such as gum, olives, honey, dates, copper, and Gazo (a Kurdish dessert), amongst other products. Rahim noted that Kurdistan’s main sources of imports are Turkey, followed by Iran and then China. basnews.com

PUK : Kurdistan Region new government almost formed

Sulêmanî: The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, chaired by the President Jalal Talabani, announced that the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government will be completed soon. The media office of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan reported in a statement ”PUK is keen to participate in the formation of the new government as soon as possible.” "PUK called since the beginning to form a patriotic government where most of political entities participate in order to promote security and peace in Kurdistan Region,” the statement concluded. iraqinews.com

Kurdistan Region expects new wave of rain this week

Sulêmanî: Meteorological and Seismology Directorate in Sulêmanî Province in Kurdistan Region revealed fall of rain in different areas in the region. A new wave of rain will sweep Sulêmanî on 28, 29, 30 of this month, the director of the Meteorological and Seismology department in Sulêmanî Dara Hassan Faraj said adding that snow may fall in the mountainous areas. pukmedia.com

Nechirvan Barzani expects increased number of Syrian refugees to Kurdistan

Erbil: Prime Minister of Kurdistan region, Nechirvan Barzani expected an increase in the number of Syrian refugees coming to the region, calling on Iraq and the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to them and set up camps inside Syria. A statement by the Kurdistan PM office said that Barzani received on Saturday, Vice President of the German Parliament, Claudia Ross and her entourage, which included employees of the German Embassy in Iraq, the German Consulate General in the region and a number of German officials.

The statement said that Ross had made ​​it clear that Kurdistan Region aims to see the situation of refugee camps and the Syrians directly and to provide better humanitarian assistance to these refugees, praising the role of KRG to take them, house and help them. Barzani called on Iraq and the international community to pay more attention in all respects to refugees and provide humanitarian aid, and expected an increase in the number of refugees, according to the government statement...shafaaq.com

New camp for Syrian refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan

Erbil: Iraq’s Kurdistan region has opened a new camp for Syrian refugees. Qushtapa, around one hour from Kurdistan’s capital, Erbil. The refugees were moved from the bigger camp just next door. This is part of Kurdistan region’s plan to make Kurdistan’s temporary camps more permanent and sustainable. This new camp can accommodate around 1,000 people and Iraq’s Kurdistan region is going to expand the size even further. Basic aid has been provided but more help is needed. The camp’s manager says the refugees also need social assistance. Kurdistan is now hosting 200,000 Syrian refugees at thirteen camps and transit sites. Improving living conditions at the camps is expected to take a relatively long time but the refugees say they’re grateful for anything that can be done to make life more comfortable for them...presstv.ir

Gorran Movement: We want Kurdistan deputy PM post

Sulêmanî: The Kurdish Change Movement, Gorran, has officially announced that they want the Kurdish Deputy Prime Minister post in the new cabinet. Aram Sheikh Muhammad, the head of the election department for Gorran Movement said that before meeting with the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), they had already decided that they wanted the Deputy PM post. “We have decided that we want the Deputy Prime Minister post as well as two main ministry posts in the next government,” Muhammad noted. A Gorran delegation is expected to meet a KDP delegation Sunday, headed by Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, where they will discuss the formation of the new government...basnews.com

Anthea: We have decided that we want the Deputy Prime Minister post as well as two main ministry posts in the next government I have decided that they are nothing but a group of disruptive idiots who have attempted to bring down the Kurdish government in the past and are determined to destroy Kurdistan Give them jobs s toilet cleaners because that is what hey deserve

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[Anthea]

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

Iraqi parliament speaker: Converting districts to provinces is illegal

Baghdad: Iraqi parliament speaker, Osama al-Nujaifi said on Monday that the decision to convert districts to provinces is illegal. The Iraqi Council of Ministers has agreed to convert Tal Afar, Tuz Khurmatu districts to provinces has been welcomed by Turkmen and rejected by Kurds, as it also agreed to convert Nineveh Plain and Fallujah to two provinces. Nujaifi said at a news conference that ”converting districts to provinces is illegal and provoking this issue is not normal, particularly in the pre-election period”. Nujaifi added that provinces law is not effective and that the amended law did not include a mechanism for converting districts to provinces. In the case of the end of the formal proceedings, the districts will be provinces No. 20 and 21, 22 and 23 in Iraq after the Iraqi government recently approved converting Halabja in Kurdistan Region to a province No. 19. shafaaq.com

Head of the elections commission office in Kirkuk Farhad Talabani escapes life attempt

Kirkuk: Head of the Elections Commission Office in Kirkuk Farhad Talabani escaped an assassination attempt by a bomb explosion which targeted his convoy south of Kirkuk, a police source said. A bomb planted on the highway near the technical institute in Kirkuk went off when Farhad Talabani’s convoy was passing, the source said. No human loses reported due to the blast, he clarified. pukmedia.com

Kurdish-Language conference launched in Erbil

Erbil: Kurdistan Region capital Erbil had witnessed on Sunday, January 26, the launching of the third Kurdish- Language conference which aims to improve the Kurdish Language in various aspects. KRG Minister of Youth and Culture, Dr. Kawah Mahmood stressed in his opening speech that improving the Kurdish language is a national task and that everyone should participate in fulfilling this significant task which shall also need support. The conference took place in the capital of Kurdistan Region, Erbil which is also the Arab Tourism Capital for 2014, the conference was attended by a great number of specialists in the Kurdish language. Curriculums development is one of the essential points which were discussed in the conference, studying curriculums in Kurdistan Region need to be developed. 18 researches shall be presented during the conference which will review means to develop the studying curriculums in Kurdistan Region' schools. The conference shall continue for two days. pukmedia.com

New entry border to be opened between Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan

Iran has officially requested that Germiyan administration delegates open a new entry border through Maida town, which is located between the Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan border. Abdullah Anwar, Supervisor Deputy of Germiyan Administration, said that a delegation from Germiyan recently visited Iran and were asked by Tehran to open a new border entry between Kermanshah in Iran and Germiyan in the Kurdistan Region. Anwar also pointed out that the entry border is located in Telako village – Maidan town in the Garmian area, which is adjacent to Salasi Bawajani town in Iran. “The Iranian government has made preparations to open the entry border, but it needs the approval letter from the ministry of the Kurdistan Region to be opened,” concluded Anwar. basnews.com

Sulêmanî Municipality: Treasury to be opened for businessmen

Sulêmanî: Sulêmanî [Sulaimaniyah] Municipality provided 600 Acres to build a treasury in Sulêmanî for its businessmen. Sirwan Mohammad, The President of Sulêmanî Chamber of Commerce said "We got the permission of Sulêmanî Municipality on providing 600 Acres of land for the Chamber of Commerce to build a treasury building for the Sulêmanî businessmen to store the items in." "Then the Chamber of commerce will give the treasury building to Sulêmanî businessmen by its cost price so that they can store their stuff in a modern-suitable place," Mohammad added. The President of Sulêmanî Chamber of Commerce announced that the provided-land by Sulêmanî Municipality is located on the Sulêmanî-Arbat Road. It is worth mentioning that this shows how Sulêmanî is developing in doing business and trading and how the officials here in Sulaimani want to modernize the factors that develop the city and facilitate the process for its businessmen and traders. pukmedia.com

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[Anthea]

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

After seven years of imprisonment, Kurdish journalist is deprived of his elementary rights

Sne: The arrested Kurdish Journalist Adnan Hassan Pour who was imprisoned for the longest years around Iran has been deprived of his primary rights after spending 7 years of arrest. The Judicial and Security Officials of Iranian Islamic Government in Kurdistan Province have stood against the release of the journalist ‘Adnan Hassan Pour.’ They have also prohibited him from seeing his family and getting medical treatments outside the prison. ‘Adnan’ is the long lasted journalist prisoner who has been avoided from his legal rights in a case that he has been spending his sentence in central prison of Sanandaj in Iranian Kurdistan, for almost 7 years. An aware source said despite of confirming the news of putting pressure on this Journalist, that ‘Adnan’ has been continuously asking to be transferred to Hamadan and Mariwan Prison, but Judicial and Security Centers JSC have stood against his claim. ’Adnan is suffering from some illnesses such as Intestine, and teeth problems and is in a critical situation’’. The source also said. JSC standing against Adnan’s release, his family’s claim to see him and the right of benefitting from short release is in a situation which Rohani’s authority has focused on to create an ideal political atmosphere when he visited United Nation Organization. kurdpa.com

Iran sentences a Kurdish political activist to three executions

Baneh: Iranian authorities have sentenced Kurdish political activist Murtazzah Rahimi to three executions. According to sources from the Kurdish Iranian city of Kermanshah, Rahimi was accused of being a member of one of the Kurdish Iranian opposition parties. Last week also saw the execution by hanging of seven Kurds accused of drug trafficking in the Kurdish Iranian city of Baneh, on the border with Iraqi Kurdistan. Iranian authorities revealed that the men had sold over 100kg of drugs and murdered two people. They were executed in a public hanging in the city centre. Iran has the second highest rate of executions in the world, after China, with more than 100 people executed annually, the majority being Kurds. basnews.com

Health of Iraqi Kurd imprisoned in Iran for over 16 years deteriorates

Human rights activists from Iran are warning that an Iraqi Kurd who has been imprisoned for over sixteen years is suffering from deteriorating health conditions. Kareem Ma’aruf Aziz, an Iraqi Kurd, was sentenced to execution more than 16 years ago by an Iranian court after he was accused of spying on Iran for the former Iraqi regime. However, Iranian courts later downgraded his sentence from execution to life in prison. Iranian Kurdish human rights activists said Aziz has previously undergone operations, but to no avail and his condition is continuing to worsen. Before being arrested, the Iranian authorities captured one of Aziz’s son and warned that they would not free his son until he handed himself over to the authorities. basnews.com

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