The Iraqi constitution has long recognized the autonomy and unique character of the KRG. In 2007 the Iraqi government and the KRG came together to establish a constitutional agreement aimed at resolving the long standing issues between the KRG and the government of Iraq. Article 140 directly addressed these issues, constitutionally mandating a referendum on the status of Kirkuk. After three years of inaction and neglect the Iraqi government has displayed an unwillingness to be an effective partner in meeting their constitutional obligations. The recent bombing in Kirkuk further illustrates that the Iraqi government cannot provide sufficient security and protection for the citizens of Kirkuk and the Kurdish region. Therefore we the KRG has decided the mutually hurting stalemate between the Iraqi government and all the regional actors is no longer bearable.
In order to protect our independence the peshemerga is deployed in Kirkuk and along the green line with Iraq. Our continued economic ties to Turkey and other regional parties are vital to our independence and we seek to enhance our economic cooperation. We will not support the PKK or tolerate their presence in the KRG territories. We want to affirm to our regional allies that we respect the borders of their sovereign territories and will not permit any our citizens to challenge regional stability. We call on the international community to support our independence. We have fought alongside international coalition forces and have done everything in our power to promote peace and prosperity thought the region. But it is our right through the principle of self-determination recognized in the UN charter to declare our independence.
We are committed to protecting these principles and our territory, but it is essential to understand that the solutions are not grounded in the use of force. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and come to the negotiation table to discuss the future of the region and the Independent Kurdistan Republic.
No comments:
Post a Comment