Parliament confirms Masrour Barzani as new KRG Prime ...

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[CORRECTION] - Parliament confirms Masrour Barzani as new KRG Prime Minister1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Wed, Jul 10, 2019 at 6:14 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]

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Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States

Washington, DC

New KRG Prime Minister promises to strengthen the Kurdistan Region

and introduce widespread reforms following inauguration

Erbil, Kurdistan Region. Iraq (GOV.KRD)The Kurdistan Parliament has confirmed Mr

Masrour Barzani's appointment as Prime Minister

of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG),

together with the ministerial cabinet.

Following his inauguration, Prime Minister

Barzani vowed to make Kurdistan stronger,

improve ties with Baghdad and diversify the

region's economy.

The Prime Minister said, "After working since September 2018 to put together a truly

inclusive government, my commitment now is to work together with every party and every

part of our nation to build a strong KRG that serves the people, not the other way around.

We cannot succeed in building a strong government if we allow petty divisions and small

disagreements to drive us apart."


The Prime Minister called for further progress m developing a stable and constructive

partnership with Iraq's federal government.

"Erbil and Baghdad both want security and prosperity, built on a foundation of mutual

respect and cooperation," he said. "This will include securing our rightful share of

government revenue, by settling once and for all the division of revenue formula that

determines the annual budget allocation for Kurdistan."

Concerning Kurdistan's economy, Prime Minister Barzam highlighted the region's over

reliance on oil and gas, and promised to overhaul the public sector.

"We must ensure our government serves the people of Kurdistan m a fully transparent and

accountable manner," he said. "This will include securing the public finances to pay down

our debts, introducing regulatory reforms that allow businesses to thrive, attracting more

foreign investment and enabling the development of new infrastructure."

The Prime Minister called on the international community to support Kurdistan's new

government and its reform program, while helping to protect the region's status as a haven

for persecuted and displaced people.

"Today, around 1.25 million internally displaced people from elsewhere m Iraq live m

Kurdistan, alongside almost 275,000 refugees from neighboring countries," he said. "We

hope our friends and allies will continue offering their support to Kurdistan, as we remain a

haven of tolerance m an uncertain part of the world."


The new KRG Council of Ministers consists of the following (a previous version of this list

contained an error):

Masrour Barzam

Prime Minister

Qubad Talabam

Deputy Prime Minister

Rebar Ahmad Khaled

Minister of Interior

Farsat Ahmad Abdulla

Minister of Justice

Shorsh Ismail Abdulla

Minister of Peshmerga

Awat Sheikh Janab

Minister of Finance and Economy

Saman Barzmji

Minister of Health

Alan Hama Saeed

Minister of Education



Dana Abdulkarim

Minister of Housing and Reconstruction

Sasan Awni

Minister of Municipalities and Tourism

Aram Mohammed

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Dara Rashid

Minister of Planning

Kwestan Mohammed

Minister ofEabour and Social Affairs

Mohammed Saeed Ali

Minister of Youth and Culture

Abdulla Mahmood

Minister of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs

Begard Talabani

Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources

Kamal Muslim

Minister of Trade and Industry

Ano Jawhar

Minister of Transportation and Communications

Pshtiwan Sadiq

Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs

Kamal Mohammed Salih

Minister of Electricity

Aydin Maruf

Minister of Regio n

Vala Fareed

Minister of Region

Klialid Salam Saeed

Minister of Region

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Kurdistan Regional Government - Iraq

Representation in the United States



1532 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 USA

Tel: +1.202.797.7575 Fax:+1.202.821.1870

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Dec 12 - An evening of Kurdish film at Landmark's E Street Cinema1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Thu, Dec 6, 2018 at 9:05 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


^'•maaoNM.GU'1^


Washington, DC

The Kurdistan Regional Government


invites you to an evening of Kurdish cinema

Wednesday, December 12

Doors open

6:00 PM

Screening of four short films

7:00 - 8:00 PM

Discussion on the evolution of Kurdish cinema

8:00-8:45 PM


Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 07/28/2019 11:16:16AM

Landmark's E Street Cinema 1047 E St NW

Washington, DC

Admission is free but RSVP is required.

RSVP HERE

Including screenings of:

Barber and the Worldand

Home and Keyby

Director Shwan Attoof

Evan, A Survivor’s Story

byDirector Rafiqfuad Yarahmadi

and

Circleby

Director Shepol Abbasi

Followed by a discussion of these works and the evolution of Kurdishcinema with

Mozaffar Shafeie. actor and director

and

Shepol Abbasi. producer and director

RSVP HERE



Kurdish cinema is still relatively new, having only started in the 1970s with the

acclaimed director Yilmaz Guney. Since then, many films have been made and

many directors and actors have come forward, often making films in difficult,

risk-laden or near impossible circumstances in hostile political environments.

The stories often reflect recent Kurdish history of genocide, political oppression and cultural denial. More recently, this has evolved so that those same stories about suffering and resilience are told but with more subtlety, irony and self-deprecation, signaling the maturing of Kurdish cinema.

These four films are made by rising Kurdish filmmakers, Shwan Attoof, Rafiqfuad Yarahmadi, and Shepol E. Abbasi, whose works have been noted in festivals and by critics.

BARBER ANDTHEW0R1 Barber and the World (Shwan Attoof) tells the story of a hair salon in Iraqi Kurdistan from the start of the Iran-lraq war to the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The life and times of the barber, his best friend and his customers are told with compassion and humor as they live through political upheavals and societal changes.

Home and Key (Shwan Attoof) tells the story of the extinction of a Kurdish family in the twentieth century, reflecting the story of all the Kurdish people, the suffering endured under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and the bombing with chemical weapons. It is also a mirror of the identity of the Kurdish people, the importance of the values of brotherhood, solidarity and coexistence.

■ Evan - A Survivor's Story (Rafiqfuad Yarahmadi) is a documentary about a Kurdish journalist whose work filming and reporting on ISIS leads to threats to his life. He flees to the safety of Europe. The film reflects his struggle to learn English and not to lose hope despite the absurdities of the immigration system. This is a story of courage, love and survival, a story of Kurds everywhere

and immigrants around the world.



Circle (Shepol E. Abbasi) is a criticism of the

dominant patriarchal mentality that is often the norm in

the Middle East. It portrays a woman's attempt to break

the custom of a man's dominance until she finally

leaves him and is left alone to decide whether to return

to him. This silent film taps into the revival of short silent clips that are so

popular on social media, while telling an age-old story about women and men.

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1532 16th Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20036 USA

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December 12 - An evening of Kurdish film at Landmark's E Street Cinema1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Mon, Dec 3, 2018 at 4:05 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


^'•maaoNM.GU'1^


Washington, DC





Doors open

6:00 PM


7:00 - 8:00 PM


8:00-8:45 PM




Washington, DC


RSVP HERE



Home and Keyby




and

Circleby




and


RSVP HERE










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Event: The Impact of Elections in MENA and the Western Balkans1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Mon, Oct 29, 2018 at 10:04 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC

The Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States

in partnership with

the Transatlantic Leadership Network

cordially invite you to

The Impact of Elections in MENA and the Western Balkans A Look at Bosnia and Herzegovina, Libya, Iraq and Iraqi

Kurdistan

Tuesday, November 13, 2018 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

U.S. Capitol Visitor's CenterRoom SVC 208-09

1st StN.E.Washington, D.C. 20515



RSVP Here...9:00 am - 9:45 am

Light breakfast and registration

9:45 amOpening Remarks

10:00 am -11: 30 amWhat is the Real Meaning of Reconciliation in Libya, and When Will Elections Take Place?

11:30 am -1:00 pmWhat's Next for Bosnia and Herzegovina: is the Economic Reform Agenda Still Alive?

1:00 pm - 2:15 pmLunch break. Hot buffet lunch will be served.

2:15 pm - 3:45 pmProspect for Progress in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan: New Governments in Baghdad and Erbil

3:45 pm - 5:00 pmInvestment as a Means to Strengthen Democracy and Stability in Fragile Countries

Full program coming soon...

This event is made possible by the support of the following generous sponsors:Al Jazeera Media Network and Kurdistan-24 Network.

RSVP Here...

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Friday, Aug 3, 7:30 PM - Candle vigil at White House to honor memory of missing Yezidis1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Wed, Aug 1, 2018 at 1:04 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC

r .

To honor die memory of tiiose who have been killed and die Yezidi women

and girls still held in captivity, the Free Yezidi Foundation and the

American Ezidi Center will hold a candlelight vigil in Washington, DC.

Friday, 3 August, 2018

7:30 pm



Pennsylvania Ave NWfacing White House North Lawn, in front of Lafayette Square

Concerned citizens are invited to join the event and light their candles to show

their solidarity with the Yezidi community Please bring a candle to light.

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On 3 August 2014, ISIS terrorists overran the town of Sinjar (Shingal), carrying

out a pre-meditated plan of mass murder, violence, kidnapping, rape, and other

crimes against the Yezidi civilians because of their religion. The attacks have

been widely recognized as genocide, including by the Kurdistan Regional

Government and the US State Department.

To mark the fourth anniversary of the genocide perpetrated against the Yezidis,

the Free Yezidi Foundation and the American Ezidi Center call upon

concerned citizens to join the vigil and express support and solidarity with

Yezidis.

Survivors of the Yezidi genocide face immense challenges in trying to rebuild

their lives. Sadly, thousands of Yezidis are still missing. Meanwhile, survivors

seek to improve their lives, despite four years of displacement. Most Yezidis

now live in IDP camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The Free Yezidi Foundation and the American Ezidi Center would also like to express support for other minority communities affected by the ISIS terror attacks, including Iraqi Christians, who have also

suffered enormously.

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Happy Cejni Qurban!1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Tue, Aug 21,2018 at 8:02 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


REGIONAL GOtffc*


Washington, DC

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Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States extends

its warmest greetings on the occasion of Cejni Qurban (Eid al Adha) to you,

the people of Kurdistan, Peshmerga and Asayish forces, families of our brave


martyrs, and Muslims all over the world. May this Cejin bring happiness and

prosperity to everyone.


-

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Happy Newroz from the KRG in Washington!1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Thu, Mar 21,2019 at 8:18 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]

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REGIONAL GOtffc*


Washington, DC



wishes you a joyous

Newroz

May the new year bring you and your family peace and prosperity.



S

Newroz is a celebration of peace, freedom and common understanding

amongst peoples. It marks both the New Year as well as the beginning of

spring. After a long and cold winter, spring awakening allows people to draw

new energy for the upcoming year.

This year we wish for peace in all parts of Kurdistan, keeping in mind those

who have been displaced by war and violence and are unable to return to their

homes. As we observe the holiday, we keep in our thoughts those who cannot

celebrate with their family and friends.

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NOTIFICATION: The Kurdistan Regional Government Liaison Office - U.S.A. is registered as an agent of the KurdistanRegional Government under 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq.

These materials are being distributed by the Kurdistan Regional Government - Liaison Office - USA on behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and additional information is on file with the Department of Justice, Washington, District

of Columbia.




Happy Ramadan from KRG-US1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Mon, May 6, 2019 at 3:03 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


*


Washington, DC

The KRG Representation in the United States sends warm wishes to

Muslims in Kurdistan, the United States and around the world during

the holy month of Ramadan.



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Humanitarian update from Kurdistan1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Thu, Apr 4, 2019 at 8:01 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


REGIONAL GOtffc*


Washington, DC

The KRG Joint Crisis Coordination Center has released their latest statistics

highlighting the ongoing and complex humanitarian crisis in Kurdistan.

Read the JCC's latest report here.

Currently the KRG hosts 249,892 Syrian, 9,129 Turkish, 13,123 Iranian, and 756 Palestinian refugees. In addition, Kurdistan hosts 1,234,891 internally displaced Iraqis (IDPs).

Palestine

Iraq

In total, the KRG and partners are providing for 1,507,791 refugees and IDPs. Only 37% of the displaced live inside the 38 camps spread throughout the Kurdistan Region - the remaining majority live in the host communities, either in rented housing, with relatives, or in makeshift shelters.

Origin

Syria

Turkey

Iran

TOTAL

Total

249,892

9,129

13,123

756

1,234,891

1,507,791

In total, the KRG needs $1.9 billion per year to provide basic services and

meet needs of the refugees and IDP population in Kurdistan.



The IDP population reflects the

diversity of Iraqi society More than

600,000 ethnic Arabs, 40% of the IDP

population, are still sheltering in

Kurdistan. Yezidis make up 30% of the

IDP numbers, with another 10% made

up by Christians, and 7% from groups

including Turkmen, Shabaks,

Armenians, and others.

Half of Kurdistan's displaced population is in Erbil Governorate. Another 31% are in Duhok, and the remainder in Slemani.





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of Columbia.





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Jan 31 | Film screening | The Deminer1 message

KRG-USA <[email protected]> Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 9:04 AMReply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


Washington, DC

The Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States,

Embassy of the Czech Republic

and

George Washington University Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies

invite you to a special screening of the film

The Deminer



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Thursday, January 31,2019

5:30-7:30pm

Watch a preview of the film here.The film is in Kurdish with English subtitles.

1957 E St NWElliott School of International Affairs

Voesar Conference Room, Suite 412

RSVP HERENearby parking is available at the 2112 F St NW Garage.

Iraq remains one of the most heavily landmined countries m the world. With heavy mine

contamination stemming from the Iran-Iraq War, Gull War, the Antal Genocide, and most

recently the war against ISIS, landmines and unexploded remnants of war continue to inflict

pain and death on the people of Kurdistan and Iraq. In 2016 die Iraqi Kurdistan Mine

Action Agency (IKMAA) registered 2,711 confirmed hazardous areas and 491 suspected

hazardous areas in Kurdistan, covering 154 square miles. Mines Advisory Group has

estimated that there are 7,000,000 landmines m Kurdistan.

After the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Fakir Berwari joined the army. When he saw how many people had been killed in Iraqi Kurdistan by landmines, he decided to dedicate his life to ridding the world of these deadly implements.

Since then his days have resembled anaction film. This documentary based on archival footage shows how he cuts the wires of home-made explosives. His own life seems to come in second place; the lives of civilians come first. He is only stopped by an accident in which he

loses his leg. After years of inactivity, with no way to ply his trade, a new enemy, the so-called Islamic state, emerges. The film is a fascinating story of a father of



eight whose courage puts him at risk of losing everything.

Directed by Hogi Hirori and Shinwar Kamal,The Deminer (2017) received the Award for Best Film at the prestigious One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival in the Czech

Republic.

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January 31 | Film screening | The Deminer1 message

KRG-USA <[email protected]> Tue, Jan 8, 2019 at 2:21 PMReply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


Washington, DC



and



The Deminer



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71

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5:30-7:30pm



Voesar Conference Room, Suite 412
















Republic.

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KRG-US April 2019 newsletter1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 11:32 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, D.C.April 2019 newsletter

Welcome to our April 2019 newsletter

Kurdistan Region has long celebrated the diversity of its population and this often comes to the fore in the month of April. This month, we celebrated the Yezidi new year known as Charshemme Soor, the Assyrian, Syriac, Chaldean new year referred to as Akitu, and Easter which holds great significance for Christians in Kurdistan and around the world. Festivals and rituals were held to mark all these events with Kurdish leaders sending congratulatory messages to various communities. Next week, Muslims in Kurdistan and around the world will begin fasting as the month of Ramadan begins.

Also this month, several exchangevisits took place. Dr Pishtiwan Sadiq (pictured), the KRG Minister of Education and Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, visited Washington DC where he met



with Administration officials and members of Congress. He also visited North Carolina at the invitation of Samaritan's Purse which has helped many displaced people in the Kurdistan Region.

Several members of the US Congress and State Department officials and diplomats visited Kurdistan. Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani had a telephone call with US Vice President Mike Pence. During the call, the two sides discussed the latest security developments in the disputed territories and the political situation in the Kurdistan Region. Prime Minister Barzani stressed the importance of U.S. support to the Region's security, stability and the return of more than one million displaced Iraqis.

These exchanges, as well as the outreach by the KRG-US Representation in Washington, underscore the close partnership the US and Kurdistan enjoy and which we look forward to continuing.

Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman

Kurdistan Regional Government

Representative to die United States

Prime Minister Barzani and U.S. Vice President discuss developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani held a phone call with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence this month.

They discussed the latest security developments in the disputed territories and the political situation in the Kurdistan Region. Prime MinisterBarzani stressed the importance of U.S. support to the Region's security, stability and the return of more than one million displaced Iraqis.

-

The Prime Minister gave a brief overview about the formation of the next cabinet of the KRG, as well as relations between the Region and Baghdad and developments towards solving outstanding issues in accordance with the Constitution. He expressed appreciation and gratitude for U.S. support in the fight against terrorism.

Read the full readout of the call here.

Minister of Education meets Administration officials and members of Congress

Dr. Pishtiwan Sadiq, KRG Minister of Education and acting Minster of Endowment and Religious Affairs, was in Washington to meet with US administration officials and members of Congress.

In each of his meetings, the Minister outlined reforms to Kurdistan's school curriculum to promote cultural diversity and religious freedom, and also discussed the KRG efforts to spread the message of peaceful coexistence through with the cooperation of faith leaders, and the concerns of displaced



religious minorities that are unable to return to their homes.

Minister Sadiq and his delegation were hosted for a meeting (pictured here) at the White House with the National Security Council and Office of Vice President Mike Pence, where they discussed a range of issues related to education, religious freedom, and the status of religious minorities currently displaced into Kurdistan.

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Read a press release here.

KRG and Iraqi Federal governments meet in Erbil

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Fuad Hussein and federal ministers of planning, agriculture, - industry and trade traveled to Erbil to meet with Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council Masrour Barzani, and a number of KRG ministers and advisers.

In the meeting, Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region and said that relations should be guided by constitutional principles. At the same time he reiterated KRG's commitment to fully cooperate with the Iraqi Federal Government in resolving outstanding issues, especially those affecting the interests of all Iraqi people.

»v *

-■


Representative Abdul Rahman continues outreach to US Administration

Representative Abdul Rahman this month continued the KRG's outreach to the US Administration.

Among the administration officials she met was Carol Thompson O'Connell (pictured), Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration at the US Department of State. They discussed US support for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Kurdistan Region, where 1. 5 million people remain displaced.

This month she also met at the State Department with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iran and Iraq Andrew Peek,Iraq Affairs Director Robert Waller, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Special Envoy for Syria Joel Rayburn, and Iraq Director at the National Security Council Matt Zais. In each meeting, she discussed recent

developments in Iraq, Kurdistan and the Middle East and the need to continue to fight ISIS terrorists together

while working towards stabilizing and reconstructing liberated areas, such as Nineveh and Sinjar, so that displaced

communities can return home.

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Prime Minister Barzani and Iraq's Parliament Speaker discuss political developments

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives Muhammad Al Halbusi. The meeting was also attended by the Speaker of the Kurdistan Parliament



Ms. Vala Farid and a number of officials.

The Prime Minister and the Speaker discussed the political situation in Iraq in general and latest developments in the Nineveh province in particular.


T-

US Senator Tammy Duckworth visits Erbil

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received a United States congressional delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth (pictured) and the U.S. Consul General to the Kurdistan Region Steven Fagin. Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani also attended the meeting.

They discussed the political and security situation of the region in general, the situation of displaced persons who fled terrorism, and relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.

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The US delegation stressed United States support to the Kurdistan Region. They commended the role of the Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga forces in the fight against terrorism, and praised the people and government of the Kurdistan Region for protecting, accommodating, and providing assistance to a very large number of I DPs and refugees.


KRG sends warm wishes to Assyrians, Syriacs, and Chaldeans on the occasion of Akitu

The KRG Council of Ministers congratulated all Assyrians, Syriacs, and Chaldeans in Kurdistan, Iraq, and around the world, who celebrate Akitu, the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year Festival, Akitu. In a statement, the Council said,

"During this New Year, we hope all families who were forced to

leave their homes will return with dignity to their places of origin to

pursue secure and stable lives.

On the occasion of Akitu, we once again reiterate that the Kurdistan

Regional Government is working as always to promote a culture of

living together with tolerance and peace among all religious and

ethnic communities."

Read the full statement here.

Prime Minister Barzani receives U.S. delegation

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq Joey Hood, U.S. Consul-General to the Kurdistan Region Steven Fagin, USAID Special Representative for Minority Assistance Programs Max Primorac, and their accompanying

credit: Twitter ©Christians KRG



delegation.

The delegation commended the Kurdistan Regional Government for hosting, accommodating, and providing assistance to a large number of IDPs and refugees without discrimination.


/ V

Representative Abdul Rahman meets members of Congress

Representative Abdul Rahman traveled to Capitol Hill a number of times this month to meet with members of Congress. During the month of April she met with Representative Trent Kelly, Rep. Paul Cook, Rep. John Garamendi, Rep. Vicky Hartzler, Rep. Jack Bergman, and Rep. Mike Gallagher (pictured), as well as staff from the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

In each meeting, KRG Representative Abdul Rahman updated them on the political, humanitarian and security situation in Kurdistan and Iraq and reiterated Kurdistan's strong partnership with the United States. The KRG appreciates the bipartisan support that the people of Kurdistan and the Peshmerga enjoy in the US Congress.

r □

Parliament Speaker meets U.S. Consul General Steven Fagin

Parliament Speaker Dr. Vala Farid met the United States Consul General to the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Steven Fagin.

Dr. Farid and Mr. Fagin discussed strengthening bilateral relations; the Consul General said he hoped for the Kurdistan Parliament to send a delegation to the US, to learn from Congress's practices.

. ini- ‘I

Dr. Farid said that Parliament's Presidency have started financial and administrative reforms, and have asked the Office of Financial Audit to cooperate on reform measures. This Parliament will work alongside the new cabinet to reform all sectors, and parliament's presidency would like the parliamentary parties and lists to follow the procedures on government scrutiny, the Speaker added.


Prime Minister Barzani receives US diplomatic delegation

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received U.S. Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS William Roebuck, U.S. Consul General to the Kurdistan Region Steven Fagin, and their accompanying delegation.

They discussed the political and security situation of the Kurdistan Region, the US-led Coalition's training of Peshmerga forces, and security cooperation with Baghdad in countering the reemergence of ISIS terrorism.

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They also discussed the political process in Iraq, improvement of relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, as well as the formation of the next cabinet of the KRG.



KRG Council of Ministers congratulates

The KRG Council of Ministers sent warm wishes to Christians on the occasion of Easter. In a statement, the Council said:

"On the occasion of Easter, we extend our warmest congratulations to our Christian brothers and sisters in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the world. We wish them a Happy Easter in safety and prosperity.

On this occasion, we emphasize that the Kurdistan Regional Government, as always, is working to further consolidate and deepen the culture of coexistence, tolerance, and warm acceptance among all religious and ethnic communities throughout Kurdistan. Our

culture is a source of pride for all die people of Kurdistan and is widely appreciated. Our

culture will continue endeavoring to achieve equality, as well as provide and protect die

rights of all Kurdistan's communities."


Christians on Easter

V.iu/

* -

credit: Twitter @AnoAbdoka


Prime Minister Barzani's statement on thirty-first anniversary of Anfal genocide campaign

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani delivered a statement on the thirty-first anniversary of the Anfal genocide campaign. He said,

"Once again, after more than 30 years, we commemorate the victims and families of the brutal Anfal campaign to extinguish all life in villages, towns, and cities of our dear Kurdistan by annihilating women, men and children, including the elderly.

The chauvinistic policies of the Baath regime towards our nation, in addition to the destruction, intimidation, and imposition of the terrifying power of the Iraqi government, ended the lives of more than 180,000 people with heavy weapons and poisonous chemical bombardments from the skies of Kurdistan.

As a nation, it is our duty to provide full assistance and support to the surviving families so they may reconstruct their communities and improve their living conditions, and not only to commemorate the Anfal victims."


Deputy Speaker Hemin Hawrami and US Institute of Peace discuss good governance, security and stability for all of Iraq's communities

Deputy Speaker Hemin Hawrami met a delegation from the United States Institute of Peace, led by its President Nancy Lindborg, to discuss how good governance and security cooperation are key to lasting peace and stability in all of Iraq, and essential to preventing the re-emergence of ISIS.

Deputy Speaker Hawrami stressed that the international coalition should continue to partner with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq in the fight against terrorism. Good governance and providing opportunities for all of the people of Iraq is the key to preventing the re-emergence of ISIS, he said. Both sides agreed that the root causes of terrorism need to be addressed for a sustainable peace.




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KRG wishes Yezidis a happy new year as they celebrate Charshemme Soor

The KRG Council of Ministers wished Yezidis in Kurdistan and around the world a happy new year on the occasion of Charshemme Soor. In the statement, they said:

"We extend our warmest greetings to our Yezidi brothers and sisters in the Kurdistan Region and abroad on the holy occasion of Charshemme Soor, the new year of the Yezidis, and we especially extend our greetings to the family members of Ezidi victims who died in the fight against ISIS. We hope that this new year brings them peace and stability.

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We are celebrating this year at a time when ISIS has been defeated and all territories are cleaned up from their terrorist activities.

We hope for those who are still under ISIS captivity and those who have disappeared to come back to their families, and that all Yezidi areas witness peace and stability again. We also hope that all justice is served and all the terrorists are brought to justice."

Read the statement here fin Kurdishl.

Parliament holds second reading of bill to restore Kurdistan Region

President’s powers

The Kurdistan Parliament sat for the second reading of a bill to

restore the functions of the President of the Kurdistan Region and to

amend the election system for the presidency from public election to

parliamentary vote, until a Kurdistan Region constitution is enacted in

the future.

Most MPs expressed their support for the details of the bill._____________________ ________Some MPs said that the President should continue to beelected by popular vote, while others said that election by parliamentary vote should a permanent rather than a temporary change. Some said that the Kurdistan Region presidency should be a ceremonial position, and were against restoring the president's powers.

Speaker Dr. Vala Farid said that the spirit of compromise and agreement expressed by most of the MPs was a positive sign for Parliament's programme of work, and also bode well for the new Kurdistan Regional Government coalition cabinet, which will include the KDP, PUK, Gorran (Change Movement) and possibly others.


Joint Crisis Coordination Center publishes "Priority Humanitarian Small Scale Projects" report

The Kurdistan Region has been undergoing a turbulent period over the past five years, facing a combination of crisis such as a war with ISIS, influx of large refugee and IDP populations and a



financial crisis. As an important period of recovery is about to begin, it is crucial for the region and its partners to quickly and effectively implement priority recovery and resilience building projects to improve the welfare and living conditions of the population, create conditions for stability and cohesion and strengthen public rest.

The Joint Crisis Coordination Center this month published "Priority Humanitarian Small Scale Projects", which presents a detailed breakdown of 167 projects that will help alleviate the humanitarian burden in 2019.

Read the report here.

Ministry of Interior

Joint Crisis Coordination Center

Priority Humanitarian Small Scale Projects:

In Health, Education, Municipality,

Electricity, Social Care, Agriculture and

Livelihoods and Water Sectors

Kurdistan Region-Iraq 2019

Date: 7 April 2019, Report No. (3)

Prime Minister Barzani receives USIP delegation

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the President of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Ms Nancy Lindborg and her accompanying delegation.

The delegation expressed their gratitude for assistance provided by the KRG in support of USIP activities. They commended the KRG for hosting, accommodating, and providing assistance to a large number of IDPs and refugees.

Prime Minister Barzani assured the delegation that the KRG exert all efforts to build confidence among various communities and support effective services to enable them to return to their homes.

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Kurdistan in the media

Indicators signal Kurdistan Region's return to economic boom in 2019 - RudawApril 14, 2019More than 60 percent of investment projects in education, health, roads and public

services have now resumed, Mala Yaseen, the spokesperson of Kurdistan Investors'

Union told Rudaw English

In Iraq, the war against terrorism is far from over - The HillApril 4, 2019Editorial by Staff Brig. Gen. Hazhar Omer Ismail

NASA: Kurdistan's Erbil Citadel oldest human-occupied settlement on Earth -Kurdistan24

April 2, 2019The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, has described the

historic Erbil Citadel, located in the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan Region, as the

oldest human-occupied settlement on Earth.

Kurdish security chief. US diplomat discuss anti-ISIS campaign - Kurdistan24 April 23, 2019


"The anti-ISIS campaign and regional developments" topped the agenda of talks between the Kurdistan Region's security chief and a senior US diplomat during a meeting on Tuesday.

Balance sheet transformed. Genel Energv ready to make most of Kurdistan's second coming - ProActive Investors April 29, 2019Iraqi Kurdistan has endured its fair share of troubles in recent years, but a series of economic reforms and the decline of ISIS has put the oil-rich region back on the investment map

US Hails Kurdistan demining authority - Kurdistan24 April 14, 2019I KM AA-Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency-has long worked to clear the Kurdistan Region of mines. Its efforts originally focused on those left behind by the regime of Saddam Hussein and its eight-year long war with Iran.

Reverse Migration: IHCHR savs people leaving Nineveh for security, stability in Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan24 April 23, 2019Reverse migration is taking place in Iraq as displaced people who had returned to northern Nineveh province are leaving their homes and moving back to the autonomous Kurdistan Region, the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) said on Tuesday.

US hails tolerance of Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan24 April 24, 2019"The Kurdish region has been phenomenal in saving lives," Amb. Sam Brownback, the State Department's Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, said in an interview with Kurdistan 24."

Independence Movements and Their Aftermath - CSIS April 5, 2019Book launch at the Center For Strategic and International Studies with Peter Galbraith, Denise Natali, Terrence Lyons and Jon Alterman.

Challenging norms. Kurdish woman gets awarded first heavy vehicle license in Kirkuk - Kurdistan24 April 17, 2019A Kurdish woman from Kirkuk Province received her driver's license for large trucks, becoming the area's first female motorist to be awarded the hard-earned document.

IN PICTURES: 100 Women Gallery arrives in Akre after Erbil launch -Kurdistan24April 26, 2019The 100 Women Gallery was exhibited in Akre on Thursday, part of a tour to exhibit portraits and stories of Kurdistani and non-Kurdistani woman at locations around Erbil, Sulaimani, Duhok, and beyond.

Feasting in Kurdistan - Plough April 15, 2019We take off our shoes at the door. Greetings are exchanged, women with women and men

with men: three kisses, one on one cheek, then the other, then back to the first. Choni!




Bxer bin! Bashim Supas!

Experts find mass grave in Shingal thought to contain 500 Yezidis - Rudaw April 16, 2019The remains of hundreds of Yezidis executed by Islamic State (ISIS) militants are

believed to have been discovered at a mass grave in Kocho, Shingal.

Iraq's oldest Christian town celebrates Easter without Isis - The Guardian

April 21, 2019When the men and women of Iraq's oldest Christian town gathered for Easter mass this

weekend, they did so knowing that the Islamic State extremists who had chased them

away were not coming back.

Iraq oil minister says Baghdad to meet soon with KRG to discuss oil exports -ReutersApril 25, 2019Iraq's oil minister said on Thursday that Baghdad would meet soon with authorities from

the Kurdistan Regional Government to discuss issues relating to oil exports from the

semi-autonomous region as well as the budget agreement.

Kurdistan opens first Armenian Orthodox church in Erbil - Kurdistan24 April 6, 2019The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Saturday opened the first Armenian

Orthodox church in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan Region.

Mass graves uncovered in Muthanna contain Anfal victims: Deputy PM Talabani - Rudaw

April 13, 2019Mass graves discovered in Iraq's southern Muthanna Govemorate contain the remains of

Kurds killed during Saddam Hussein's Anfal campaign, Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime

Minister Qubad Talabani confirmed

Higher Education progresses in Kurdistan despite financial crisis - UniversityWorld News

March 30, 2019Editorial by Sameerah T Saeed

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KRG-US August 2018 newsletter1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Fri, Aug 31,2018 at 1:07 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, D.C.August 2018 newsletter

Welcome to our August 2018 newsletter

This month the results of the Iraqi elections held in May were finally certified by Iraq's federal court, paving the way for the first session of the new parliament to be convened on September 3 and the formation of the new government.

The various parties and lists have been in talks for months - now the pace should pick up and final decisions will be made on who will form the new government. The two main Kurdish parties have announced they will jointly work with other Iraqi groups, and have indicated that they do not support a particular person or party, but rather are seeking to be part of a government that will uphold and implement the Constitution.

While Baghdad heads toward the formation of a new government, Kurdistan Region will hold its parliamentary elections on September 30.

This month, leaders across Kurdistan Region expressed their sorrow at the passing of Senator John McCain. He is much admired for his principled leadership, his willingness to speak out in defense of Kurdistan at critical



moments when others turned their backs, and his example as an international statesman. The Kurdistan Regional Government conveys its condolences to the McCain family and to the people of America.

Bayan Sami Abdul RahmanKurdistan Regional Government


KRG welcomes NDAA recognition of contributions of Peshmerga Forces in fight against ISIS

President Donald Trump has signed the John S.McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 which recognizes the contributions of the Peshmerga Forces of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in the ongoing fight to dismantle and defeat ISIS in Iraq.

The legislation contains specific language expressing the Sense of Congress that the Peshmerga forces have made "significant contributions" in this important and essential fight, and calls for the US to continue to provide operational sustainment to the Peshmerga.

KRG Representative Abdul Rahman welcomed this and thanked the Congress and Administration for recognizing the sacrifices and role of the Peshmerga forces.


Prime Minister Barzani speaks with US Secretary of StatePompeo by phone

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received a telephone

call from US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo.

They discussed the latest political developments, joint

Peshmerga-Iraqi army operations against ISIS as well as

the steps towards the formation of the new Iraqi

government.

Assisting and protecting die victims and survivors of ISIS war, particularly the Yezidis and

Christians, were also discussed in die telephone call.


KRG launches online project to cut bureaucracy and improve

transparency

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani launched a new online project aimed at cutting bureaucracy and improving transparency. The web site, services.gov.krd, contains all the services, private or public, provided by the KRG.



"Our objective behind the launch of this project is to speed up the good services the government provides to people and with this step forward, the government will increase transparency to the people about the government's mechanisms of implementing its works," Talabani said during a ceremony launching the project.

The new online 'Service Portal' will allow the public to access public services remotely, without visiting government offices.

Read a press release here [Kurdish]Read a news story here [English]

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KRG offers condolences on the passing of Senator John McCain

The Kurdistan Regional Government is saddened to learn of the passing of Senator John McCain, a close friend and long-time supporter of Kurdistan.

As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee,Senator McCain was a powerful advocate for Kurdistan's Peshmerga forces, and was essential to the effort to equip them with weapons, training, and other supplies in the fight against ISIS.

Throughout his career, Senator McCain was a principled champion for minorities in Iraq, and supported numerous initiatives to advance the relationship between Kurdistan and the United States.

Read a press release here.Read Prime Minister Barzani's statement here.

Prime Minister Barzani and U.S. Envoy discuss political process

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Mr.Brett McGurk, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS.

In the meeting, also attended by the U.S.Ambassador to Iraq, Douglas Silliman and the US Consul General to the Kurdistan Region, Steven Fagin, the two sides discussed the latest developments in the region and the ongoing talks among Iraqi and Kurdistan's political parties to form the new Iraqi government.

Kurdistan Region's role in the current political process and its contribution to these talks were described as important and effective.


Representative Abdul Rahman on Yezidi Genocide: 'We must do all we can to help the survivors'

Representative Abdul Rahman delivered opening remarks at an event in Washington, DC to mark the fourth anniversary of the Yezidi genocide.



The discussion on August 3 was co-hosted by the Hudson Institute and the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) and the Representative's remarks were delivered alongside Iraqi Ambassador Dr.Fareed Yasseen and RFI Executive Director Kent Hill.

Representative Abdul Rahman said, 'We must never forget the crimes that ISIS committed four years ago when it rampaged across Iraq in 2014 and on August 3 targeted Shingal or Sinjar and other parts of Nineveh. We must do all we can to help the survivors, to restore their homes and livelihoods and to seek justice for the victims of ISIS crimes.'

Read a press release here.Watch a video of the event here.Read Representative Abdul Rahman's remarks here.

Council of Ministers discusses UNSCR 2379 and 2019 budget

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani chaired the 49th regular session of the Council of Ministers. It was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

Regarding the new Iraqi government, Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the KRG has no veto against anyone. While protecting common interests, he said what is important to the Kurdistan Region is the new government's programme that would help to materialize the rights and the constitutional authorities of the Kurdistan Region.

The Council of Ministers affirmed the Security Council Resolution to be an important step towards recognizing these crimes as genocide. The Council of Ministers assigned the High Commission on Recognition of ISIS Crimes as Genocide to coordinate with the international team. Prime Minister Barzani instructed the commission to deliver to the UN team all evidence collected during the past four years about crimes against humanity and acts of genocide directed at Yezidis, Christians, and all other communities to apply justice to perpetrators to the full extent of the law and to compensate the victims and their families.

Read a press release here

Prime Minister Barzani: Improving Yezidis' condition is a common and multifaceted duty

In a statement marking the fourth anniversary of|the mass killing and abduction of thousands of IYezidi Kurds by ISIS, Prime Minister Barzani W Jreaffirmed that the KRG will continue to work for ■ C9the liberation of the remaining abductees and to Iassist in improving the living conditions of all of* rm I^Va ^

the people of Shingal (Sinjar).

He called on the Iraqi Federal Government to proceed with the normalization of the situation in Shingal and reconstruction of that region. He also called on the international community to officially



recognize the mass killing of Yezidis as genocide and assist in improving the situation of the people of Shingal.


Third Deloitte report on Oil and Gas Review in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, with newly added disclosures on local sales

New verified data on the Kurdistan Region's oil exports, consumption and revenues have been published, covering the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2018, after a review of the sector by the international "Big 4" audit and consulting firm, Deloitte. A new section on local sales has been included, identifying crude oil sold locally and average price realised.

The Regional Council of Oil and Gas Affairs expects the release of the fourth report covering oil exports, consumption and revenues for second quarter of 2018 (1 April to 30 June) in the near future.

Read the report here (in English. Kurdish, and Arabic).

KRG DFR pledges continued support to Canada's Embassy Office in Erbil

The outgoing Head of Canada's Embassy Office in Erbil, Paul Gareau, visited Department of Foreign Relations of Kurdistan Regional Government and met with Assistant Head of DFR, Siham Jabali Mamand upon completion of his tenure in the Kurdistan Region. X6

Mr. Gareau expressed his delight for the opportunity of having worked in the Kurdistan Region and reiterated his pleasure for the existing relations between the Kurdistan Region and Canada. He then thanked the people, government and the institutions of KRI for their assistance and facilitation for Canada's Embassy Office in Erbil.


Prime Minister Barzani receives U.S. military delegation

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Major General Sean M. Jenkins, Chief Office of U.S.Security Coordination in Iraq and Steven Fagin US Consul-General to the Kurdistan Region with their accompanying delegation.

The delegation thanked the KRG, particularly the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs for their cooperation, coordination and assistance. Theycommended the recent Peshmerga forces' military operations against ISIS and stressed the importance of continuing engagement between Peshmerga and Iraqi forces to eliminate threats of terrorism with the support of the coalition forces.

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U.S. Congressional Delegation visits KRG DFR to discuss the latest developments in the region

A delegation from of the US Congress led by Steven Fagin, US Consul General to Kurdistan Region, Patrick Megahan, professional staff member for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism,Nonproliferation, and Trade and Oren Adaki, Staff Director of the House Foreign Affairs Committee visited the KRG Department of Foreign Relations and were received by the Assistant Head of DFR, Siham Jabali Mamand.

During the course of the meeting, the two sides discussed relations between the Kurdistan Region and the US, highlighting areas for mutual collaboration and cooperation. Ms. Mamand expressed the appreciation and gratitude of the KRG to the US government for the assistance provided to the Region.



US Secretary of State discusses political situation in Iraq with Masoud Barzani - Kurdistan24 August 29, 2018The United States Secretary of State on Wednesday spoke with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani about the political developments in Iraq, a readout from the KDP leader's office read.

American allies wanted - why Kurdistan may be one - The HillAugust 8, 2018Editorial by Dr Quanta Ahmed

Iraq short on spare gas and diesel supplies -UPI August 29, 2018The federal Iraqi government can't distribute oil products to the Kurdish north of Iraq because it can barely satisfy its own demand, a ministry official said.

President Barzani calls for Kurdistan. Russia to diversify, expand relations - Rudaw August 30, 2018President Masoud Barzani called for broader relations between the Kurdistan Region and Russia in a meeting with Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin in Erbil on Thursday

Iraqi Kurdistan Gets First All-Female Run Newspaper - VOA News August 26, 2018Is 2018 the Year of the Woman? A small newspaper in the Garmiyan region of Iraqi Kurdistan, seems to think so.

The Kurds Are Armed. Attracting Investment, and Stateless. So What's Next? - Daily Caller August 17, 2018Ninety-two percent of Iraqi Kurds voted for independence in September 2017, and the Kurdish Regional Government began drafting plans to negotiate with the Iraqi government to gain independence - then came the backlash.

Nation building through digital diplomacy - Digital Diplomacy Hub August 9, 2018Iraqi Kurdistan is one example of a contested political entity, which appears to be getting it right in the digital sphere.



Art made from Isis bullet hole damage goes on show for first joint UK project between Iraq and Kurdistan — The Art Newspaper August 29, 2018"Piers Secunda's exhibition on destroyed ancient Assyrian objects is part of ongoing attempts to bring peace to a divided region."

We can help Kurdistan bridge the gap - The Times August 3, 2018Editorial by British MP Jack Lopresti

KRG envoy stresses importance of recognizing ISIS crimes against Yezidis - The Baghdad Post August 4, 2018Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, the KRG Representative to the United States stressed on Saturday the need to recognize the ISIS crimes committed against Yezidi community.

CJTF-OIR: We will 'enable Peshmeraa' through training — The Kurdish Project August 24, 2018Brig. Gen. Austin Renforth, of the US Marine Corps, visited Erbil last week, and while he was there, he spoke with Kurdish media.

DNO Reports Payment for Tawke Deliveries - Asia Corporate News Network August 20, 2018DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today reported receipt of USD 69.03 million as payment for May 2018 crude oil deliveries to the export market from the Tawke license in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Chevron Starts Work On Iraq Field Development Deal — Oil Price.com August 20, 2018This would be the first major deal for Chevron in Iraq, although the company has a presence in the autonomous region of Kurdistan, which it had to leave last year after an ill-fated independence referendum led to the central Iraqi government taking control of Kirkuk and the surrounding fields from the Kurds.

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KRG-US December 2018 newsletter1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Mon, Dec 31,2018 at 10:45 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, D.C.December 2018 newsletter

Welcome to our December 2018 newsletter

We were honored this month to see

Nadia Murad, a Yezidi from Shingal,

awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her

courageous advocacy against the use of

sexual violence as a weapon of war.

Born in a small town south of Mount

Shingal, many members of Nadia's

family were killed by ISIS, and she

herself was as a slave for nine months

until she escaped. Her fearless tenacity

to tell her story before die world is

humbling and an inspiration to survivors

of genocide everywhere.

Only a few days later, we were happy to

see President Donald Trump sign the

Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and

Accountability Act. This is an important

step for Yezidis, Christians, and other

victims of ISIS. I had discussed this

important measure with members of

Congress, and was honored to join an



event at the White House prior to the

bill's signing.

This month I also traveled to Detroit to

meet with members of religious and

ethnic minority communities for a

roundtable discussion. During die

roundtable, which was also attended by

US government officials and members

of Congress, I heard concerns from die

community and we discussed having a

similar roundtable for communities in

Kurdistan.

The beginning of 2018 was turbulent for

Kurdistan and Iraq. However, I am

optimistic at the progress that has been

made in the relationship between Erbil

and Baghdad. This year we took several

confidence-building measures between

us, and there were peaceful elections for

the federal government and in

Kurdistan. Let us continue to work

toward a peaceful and prosperous year in

2019.



3 -

it l/

-

DFR Head Falah Mustafa Bakir, KRG-US Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, and the KRG-US team.

US President Trump signs Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief and Accountability Act

President Donald Trump this month signed H.R.390, the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act. The bill promotes accountability for the genocide committed by ISIS against Yezidis and Christians, and provides for the urgent needs of these persecuted religious and ethnic communities.

KRG-US had advocated for the passage of the bill in Congress. KRG Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman joined an event at the White House prior to the signing ceremony.

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Read the Act here.Read a press release here

Prime Minister Barzani meets United Nations' new Envoy

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received United Nation's new Special Representative for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and her accompanying delegation.



Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Ms. Hennis- Plasschaert for her new position and wished her success in her duties. He assured her of his government's support during her mission.

They discussed the political process in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the importance of completing the formation of the new cabinet of the Iraqi government and the improvement of relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad


Yezidi activist Nadia Murad wins Nobel Peace Prize

Nadia Murad, a Yezidi human rights activist, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace for her efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict. She is the first Yezidi, Kurd, and Iraqi to win the award.

Ms. Murad's is an extraordinary story of suffering that includes genocide and sexual violence at the hands of ISIS, yet also resilience and an unwavering drive to better the lives of her fellow Yezidis and all who suffer persecution and sexual violence.

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Prime Minister Barzani received Ms. Murad to congratulate for her determination and dedication to bringing justice to her Yezidi community. He offered his full support to her efforts to promote peace and recognition of ISIS' atrocities as genocide.

Read a press release about Ms. Murad's visit with the Prime Minister here.Read the KRG-US statement here.

Prime Minister Barzani meets Vatican Secretary of State

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and his accompanying delegation.

Cardinal Parolin praised the Kurdistan Region for the exemplary level of tolerance and coexistence among its various ethnic and religious communities. He highly appreciated Prime Minister Barzani's leadership in this regard, and reiterated the Vatican's support for the Kurdistan Region.

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He thanked the people and government of the Kurdistan Region for welcoming, accommodating and assisting an extraordinary number of displaced people, notably displaced Christians.


KRG-US hosts evening of Kurdish cinema in Washington



The KRG Representation in Washington hosted an evening of Kurdish cinema at the Landmark's E Street Cinema.

The evening included four films: 'Home and Key' and 'Barber and the World' by director Shwan Attoof, 'Evan: A Survivor's Story' by director Rafiqfuad Yarahmadi, and 'Circle' by director Shepol Abbasi.

Following the film screening KRG Director of Culture Najat Abdullah moderated a discussion with Kurdish actor and director Mozaffar Shafeie on the evolution and current state of Kurdish cinema.

Chaldean Community Foundation hosts religious freedom roundtable in Detroit

The Chaldean Community Foundation, in coordination with the Religious Freedom Roundtable, hosted a gathering of religious and community leaders in Detroit to discuss a range of issues related to religious freedom in Kurdistan and Iraq. Members of Christian, Yezidi, Bahai, and other communities joined the meeting, alongside KRG Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman and representatives from the US Government.

One of the goals of the meeting was to plan for an upcoming religious freedom roundtable in Erbil, which is anticipated to occur in the first half of 2019. This was the third religious freedom roundtable hosted in the US in 2018.

Prime Minister Barzani receives US Secretary of Energy

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received US Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry and his accompanying delegation.

Secretary Perry stressed the United States' continuing support to the stability of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and supported dialogue between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraq's federal government.

Prime Minister Barzani considered the visit strong support to the people and government of the Kurdistan Region and expressed hope for further strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two sides.


Slemani hosts Tech Fest to promote local technology and


innovation


HackASulv and FiveOneLabs. both technology incubators based in Kurdistan, hosted a day-long festival to promote local innovation.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani spoke at the event and highlighted the pace of development of information technology in the Kurdistan Region.

He said, "Information technology is the future of Kurdistan. It can provide job opportunities for youth while the traditional market is not able to provide such opportunities for the graduates of universities and institutes," stressing that "Kurdistan will need experts in information technology in both public and private sectors".

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani noted that, "we have started digitalizing the ministries and the way we function within our government". He pointed out that "the biometric system, which has recently been adopted by the KRG, is a key step for a strong infrastructure. In the future it could include all the citizens and provide services and health insurance".


Prime Minister Barzani's Christmas message

In a statement on Christmas Day, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani congratulated the Christians in Iraq and around the world. The Prime Minister said:

"As we celebrate Christmas this year, sadly, many Christians are still displaced and have not been able to return to their places of origin. We hope that they will soon celebrate upcoming holidays at their homes with dignity in a stable and peaceful Iraq and world.

On this occasion, we reaffirm our long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence and tolerance among Kurdistan's religious and ethnic communities."


Fourth Deloitte report on Oil and Gas Review in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq - Q2 of 2018

The Regional Council for Oil and Gas Affairs has published new verified data on the Kurdistan Region's oil exports, consumption and revenues, covering the period from 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2018, after a review of the sector by Deloitte.

The Regional Council for Oil and Gas Affairs acknowledges the positive feedback received from stakeholders, including the international community, and



reiterates its commitment to the people of Kurdistan that the two international audit firms, Deloitte and Ernst & Young, will continue to independently review the oil and gas sector, inclusive of all the streams.

Read the report here.Read frequently asked questions about the audit here.

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i the Buyers (Note 6)

Prime Minister Barzani meets UN Investigative Team Head Karim Asad Ahmad Khan

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani met the Special Adviser and Head of the International Investigative Team on crimes committed by the Islamic State terrorist group in Iraq, Karim Asad Ahmad Khan and his accompanying delegation.

Mr. Ahmad Khan described the work and activities of his team working with the assistance of the Iraqi Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

He pointed to the road map which has been developed to carry out tasks within the framework of decisions and recommendations of the UN Security Council to collect and document ISIS' crimes, as well as achieving justice and convicting ISIS terrorists.

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Representative Abdul Rahman visits universities in Boston

Several Boston-area universities hosted KRG Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman for public and private events.

The Representative was hosted for a talk at Harvard Law School, in an event moderated by Rez Gardi, a Kurdish student currently studying law at Harvard.

Representative Abdul Rahman spoke at a University of'Massachusetts - Boston event for students and members of the Kurdish community in Boston, hosted by the Kurdish Students Association. Earlier this year, the Kurdish StudentsAssociation successfully lobbied their school's administration to hang the Kurdistan flag in the student union building.


Prime Minister Barzani meets US Special Envoy

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani met with the USSpecial Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS Brett McGurk, US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman, US Consul-General to the Kurdistan Region Steven Fagin, and their accompanying delegation.



They discussed the latest political developments in Iraq, formation of the new Iraqi government, support of the Kurdistan Region political parties for the Iraqi government, relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, and ongoing talks among Kurdistan's political parties to form the Kurdistan Regional Government's new cabinet.


Prime Minister Barzani's message on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani extended condolences to the family and friends of the late former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. He said:

"The people of Kurdistan have always admired and respected him, as he played an important role in establishing the no-fly zone in 1991 that protected the people of Kurdistan from injustice and oppression of the Baathist regime, and helped the Kurdistan Region to progress.

1

President George H. W. Bush's memories will live on within the hearts of the people of Kurdistan."

Read the full text here.


KDP nominates Nechirvan and Masrour Barzani for Iraqi Kurdistan's top posts - ReutersDecember 3, 2018Iraq's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) said on Monday it had nominated current premier Nechirvan Barzani to succeed his uncle Masoud Barzani as president of Iraqi Kurdistan, and Masoud Barzani's son Masrour as premier of the regional government.

Special Report With Bret Baier - Fox News December 21, 2018Including interview with Representative Abdul Rahman.

Iraq For Vacation? Welcome to Kurdistan - Floustonia December 27, 2018Gorgeous mountains and waterfalls, lush markets, and even karaoke bars.

Echoes of Genocide - KRG Representation in the United States March 16,2018We marked the 30th anniversary of the chemical bombardment of Halabja and the Anfal genocide with this commemorative book that included survivors' stories, poems and expert reports.

Readout of Secretary Perry's Visit to Iraq and Kurdistan - Energy.gov December 11, 2018



Secretary Perry was in Iraq, leading a U.S. delegation for talks with government officials in Baghdad and Erbil.

After losing most of its control in Iraq. ISIS is starting to reemerae - PBSNewshourDecember 2, 2018After Islamic State fighters were driven out of much of Iraq, members of the terrorist group went back to collaborating out of plain sight and a conventional war there turned into a search for their bases.

Retreating ISIS army smuggled a fortune in cash and gold out of Iraq and Syria - Washington Post December 21, 2018More than a year after the collapse of its self-declared caliphate, the Islamic State is sitting on a mountain of stolen cash and gold that its leaders stashed away to finance terrorist operations and ensure the organization's survival years into the future, intelligence officials and terrorism experts say.

Sinjar road reconnects estranged Yazidis and Kurds with Baghdad - Al Monitor December 17, 2018The strategic route had been sealed since October 2017 when the Iraqi army backed by Shiite militias pushed out Kurdish peshmerga forces from the area.

The lives of children in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have improved, but challenges remain, new survey reveals - UN Children's Fund December 17, 2018While almost all children in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (96%) are attending primary school, only 67% of children are attending lower secondary education, with an even lower completion rate for children from poorer backgrounds across the country (37%).

Geologists Search for Clues to Dinosaurs' Extinction - Al Fanar Media December 10, 2018Researchers are studying rocks in Northern Iraq in hopes of finding out more about how life emerged after the dinosaurs' extinction.

Bishop says Iraqi Christians want to stay, contribute to country - Crux NOW December 8, 2018Bishop Paul McAleenan said he was "shocked" by what he saw during a recent trip to northern Iraq to visit with Christians returning to their homes four years after being driven out by the Islamic State.

Erbil reaps rewards by allowing Syrian refugees to flourish - UNHCR December 14, 2018Northern Iraqi city's choice to embrace refugees and keep job markets open has benefited both Syrians and locals alike, local governor says.

Exhibit of a crisis: the UK's first illustrated take on the plight of refugees - The NationalDecember 30, 2018Journeys Drawn: Illustration from the Refugee Crisis' at the House of Illustration in London features works from a dozen artists illustrating the plight of refugees

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KRG-US January 2019 newsletter1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Thu, Jan 31,2019 at 8:22 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, D.C.January 2019 newsletter

Welcome to our January 2019 newsletter

We began this year with the encouraging news that the Iraqi Parliament has finally passed the 2019 Budget Law. After months of negotiating, lawmakers from Kurdistan Region and the rest of Iraq were able to agree on a law that allocates a share of the federal budget for the Kurdistan Region, including salaries for KRG government employees and the Peshmerga. While the budget doesn't meet the KRG's demands or rights, it is a step in the right direction. We are encouraged by the leadership of Prime Minster Abdul-Mehdi and look forward to working with him in the coming years.

Alongside Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, this month I had the honor of welcoming US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on his visit to Kurdistan. The meetings the Secretary had with the Prime Minister and Chancellor Masrour Barzani, which I attended, were very positive and encouraging, and we look



forward to strengthening the partnership between Kurdistan and the United States.

I would like to thank my good friend Congressman Francis Rooney (pictured), a long-time member of the Kurdish American Congressional Caucus who this month agreed to co-chair the Caucus. We look forward to continuing to work with him and his fellow chairman, Congressman Ralph Abraham, through this new session of Congress.


Representative to the United States

Prime Minister Barzani meets U.S. Secretary of State

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and his accompanying delegation. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

The regional situation, developments in the Middle East, and the threat of reemergence of terrorism and ways to combat it, were discussed. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and his accompanying delegation. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

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Secretary Pompeo highlighted the significance of recent improvement of relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, and progress being made on some issues. He affirmed that the United States would remain a partner of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Read a press release here.Read a readout of Chancellor Masrour Barzani's meeting with Secretary Pompeo here.

Representative Abdul Rahman meets several US officials including USAID Assistant Administrator Michael Harvey

Representative Abdul Rahman met with USAID Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Michael Harvey to discuss the needs of displaced communities in Kurdistan. Currently, Kurdistan hosts more than 1.4 million displaced Syrians and Iraqis. The conversation focused particularly on the needs of Yezidis and Christians who suffered genocide under ISIS and are still unable to return to their homes. Representative Abdul Rahman thanked Assistant Administrator Harvey for the US' commitment to Kurdistan and to the displaced populations of the Middle East. She said that she continuing cooperation with USAID.

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looks forward to

Representative Abdul Rahman also met with Assistant Secretary of State Denise Natali,

Director for Iraq at the State Department Robert Waller and Director for Iraq at the

Department of Defense Annie Dreazen to discuss recent security, political and humanitarian

developments as well as broadening ongoing cooperation in different fields between the

KRG and the United States.



Iraqi parliament passes 2019 Budget Law

Iraq's Council of Representatives passed the 2019 budget this month, ending weeks of deadlock. The budget, totaling $108 billion, includes funding for KRG civil servants and the Peshmerga.

Under the law, the KRG agrees to deliver 250,000 barrels of crude oil per day to the federal State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO).

The bill includes compensation for the families of the victims of ISIS, which includes the families of the 1,800 Peshmerga who were martyred and 10,000 who were injured in the fight against ISIS.

In addition, the budget allocates $42 million for opening two offices related to Article 140 (to resolve the outstanding issue of the disputed territories) and an additional $672 million for implementing the article.

Representative Abdul Rahman continues outreach to Congress

Representative Abdul Rahman met with several key members of Congress, including Senator James Risch (pictured), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Senator Grassley,Chairman of the Justice Committee; and Congressman Francis Rooney, member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Congressman Rooney is the new Chair of the Kurdish American Congressional Caucus.

In each meeting, Representative Abdul Rahman updated the Congressman on the political, security, humanitarian, and economic situation in Kurdistan and Iraq, including the improved relationship between Erbil and Baghdad.

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Prime Minister Barzani receives U.S. delegation

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received a U.S delegation, led by

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Andrew Peek, and including

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman and U.S. Consul- General to the Kurdistan Region Steven Fagin.

Mr. Peek appreciated the role of Prime Minister Barzani towards solving the issues between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, which improvement in the relations between the two sides.

The steps towards forming a new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government, bilateral relations, U.S. support and assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and the threat of the re-emergence of terrorism were discussed.

Read a press release here.Read a readout of KRSC Chancellor Masrour Barzani's meeting with Mr. Peek here.

Prime Minister Barzani receives Syriac Orthodox leaders



Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received a delegation from the Syriac Orthodox religious leaders in Mosul and the Kurdistan Region, headed by His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church and a number of bishops.

The delegation expressed gratitude to the people, government and the Peshmerga forces of the Kurdistan Region for accommodating and protecting Christians in difficult times. They highlighted the historical roots of theChristians in the region and hailed the peaceful coexistence among the various communities in the Kurdistan Region.

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Prime Minister Barzani praised the continued tradition of coexistence in the Kurdistan Region andstressed the protection and promotion of religious freedom.


Cultural heritage night hosted at KRG Mission in Washington

The KRG-US Representation hosted an evening event to celebrate Kurdistan's cultural heritage. The event, co-hosted with Embassy Experiences and Things to Do DC, included music, dancing, and food.

Director of Cultural Affairs Najat Abdullah shared some of Kurdistan's rich musical traditions with the audience, highlighting the different rhythms and scales of Kurdistan. He also played several selections on the oud and Kurdish helparke dancing music on the keyboard.

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Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani meets World Bank Delegation

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received a delegation from World Bank Group headed by Dr.Merza Hasan, Dean of Executive Directors Board.Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani also attended the meeting.

KRG's handling of the financial challenges; the reform process, role of private sector in reinvigorating Kurdistan Region's economy andcooperation between the KRG and the World Bank were extensively discussed. The Prime Minister expressed KRG's appreciation for World Bank's continued constructive engagement. Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Chancellor, Masrour Barzani also had substantive discussions on a range of important issues with Dr Merza Hasan.

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Yezidi spiritual leader Mir Tahseen Beg passes away



Head of the Yezidi Supreme Spiritual Council Mir Tahseen Beg passed away in Germany this month.

KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani sent condolences to the Mir's family and the Yezidi community across the globe, describing the late leader as someone who worked for peaceful coexistence in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

"My heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and all of our Yezidi brothers and sisters and the people of Kurdistan on the death of Mir Tahsin," said PM Barzani in a message. He said that Mir Tahsin was not only a leader for the Yezidi community, but that "he played a crucial role in Kurdistan and in Iraq."

"He always worked to strengthen the spirit of coexistence among different communities in Kurdistan and Iraq," Prime Minister Barzani said.

Prime Minister Barzani receives U.S. Consul General

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received U.S. Consul General to the Kurdistan Region Steven Fagin, and his accompanying delegation.

They discussed bilateral relations, relations, ways to strengthen them, the economic condition of the Kurdistan Region, and situation of displaced people in the Region.

Consul General Fagin commended the KRG for accommodating and providing assistance to an extraordinary number of displaced people. In this regard, he stressed cooperation among the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad and the international community.

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Head of DFR receives a delegation from the International Committee of

the Red Cross (ICRC) and affirmed their continued cooperation

The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa received ICRC Operations Coordinator for the Near and the Middle East, Marco Succi accompanied by the Head of Sub-Delegation in Erbil, Noah Lilienfein and Deputy Head Chiya Miqdad Ali.

Minister Mustafa welcomed the delegation and commended the level of relations between KRG and the ICRC organization, and continuation of their activities during conflicts and post conflicts to the Kurdistan Region and beyond.

ICRC delegation presented a brief on their works and activities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and stressed the permanence in providing humanitarian assistance and implementation of their projects and programs in the region.



Director of Cultural Affairs shares Kurdistan's musical traditions at Iraq Mission to the UN

KRG-US Director of Cultural Affairs Najat Abdullah was hosted at the Iraqi Mission to the UN to give a talk about Kurdistan's rich musical traditions and perform several pieces on the oud. The event, hosted by the UN Women's Delegate Club, was attended by female ambassadors and diplomats and the wives of UN diplomats from many countries around the world.

Mr. Abdullah give a brief talk about the different scales and rhythms that are unique to Kurdistan.In addition to his role as the Director of Cultural Affairs, Mr. Abdullah is a classically-trained, professional oud performer.

Film about Peshmerga deminer screened at George Washington University

Over 100 people joined a screening of the film The Deminer at George Washington University on January 31. The film follows Peshmerga demining engineer Fakir Berwari as he fearlessly clears unexploded landmines and bombs, despite suffering numerous injuries including the loss of his leg. The film is cut with archival footage, much of which he recorded himself.

The event was co-hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States, Embassy of the Czech Republic, and the George Washington University Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies.

After a short reception, KRG Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman and Czech Ambassador Hynek Kmomcek delivered opening remarks. Following the film, Executive Director of the Mines Advisory Group America Jamie Franklin gave some remarks and answered questions about the threat of landmines in Kurdistan and Iraq.



Profile of Yezidi OB/GYN. Dr. Naaham Flasan - UNHCR January 30, 2019

Iraqi parliament passes budget measures for KRG salaries. Peshmerga - Rudaw January 23, 2019Iraq's parliament have passed a measure in the 2019 budget bill that guarantees Baghdad will pay the salaries of the state employees in the Kurdistan Region and the Peshmerga.



New remains discovered at site of famous Neanderthal flower burial - Science January 22, 2019For tens of thousands of years, the high ceilings, flat earthen floor, and river view of Shanidar Cave have beckoned to ancient humans.

Nashville schools looks to add Kurdish as part of its course offerings -TennesseanJanuary 22, 2019The Metro Nashville Public Schools board on Tuesday night unanimously voted to approve a request that the state considers the addition of the language to its course list.

France. Germany to form joint culture institute in Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan 24 January 25, 2019France and Germany have agreed to establish at least ten joint cultural institutes by 2020, with one located in the Kurdistan Region, a report said on Friday.

US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman's farewell message - US EmbassyBaghdadJanuary 31, 2019

Photographing the Yazidis in Iraq as They Struggle to Rebuild Their Lives - New York Times January 22, 2019Emilienne Malfatto has been documenting the lives of Yazidis, who returned to their ancestral homeland after ISIS was routed from the city in 2015.

PFIOTOS: Once-banned ballet group holds dance event in Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan 24 January 25, 2019A local ballet group on Friday performed a number of dances at an event in the Kurdistan Region's town of Darbandikhan.

Iraqi Kurdistan Beings its Recovery after a Difficult Year- Petroleum Economist

January 3, 2019

A resurgent energy sector and likely better relations with Baghdad make for a brighter

KRI future. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) started 2018 in an awful mess. After a

misjudged independence referendum in October 2017, the region lost almost half its

land-and oil export capacity-as federal forces retook a swath of contested territory,

including tire oil-rich city ol Kirkuk.

Number of tourists in Kurdistan Region increased bv 47 percent in 2018: Minister - Kurdistan 24 January 8, 2019The semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region recorded a 47 percent increase in the number of tourists in 2018 compared to the year before, a Kurdish minister said.

Turkey renews flights to Iraqi Kurd city after 16-month ban- i24NEWS January 26, 2019Flights between Turkey and the Iraqi Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah resumed Saturday,according to aviation authorities, after a 16-month air blockade imposed by Ankara over



an independence referendum.

Iraqi Kurdistan Parties Move to Form New Cabinet - Al Monitor January 24, 2019

Kurdish political parties in northern Iraq are taking big strides in hammering out theirdifferences in order to form a new regional government, pledging to bring stability andprosperity to the people of this semi-autonomous region.

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KRG-US June 2019 newsletter1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Sun, Jun 30, 2019 at 7:54 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, D.C.June 2019 newsletter

Welcome to our June 2019 newsletter

June has been a momentous and exciting month.

I was honored to attend the inauguration of Kurdistan Region's new president, Nechirvan Barzani, on June 10. After leading Kurdistan as prime minister through a period of rapid economic expansion and shepherding us through the humanitarian crisis of recent years, there is excitement that his new term as president will be one of even greater prosperity and renewed engagement with the international community. President Nechirvan Barzani's inauguration ceremonywas attended by local, Iraqi and international dignitaries including Former President Masoud Barzani, Iraq's President Barham Salih, Speaker Mohamed Halboosi, and Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The new President received many congratulatory messages, including a call from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.



His first act as President was to designate Masrour Barzani as Prime Minster and task him with forming a government. As Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council, Masrour Barzani helped lead the campaign against ISIS and kept Kurdistan safe throughout the war. The Prime Minister-designate has until July 12 to form a cabinet.

I was also delighted this month to accompany a delegation of American companies led by the US Chamber of Commerce and Deputy Secretary of State Andrew Peek. The delegation represented about 30 entities and met with the President, Prime Minister-designate, Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament Vala Fareed (pictured, with Deputy Speaker Muna Kahveci) and numerous other officials and business leaders. It was especially promising to see the Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry sign a memorandum of understanding with the US Chamber, a step both sides consider to be historic and one that we all hope will pave the way for greater US-Kurdistan economic ties.

Our newsletter covers these events and much more.




Nechirvan Barzani inaugurated as President of Kurdistan Region

Nechirvan Barzani was inaugurated as President of the Kurdistan Region on June 10.

President Barzani, who had been serving as the KRG Prime Minister,

was unanimously voted in by the regional legislature on May 28 and

took the oath of office in front of hundreds of national and

international dignitaries gathered at a specially convened

parliamentary session at Saad Abdullah Conference Hall.

In his first speech as the newly-elected leader, the President said that

Kurdistan has proved to be a "visible and an effective part of the

Region and international community" and has played a "remarkable role in protecting the stability of the economy

and politics of the region."

Read a press release here.Read a transcript of the President's speech here.

President of the Kurdistan Region tasks Masrour Barzani to form the

new KRG cabinet

President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani tasked Masrour Barzani, as Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, to form the ninth ministerial cabinet, in the presence of the Speaker of the Kurdistan Parliament Ms. Vala Farid and the Head of the Judicial Council of the Kurdistan Region Judge Bangin Qasim.

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According to the Regional Decree, the process of the formation of the ministerial cabinet must not exceed 30 days from the date of the decree, signed on Wednesday, 12 June 2019.

US Chamber visit to Erbil and signing of historic MoU with Kurdish counterparts exemplify economic recovery

A US Chamber of Commerce delegation led by US Chamber Vice President for the Middle East,Steve Lutes, visited Kurdistan this week to seek trade opportunities and meet local officials and businesses.

The trip, which was jointly led by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Andrew Peek, was organized in cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States, with Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman.

The delegation consisted of nearly 50 people representing about 30 entities. Among the companies represented were Citibank, Cisco Systems, Hillwood, Contrack Watts, CNH Industrial Services, and Siemens USA. Some companies were already operating and had invested in Kurdistan while others are new to the market.


Readout of Prime Minister-designate Masrour Barzani’s meeting with

US Trade Mission

Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council and Prime Minister-designate Masrour Barzani had a lengthy, engaging meeting with a trade mission led by the US Chamber of Commerce. They discussed challenges and opportunities for foreign investments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

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Prime Minister-designate Barzani detailed his plans to reduce Kurdistan's dependence on oil and gas by investing in agriculture, industry and tourism, among other sectors. He also shared proposals to reduce and streamline bureaucracy through digitalization.

The Prime Minister-designate said he intends to lead new efforts to address the protracted disputes with the Iraqi Federal Government. He said the Constitution already outlines mutually beneficial mechanisms, and looks forward to engaging Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.




Kurdish and American chambers of commerce sign agreement for further cooperation

The Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the United States Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding on June 23, 2019, committing their organizations to further cooperation, with the goal of developing and diversifying Kurdistan Region's economy and informing US businesses about the emerging Kurdistani market.

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Dara Jalil Al-Khayat, President of the KurdistanFederation, and Steve Lutes, Vice President of Middle East Affairs for the US Chamber of Commerce, signed the agreement for their respective organizations in the presence of several KRG officials including Minister Falah Mustafa, KRG Spokesman Safeen Dizayee, Erbil Governor Newzad Hadi and the KRG Representative to the United States Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman. US Consul General Steve Fagin and the heads of the Slemani, Duhok, Kirkuk and Nineveh Chambers were also present.


Representative Abdul Rahman travels to New York to meet UN diplomats and officials

Representative Abdul Rahman traveled to New York this week to meet senior members of the United Nations diplomatic corps and UN officials.

Representative Abdul Rahman visited several top diplomats at their respective UN Missions: Permanent Representative from Iraq, Ambassador Mohammad Hussein Ali Bahr Aluloom; United States' Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jonathan Cohen; Deputy Permanent Representative for the European Union, Ambassador Silvio Gonzato; and Deputy Permanent Representative from France Anne Gueguen. • :

She also met with UN officials Darko Mocibob, Deputy Director of the Middle East Division, and Tom Lynch, Adviser to the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL (UNITAD).


Representative Abdul Rahman visits Canadian Parliament for screening of documentary film about Yezidi family

Canada's Parliament screened the film "One Yezidi Family vs ISIS" on June 17 to a group of Members of Parliament and their staff. The event was hosted by MP Tom Kmiec, who founded the Parliamentary Friends of the Kurds group in 2016.

The film was directed and produced by renowned director Gwynne Roberts and RWF World for the Kurdistan Memory Programme, a project to document the history and culture of Kurdistan.




President of Kurdistan Region meets President of Iraq

President Nechirvan Barzani met with Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih, the President of Iraq. The meeting was held at As- Salam Palace. The two presidents discussed the importance of resolving outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad, and stressed that the issues be resolved in accordance to the Iraqi Constitution.

Both sides highly regarded the visit of the delegation of Kurdistan Region to Baghdad to further strengthen relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and to reinforce the role of legal institutions and collaboration among all political factions in Iraq


President Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-

Mahdi meet in Baghdad

President Nechirvan Barzani and the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Iraq Adel Abdul-Mehdi met in Baghdad to discuss a range of issues. In a positive and friendly meeting, they agreed to redouble their resolve to solve outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government of Iraq.

Soon, a joint committee will agree on an agenda to convenea meeting on a number of issues include the resolution of _______ ____Article 140, the oil, the budget, financial issues, thePeshmerga and other outstanding issues. Preparations will begin for finding solutions for outstanding issues in accordance with the Iraqi constitution.

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Both sides agreed that the next phase in Iraq necessitates full cooperation between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.


President Barzani discusses relations between Erbil and Baghdad with Speaker of Iraqi Parliament Halbousi

President of Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani and the Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq Mohamed al-Halbousi discussed the commitments of both the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Region on the issues of finance, oil and the federal budget law of 2019. They emphasized on the importance of resolving all outstanding issues with a brotherly spirit.

In the meeting, held in Baghdad, both sides discussed the oil and gas law, the law of provincial council elections, and the law of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq.




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Prime Minister-designate Masrour Barzani meet with new US Ambassador to Iraq

KRSC Chancellor and Prime Minister-designate Masrour Barzani and the new US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew H. Tueller met and underscored their shared support for technical talks on measures necessary to promote American investment and stronger business-to-business ties once the new Cabinet takes office.

Both sides agreed that increased investment on one hand and reforms on the other benefits the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The Prime Minister-designate welcomed the announcement of an upcoming US trade mission to the Kurdistan Region. The two officials agreed to stay in close contact on these issues.

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Prime Minister-designate Masrour Barzani's meet with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State

Chancellor and Prime Minister-designate Masrour Barzani v received US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran Andrew Peek. In the meeting, attended byRepresentative Abdul Rahman, US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller, and US Consul General in Erbil Steven Fagin,

both sides discussed at length the longstanding relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

They also reviewed the situation in the disputed territories, and shared support for the return of joint securitymechanisms between Peshmerga Forces and Iraqi Security Forces. In outlining his reform agenda, Chancellor Barzani urged Deputy Assistant Secretary Peek to sustain monthly stipends to the Peshmerga Forces. He emphasized that the next government intends to lead new, sustained effort to tackle Erbil-Baghdad disputes. The meeting also touched on recent political developments in Iraq. They agreed continue regular consultations on these issues.


KRG Deputy Prime Minister meet with a military delegation from the United States

KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani received a military delegation from the United States, led by

Brigadier General Gregory Kreuder and Steven Fagin, U.S. Consul General in Erbil.

Both sides discussed the fight against terrorism and improved cooperation between the Peshmerga and Coalition Forces. Both sides agreed that the same cooperation that existed during the fight against ISIS can prove effective in facing terrorism in its aftermath. Another pillar of discussion was the reform process with the Ministry of Peshmerga and Peshmerga Forces. Regarding Peshmerga



reform, the Deputy Prime Minister insisted on the importance of the United States participating in and supporting the implementation of the reform process.


Agreement signed with the U.S. Office of Security Cooperation to make the Ministry of Peshmerga's Administrative Affairs electronic

On June 23, 2019, Sarbast Lazgin, Deputy Minister of Peshmerga received Connor Delov, U.S. Military Consultant at Office of Security Cooperation, and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, both sides discussed the human resources of the Ministry and plans to make administrative protocols, such as forums and paperwork within the ministry, electronic and signed an agreement to move forward with the project. MSarbast Lazgin wished the project success and hoped that its implementation results in better efficiency and organization within the administrative affairs of the Ministry of Peshmerga. The OSC representative expressed similar expectations and hoped for a quick implementation.


Mayor of Al Qosh visits Washington to raise awareness of status of Christians in Iraq

Lara Yousif Zara, the Mayor of the Christian town of Al Cosh, departed Washington, DC on June 14 after a week-long visit to the capital city. During her visit she met with numerous US government officials, members of Congress, and civil society organizations.

Mayor Zara visited the US Department of State where she met separately with Director of Iraq Affairs Rob Waller and Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South/Central Asia Knox Thames. She also had the opportunity to deliver remarks at the International ReligiousFreedom Roundtable (pictured), a regular meeting of leaders of religious groups and policymakers hosted by Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback.


Deputy Minister of Peshmerga and Representative Abdul Rahman attend Board of Reform meeting

Deputy Minister of Peshmerga Sarbast Lazgin received Representative Abdul Rahman at the Ministry of Peshmerga's Main Hall to discuss recent security events including the ongoing ISIS activity in Iraq and Kurdish regions outside of KRG administration.

Afterwards, they met with a representative from the Global Coalition and the Peshmerga Board of Reform to discuss the progress of the reform process. Major General Dler Miran,

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General Director of Peshmerga Reform, said that six of the 35 projects have been complemented and the electronic salary payment project has been put towards implementation.


KRG-US social media highlights

@BavanRahman: At my first official meeting with the new, younger & energetic

leadership of the @KurdistanParl, Speaker Vala Fareed, Deputy Speaker @heminhawrami

and Second Deputy Muna Kahveci, we discussed the possibilities for capacity-building and

creating ties with American parliamentarians.

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@KRG USA: .@BayanRahman and KRG-US team bid farewell to @IraqiEmbassyUSA

DCM Dr Muhammed al-Quraishi. Wishing him the best of luck on Iris next assignment.

(fl KRG USA: .@BayanRahman & Deputy Assistant Secretary of

Defense for the Middle East@MickMulroy had a wide-ranging &

productive meeting today. She thanked @DeptofDefense & USG for

consistent support to Peshmerga in war w/ ISIS. They discussed

changing nature of ISIS threat in Syria & Iraq.

@BavanRahman: A pleasure to meet Matthew Teuller as he begins Iris assignment as the

new US Ambassador to Iraq. Ambassador Teuller's experience in the Middle East and

Europe will no doubt stand him in good stead in dealing with #Iraq and @Kurdistan's

political foibles and zigzagging deal-making iKurdistan in the media

KRG President meets UN Security Council, vows to mend ties with Baghdad, protect Kurdish rights - Kurdistan 24 June 29, 2019President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani met with members of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation in Baghdad on Saturday where he vowed to mend outstanding issues with the Iraqi government and protect the rights of the people of Kurdistan.

Faces of War: Kurdistan Armed Struggle Against Islamic State - The Guardian June 27, 2019The war against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has flooded our daily news with troubling statistics of massacres and mass migrations, yet there are faces and human stories at the heart of the conflict.

[VIDEO! Conversation with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad - USIP June 28,2019

Mike Pompeo welcomes Nechirvan Barzani as new KRG President - Kurdistan 24 June 4, 2019US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke by phone with the President-elect of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, to offer his congratulations, State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus announced in a statement released on Monday.

Field fire reaches centre of Shinaal. over 50 families evacuate - Rudaw June 28, 2019A fire began spreading through fields in Shingal, in Nineveh province on Friday, reaching the city centre.

PM-elect Masrour Barzani assures Turkmen, Christians will have ministers in new cabinet - Rudaw June 22, 2019As Kurdish parties inch closer towards an agreement on forming a new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), both Turkmens and Christians have been assured they will be given ministerial



posts.

Iraqi Kurds invite Canada to help train, equip Peshmerga after being frozen out - CTV News June 23, 2019Canada is being invited to once again provide training to Iraq's Kurdish security forces, who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Canadian soldiers in the war against the Islamic State group before being frozen out in 2017.

Sulaimani remembers iconic singer Hassan Zirak on 47th anniversary of his death - Rudaw June 27, 2019The city of Sulaimani commemorated the 47th anniversary of the death of prolific Kurdish singer and composer Hassan Zirak.

Two Years After a Disastrous Referendum, Iraq's Kurds Are Prospering - The Economist June 13,2019Such confidence signals an about-turn for Iraq's Kurds, who enjoy relative autonomy from the rest of Iraq.

Farming project helps Yazidi refugees return to roots - CBC June 11,2019A Manitoba farming initiative aims to unite the Yazidi refugee community and meet their food needs

Yezidi journalist rescued from ISIS captivity - Rudaw June 20, 2019Naveen Rasho, a 24-year-old Yezidi journalist, has been reunited with her family after five years held captive by the Islamic State (ISIS) group.

Free Things to Do in Nashville: Kurdish Festival - The Tennessean June 26, 2019There is a festival from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday celebrating the new "Little Kurdistan" community mural and the Elysian Fields Road walking path near the Salahadeen Center and Mazi Market at364 Elysian Fields Court.

Nechirvan Barzani in Baghdad to Discuss Oil - Al-Monitor June 27, 2019President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) left Erbil for the first time since taking office and headed to the Iraqi capital on June 20 to discuss several outstanding issues with the central government, especially KRG oil exports, the public budget and the situation in the disputed city of Kirkuk.

Murals unite children, communities in Maine, Iraq - WMTW News June 4, 2019For the past year, Biddeford elementary school students have been connecting with students in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.

Kurdistan Racing Team wins first trophy in German race cup - Gulan Media June 16,2019Spanish-Kurdish racecar driver Isaac Tutumlu finished third on Saturday in the Der DMV GT & Touring Car Cup in Germany at the Nurburgring podium in his first race for the Kurdistan Racing Team.

Pentecost pilgrimages in France, Middle East link Catholics in prayer - Catholic Herald June 20, 2019In Iraq, the Pentecost pilgrimage through the Nineveh Plains led to the Rabban Hormizd Monastery in Alqosh, a Chaldean Catholic church founded in the 7th century.

Dewana Dam in Kurdistan expected to be complete by end of the year - Water Power Magazine June 19,2019Construction work on the Dewana dam in the province of Sulaimani, Kurdistan, is expected to complete by November 2019.

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KRG-US March 2019 newsletter1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Sun, Mar 31,2019 at 10:43 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, D.C.March 2019 newsletter

Welcome to our March 2019 newsletter

We were honored to welcome to

Washington this month the Mayor of

Halabja Nuxsha Nasih and Nasrin

Mohammed, a survivor of the chemical

weapons attack on die city in 1988.

Ms Nasih and Ms Mohammed came to |

Washington to participate in the KRG US

Representation's annual commemoration

of the genocide that was perpetrated by

Saddam Hussein's regime 31 years ago.

They delivered their message of peace at

an event at the George Washington

University.

It is very apt that the Halabja delegation

was composed of women since March is

Women's History Month. Kurdistan

Region currently has its first female

Speaker of Parliament, Vala Farid. The parliament itself has a quota of 30 percent women

MPs, and the peshmerga, police and security forces have long included women in their

ranks.



Earlier this month, our Mission was able to coordinate with the Czech Permanent Mission

to the United Nations to screen a film at the UN about die Yezidi genocide. The film, One

Ye^idi Family Vs ISIS, was seen by an audience that included die Permanent Representatives

of the United States and Germany, as well as guests from other missions.

The people of Kurdistan were shocked and joined fellow Iraqis in three days of mourning

following the deadi of nearly 100 people who drowned after a tourist ferry capsized in

Mosul. The tragedy impacted everyone in Iraq and Kurdistan, and unleashed a well of anger

against those who allowed die ferry to operate widiout proper safety procedures in place.

We must all hope that needless tragedies such as this become a tiling of the past and that

safety of citizens becomes paramount.




KRG hosts commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the chemical bombing of Halabja

The KRG Representation hosted its annual commemoration of the chemical bombing of Halabja at George Washington University on March 20. Ms. Nuxsha Nasih, the Mayor of Halabja, and Ms. Nasrin Mohammed, a survivor of the 1988 Halabja chemical bombing, both delivered remarks at the event, as did KRG

Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Iraqi

Ambassador Fareed Yasseen, and Director of Near

Eastern Affairs at the US State Department Bureau of

Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Steve Gillen. Following the speeches, Dr. Sedi Carus,

Professor Emeritus at National Defense University and GWU Professor Dr. Jennifer Wells

held a moderated discussion about the enduring threat of chemical weapons.

In her keynote speech at die commemoration held on March 20, Mayor Nasih said, "I am

honored to be here with you, representing a city that was gassed with chemical weapons 31

years ago, where 5,000 were killed and thousands more injured. In that year, in addition to

Halabja, many odier cities and towns in Kurdistan were subjected to eradication and

genocide campaigns."

Representative Abdul Rahman said, "Genocide has been die fate of many different groups

in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. It is important that we acknowledge and remember the

pain and suffering of victims of all genocides in Iraq - the Yezidis, the Christians, the

Shabaks, die Kakayis, the Barzanis, the Faylees, die people of Halabja, Kirkuk and the Kurds

killed in the Anfal campaign,, die Kurds, the Arabs, the Assyrians, and the Turkmen,. There

are many odiers who also suffered through terrorism, oppression and violence."


Prime Minister Barzani receives US Congressional Delegation

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received a United States congressional delegation, led by Congressman John Garamendi.



The delegation commended the role of the Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga forces in the fight against terrorism, and praised the people and Kurdistan Regional Government for protecting, accommodating, and offering assistance to a large number of IDPs and refugees.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked the United States for its continued support to the Kurdistan Region, particularly in humanitarian and military fields. He highlighted improvement in relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad,stressing the Kurdistan Regional Government's support to Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi and resolving outstanding issues through negotiations and mutual understanding.


KRG US Representation and Czech Mission co-host film about Yezidi genocide at UN

The KRG Representation to the United States on Monday cohosted the screening of a documentary film about the Yezidi genocide at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The screening of One Family vs ISIS was co-hosted with the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the UN. The documentary is the work of the Kurdistan Memory Programme (KMP), a project that documents through film and other media the testimony of eyewitnesses to momentous events in Kurdistan's recent history.

KRG Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman opened theevening by thanking the Czech Mission and welcoming the opportunity to screen this moving film at the UN. She also thanked the United States and all members of the Coalition to defeat ISIS for their support to the Peshmerga and to the displaced communities sheltering in Kurdistan Region.

Read a full press release here.

Mayor of Halabja meets US government officials and organizations in Washington

Ms. Nuxsha Nasih, the Mayor of Halabja, and Ms. Nasrin Mohammed, a survivor of the 1988 Halabja chemical bombing, visited Washington this month to speak at the KRG US Representation's annual Halabja commemoration and to meet with US officials and organizations.

Throughout the week-long visit, the delegation met with several members of the US government and American organizations. At the State Department, Mayor Nasih, Ms.Mohammed, and Representative Abdul Rahman met with Director of Iraq Affairs Robert Waller. In Congress, they met with the staff from Congressman James Sensenbrenner and Congresswoman llhan Omar.

The Mayor had an opportunity to brief leaders and staff of Vital Voices (pictured here), an organization focused on women's empowerment around the world, and the Iraq staff of the International Republican Institute, a non-profit that supports good governance for local governments in Iraq and globally. She also briefed companies and organizations from the US-Kurdistan Business Council on the investment potential for US companies seeking to do business in Halabja which now has the status of a province.


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KRG Representation welcomes support of US Congress for Iraq- US engagement

US House of Representatives national security Chairmen and Ranking Members released a joint statement this month stating their wish to see continued US engagement in Iraq. The statement was welcomed by KRG Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman.

'After years of American and Iraqi citizens struggling and sacrificing side by side, the United States must remain committed to supporting a sovereign and democratic Iraq at peace with its neighbors and safe for its citizens, regardless of their religion, sect, or ethnicity. Continued American engagement will be essential to ensuring future stability and security for Iraq,' the statement said.

Ms Abdul Rahman welcomed the statement. She said, 'We thank America for standing by Kurdistan and Iraq against ISIS and for supporting the peshmerga and Iraqi military. The threat from ISIS is far from over. Kurdistan welcomes the continuing partnership with the United States.'


Assistant Secretary Natali meets Prime Minister Barzani

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received a delegation led by U.S. Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Ms Denise Natali. The delegation included U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran, Andrew Peek, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S.Embassy in Iraq Joey Hood, U.S. Consul-General to the Kurdistan Region Steven Fagin and a number of advisors and officials.

The delegation praised the role of the Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga forces in the war against terrorism, and its people and government for hosting, accommodating, and offering assistance to a large number of IDPs and refugees. They also commended the level of tolerance and coexistence among ethno-religious communities in the Kurdistan Region.


Toronto raises Kurdistan flag in remembrance of genocide victims

Toronto City Hall passed a motion submitted by Councillor Jim Karygiannis to raise the Kurdistan flag in recognition of the 31 st anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack and Anfal campaign.

The Toronto City Hall has amended the Flag Raising Policy to allow the Kurdistan flag to be raised at Toronto City Hall to remember the 5,000 killed and more than 10,000 injured in the chemical bombardment of Halabja, as well as the over 182,000 people killed during the Anfal campaign.

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The flag was raised at an event in front of Toronto City Hall on March 16. Many members of the Kurdish community attended.

Prime Minister Barzani speaks at Middle East Tourism Exhibition in Erbil

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani opened the Middle East Tourism Exhibition in Erbil.



The Prime Minister said, "if it were not for recent very difficult years, the Kurdistan Region would have developed its tourism infrastructure and services to a much higher level."

He added, "To reduce our dependency on oil and gas, we need to advance to a new era of growth and development based on tourism, agriculture, and industrialization. Through this exhibition, I invite private sector entrepreneurs and investors, both foreign and domestic, to come to the Kurdistan Region and invest in tourism sector."

Read the Prime Minister's remarks here.

Kurds celebrate Newroz holiday in Kurdistan and around the world

Kurds celebrated the Newroz holiday starting on the night of March

20. Newroz marks the start of the new year for Kurds and many

people in the Middle East and Central Asia.

In Kurdistan, Kurds and others celebrated with traditional ceremonies, parties, picnics and barbecues. Unfortunately, the last few days of the festivities were cancelled after a ferry in Mosul sank in the Tigris, killing nearly 100 people. The tragedy affected people across Kurdistan and Iraq.

w

Kurds in the diaspora celebrated the holiday in event hallsthroughout the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond. In Virginia (pictured), about 1,000 Kurdish- Americans from Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Syria gathered in Manassas to mark the new year.

KRG US Representation continues outreach to Congress

Representative Abdul Rahman continued her outreach

to the US Congress this month, meeting with members

of die House and Senate to brief diem on a range of

issues.

Ms Abdul Rahman briefed Senator Bob Casey (pictured)

about die humanitarian situation and governance in

Kurdistan and Iraq and thanked him for his support to

the people of Kurdistan. In the House , she met

seperately with Representative Michael Waltz and

Representative Brian Babin, who bodi expressed his

appreciation of the role of the Peshmerga in the fight against ISIS

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Minister Falah Mustafa joins Diplomatic Corps in the 31st commemoration of chemical attack on Halabja

Head of KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa along with the head of foreign missions in the Kurdistan Region participated in the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the chemical attack on Halabja organized by Ministry of Martyrs and Anfal affairs and Halabja governorate.

Head of DFR, Minister Mustafa paid his tribute to the martyrs of Halabja and all the martyrs of Kurdistan liberation struggle and placed a wreath of flower on the memorial of the martyrs. Minister also affirmed to continue the efforts to cover the treatment of the victims of the chemical attack, and delivering more services to the city of Halabja, and with the


friends of the people of Kurdistan and the international community to address the Halabja tragedy as Genocide at the international level.



New Milestones for Kurdish Women - The Wilson Center March 20, 2019Article by Representative Abdul Rahman

SDF fighters celebrate ISIS defeat in eastern Syria [Photos] - Rudaw March 23, 2019Fighters of the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have broken into song and dance as they celebrate the complete elimination of the Islamic State (ISIS) group in eastern Syria on Saturday.

Newroz brings hope of a brighter tomorrow, and reminders of dark past, in Iraqi Kurdistan - Equal Times March 27, 2019"Newroz is proof that we exist," Ardalan Salih tells Equal Times. "The festival is about Kurdish resistance and it reminds Kurds of our historical struggles."

Dana Gas and other companies to invest over $700m in Kurdistan gas project - The National March 6,2019The Pearl consortium, which is led by the UAE's Dana Gas and its parent Crescent Petroleum, will invest more than $700 million in Kurdistan as part of a sales agreement and expansion plans for their fields in Iraq's semi-autonomous region.

Boat Sinks In Iraq, Killing At Least 100 During New Year Celebration - NPR March 21,2019An amusement park boat has sunk in Iraq's Tigris River, killing at least 100 people, according to Iraqi state television. The passengers were celebrating Nowruz, a joyous holiday marking the new year at the start of spring.

Ancient lost city of mountain people unearthed at gates of Mesopotamia's first empire - Newsweek March 26, 2019Archaeologists have discovered an ancient lost city beneath modern-day Iraqi Kurdistan. Newly discovered stone foundations, tablets and other artifacts revealed a city that thrived on the edge of the Zagros Mountains some 4,000 years ago.

Yerevan Saeed's story of surviving the Halabja genocide - Irfaa SawtakMarch 14,2019English with Arabic subtitles

Roughly 30 Yazidi Bodies Exhumed in Iraq - VOA March 28, 2019In recent weeks, Iraqi and United Nations workers have exhumed what they believe to be the remains of 30 bodies of Yazidi victims of IS from one of the dozens of mass graves in the region.




British-Kurd mathematician Caucher Birkar awarded honorary PhD in Erbil - RudawMarch 28, 2019Caucher Birkar, a Kurd from Iran who became a Fields Medal-winning professor of mathematics at Britain's illustrious University of Cambridge, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Salahaddin University-Erbil.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, a robe for religious coexistence - Times of Israel March 28, 2019Artist Shanaz Jamal, who designed a dress featuring a Star of David alongside a cross, crescent and other symbols, wants her creation put on display at the Vatican

Susan Meiselas's three decades long journey photographing the Kurds - TheNationalMarch 26, 2019A group of Iraqi Kurds gather on top of a mound of earth. The power in Susan- Meiselas's harrowing photograph is, however, what's out of the shot.

Reasons Why You Should Visit Iraqi Kurdistan - Scoop Empire March 9, 2019Located in the north of Iraq, Kurdistan is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Middle East. It's all green mountains with snow-capped peaks that will for sure break all of the stereotypes you have about Iraq.

From Kurdistan to Gainesville: UF professor spends career creating green buildings on campus - The Alligator March 17,2019Bahar Armaghani has worked on about 120 projects over 13 years.

Tourism to Kurdistan on Newroz holiday up 4 percent from last year: official -Kurdistan24March 28, 2019The Kurdistan Region witnessed a boom in tourist visits during Newroz when compared to last year, numbers revealed by an official on Thursday indicated.

Iraqi Kurdistan takes aim at gun control - Al Monitor March 6, 2019In a bid to control armed violence and high crime rates, the Kurdistan Regional Government has given gun owners six months to register their arms and give up their heavy weapons. KRG Interior Minister Karim Sinjari issued the Feb. 10 decree to restrict the possession of such weapons to the armed forces.

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KRG-US May 2019 newsletter1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Fri, May 31,2019 at 7:42 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, D.C.May 2019 newsletter

Welcome to our May 2019 newsletter

We are proud this month to announce the election of Nechirvan Barzani to be the next President of the Kurdistan Region.

Under his leadership as Prime Minister, Kurdistan weathered extraordinarily difficult times: a war against ISIS, an enormous and complex humanitarian crisis, and an i, economic crisis brought on by a precipitous crash in oil prices and Baghdad's refusal to disburse KRG's share of the federal budget. Despite long odds in the past five years, under his leadership Kurdistan survived and is setting the stage for a renewed period of peace and prosperity.

Prime Minister Barzani will be inaugurated as President on June 10 in Erbil. His first order of business will be to designate a Prime Minister to form a government. Already, there is much excitement about the prospects and priorities in the new government.



Shortly after the inauguration, I will lead a trade delegation in coordination with the US Chamber of Commerce, to bring American investors to the region to participate in the economic recovery that is already in place. The new government will seek to diversify the economy, and we are bringing investors from a variety of sectors including construction, tourism, manufacturing, health, oil and gas, security, and more. If your company is interested in joining this mission, please contact Carin Rising ([email protected]) at the US Chamber.




Nechirvan Barzani elected President of Kurdistan Region

Nechirvan Barzani was elected President of the Kurdistan Region by Kurdistan's Parliament on May 28. He will step down from his current position as Prime Minister in early June when the inauguration is scheduled.

Numerous diplomats and officials congratulated the President-elect on his new position. US National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted his congratulations, adding that Kurdistan has been a "a steadfast U.S. ally in the Middle East." UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mehdi also tweeted their congratulations.

The US Embassy in Baghdad tweeted. "We look forward to continuing our work and cooperation together in his new role over the next four years." The State Department in Washington also gave their congratulations at a press briefing later that day.

The President, after his June 10 swearing in, will designate and task a Prime Minister with forming a new cabinet in 30 days. Recently, Parliament voted to reinstate the powers of the Presidency, which had been devolved to the Cabinet, Parliament and Judiciary when the former president's term ended.

US Chamber of Commerce hosting trade delegation to Kurdistan in June

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JS CHAMBER BUSINESS MISSION

TO THE KURDISTAN REGION OF IRAQ

In coordination with the KRG Representation in the United States, the US Chamber of Commerce will host a trade delegation to the Kurdistan Region from June 23-25. Representative Abdul Rahman will travel with the delegation.

The delegation will include meetings with senior KRG officials and business leaders, focusing on major investment opportunities in agriculture, tourism, finance, energy, and security sectors.

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Economic indicators in Kurdistan continue to improve, and the new administration will be committed to attracting foreign direct investment and diversifying the economy. If you would like to be part of the delegation, contact the US Chamber of Commerce's Carin Rising at [email protected].

Readout of Chancellor Masrour Barzani's meeting with U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary

Chancellor Masrour Barzani and Acting Assistant Secretary David Satterfield had an in-depth discussion on regional developments and relations between Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the United States of America.

The officials spoke at length about ongoing progress between KRG and the Federal Government, as well as bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and its neighbors.

In the meeting attended by Lieutenant General Paul LaCamera of the Global Coalition, Chancellor Barzani and Ambassador Satterfield reviewed with concern increasing ISIS


Representative Abdul Rahman meets officials from National Security Council and State Department

activities in Iraq and Syria.

Representative Abdul Rahman separately met Director for Iraq Matt

Zais from the National Security Council and Deputy Assistant

Secretary Andrew Peek at the Department of State.

At the White House, Representative Abdul Rahman and Director Zais

(pictured) discussed Kurdistan's government formation process, the

ongoing challenge posed by ISIS in Iraq and Syria and the LTS-

Kurdistan relationship.

In a meeting with DAS Peek at the State Department, Representative

Abdul Rahman focused on political developments in Iraq and

Kurdistan, and the pressing security issues that affect various

communities. They also discussed the US and Kurdistan's mutual

interest in maintaining security and stability, and promoting economic

growth in Kurdistan and across Iraq.

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KRG Deputy Prime Minister participates at 5th annual e- Governance Conference in Tallinn

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani spoke at a panel discussion at the two day e-Governance Conference in Estonia about the the challenges of digitization in Kurdistan and ways to overcome them.

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Talabani said that digitization will increase revenues and transparency, and can even help in combating human trafficking and other crimes.

The Deputy Prime Minister added that Kurdistan Region started the initial steps of e-governance when Kurdistan was going through political and economy crises. "The financial crisis, the war with Islamic State, and the mass displacement of people across the region put a heavy strain on the KRG's outdated systems and highlighted the urgent need for



change", Deputy Prime Minsiter Talabani said. "Our situation is somewhat unique. We are a subsovereign entity, and our road to digital transformation ... really came out of necessity rather than choice," he said.

Read a press release here [Kurdishl

Falah Mustafa meets Canada Foreign Ministry's Deputy Director for Iraq and Syria

Ms. Pegatha Taylor, the Deputy Director for Iraq and Syria at Canada's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with Minister Falah Mustafa on May 20th, to review the latest political developments and her country's commitment to Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Ms. Taylor stressed Canada's commitment to its relations with

Baghdad and Erbil, under the strategy announced by the Canadian government. The purpose of her visit was to

review the latest activities of Canada's diplomatic missions, and the ties with Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

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Minister Mustafa highlighted the progress of Canada-Kurdistan relations, in particular, the cooperation on the war

against ISIS and post-conflict priorities, and the need for a strategic plan for the reconstruction of liberated areas

to provide basic services.

Chancellor Masrour Barzani meets with UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Iraq

Chancellor Masrour Barzani received UN Special Representative

of the Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. In the meeting, both discussed developments in Iraq, with a focus on ongoing disagreements between KRG and the Federal Government.

Regarding the disputed territories, Chancellor Barzani welcomed UN engagement for a settlement that reflects the roadmap outlined in the Iraqi Constitution. He reiterated readiness to work closely with Iraqi authorities through the next KRG Cabinet.

Chancellor Barzani and SRSG Hennis-Plasschaert agreed that stability in the area can provide both governments the opening necessary to advance political agreements. They agreed to continue dialogue on these issues of mutual importance.


Prime Minister Barzani meets Patriarch of Assyrian Church of the East

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the Catholicos- Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, His Holiness Mar Gewargis III Sliwa, and his accompanying delegation that included bishops from other countries.

The meeting was also attended by Kurdistan Regional Government ministers and officials.

Prime Minister Barzani congratulated the delegation on the occasion of the opening of the new church in Diana in the Soran district. He stated that the Kurdistan Region is proud of its culture of peaceful coexistence among its communities.

He also stressed KRG's continued support to their church and all other churches and religions in the Kurdistan Region.




Representative Abdul Rahman continues outreach to US Congress

Representative Abdul Rahman visited members of Congress several times this month to discuss a range of issues aimed at enhancing the relationship between the US and Kurdistan.

During the month she met with Senator Susan Collins (pictured), the most senior female Republican in the Senate, to discuss the potential for the ISIS terrorist organization to reemerge, as well as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Kurdistan.

She also met with Senators Patty Murray, Tammy Baldwin, and Chris Murphy, and Representatives Jackie Speier, Elissa Slotkin, Jim Langevin, Hal Rogers, Paul Cook, Cheri Bustos, Andy Kim, Veronica Escobar, Austin Scott, Haley Stevens, John Moolenaar, and Charlie Christ.

Readout of Chancellor Masrour Barzani's meeting with US Consul General in Erbil

Chancellor Masrour Barzani received U.S. Consul General Steven Fagin and discussed at length regional developments.

During the meeting, both reviewed bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region, Iraq and United States of America, as well as dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to settle ongoing political disagreements.

Chancellor Barzani welcomed Consul General Fagin's commitment to continued U.S. support for the next government, in particular with the reform agenda. They agreed to stay in close contact on these issues.

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Read the press release here.

Delegation of US doctors visit Kurdistan to provide medical support

A group of 23 American doctors and supporting staff visited Duhok and Erbil on a humanitarian medical mission to consult patients, perform complex surgeries and carry out capacity building.

The team was led by Dr. Gazi Zibari, a prominent Kurdish- American surgeon, via the organization Operation Hope, and facilitated by the KRG PM's office in conjunction with the Directorate General of Health province of Dohuk and the KRG Representation in the US. KRG-US staff member Karwan Zebari assisted the group during their visit.

The group brought a significant amount of medical supplies, of which the public health sector in Kurdistan is in critical need. During the visit, the doctors consulted and treated hundreds of patients, including locals, Syrian refugees, and internally displaced Iraqis. They also held a number of teaching workshops and capacity building activities at five different hospitals throughout the region.


Representative Abdul Rahman visits with Chaldean community in Michigan


Representative Abdul Rahman traveled to Michigan this month to attend the annual Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner, and to meet with local leaders.

Among the leaders she met was Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat (pictured in the middle, alongside KRG-US Director of Genocide and Diversity Affairs Dasko Shirwani on the right) of the Chaldean Catholic Church.

This was the fourth time that Representative Abdul Rahman attended the Awards Dinner, a major event for the Chaldean community in Michigan that is widely attended by local leaders and Congressional Representatives. During the event she had the opportunity to meet with US Representatives Elissa Slotkin and Haley Stevens.

Prime Minister Barzani receives U.S. Consul General

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received U.S. Consul General to the Kurdistan Region Steven Fagin and his accompanying delegation.

They discussed the political situation in Iraq in general and the Kurdistan Region in particular, including the process of formation of the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

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Prime Minister Barzani presented a brief overview of theagreement reached between the political parties on the activation of the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region and the formation of the new cabinet. They also discussed improvement in relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad and the efforts to resolve outstanding issues.


Deloitte report on Oil and Gas review in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region - Q4 of 2018

The Regional Council for Oil and Gas Affairs published new verified

data on the Kurdistan Region's oil exports, consumption and

revenues, covering the period from 1 October 2018 to 31 December 2018, after a review of the sector by the international audit and consulting firm, Deloitte.

During this period, KRG exported and consumed 40.6 million barrels of crude oil, generating nearly 1.1 billion USD after debts and expenses. Crude oil sales prices over this period averaged $54.20 per barrel.

The Regional Council for Oil and Gas Affairs reiterated its commitment to the people of Kurdistan that the two international audit firms, Deloitte and Ernst & Young, will continue to independently review the oil and gas sector, inclusive of all the streams.

Read the report here.

Head of KRG Foreign Relations hosts US Consul General Fagin

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United States' Consul General to the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Steven Fagin, and his accompanying delegation



visited the KRG Department of Foreign Relations and were received by Minister Falah Mustafa.

The US Consul General expressed his satisfaction with the existing bilateral ties and the US's commitment to further enhancing and expanding relations with the Kurdistan Region. He briefed Minister Mustafa on their plans and activities and said that they will continue to develop bilateral strategic cooperation with the Kurdistan Region's institutions.

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Minister Mustafa thanked the U.S. Consulate General for their contribution and continued support and highlighted the longstanding relations with the U.S.


KRG Minister of Peshmerga conducts periodic meeting with Global Coalition to defeat ISIS

KRG Minister of Interior and acting Minister of Peshmerga Karim Sinjari supervised the periodic meeting with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Notably attending the meeting were Sarbast Lazgin (Deputy Minister of Peshmerga), Lieutenant General Jabbar Yawar (Peshmerga Sec-General), Lieutenant General Jamal Mohammad (Peshmerga Chief-of-Staff) and representatives to the Coalition Forces.

At the start of the meeting, a detailed operations and intelligence report regarding the different regions in Iraq and Kurdish areas outside of KRG administration and respective ISIS activity was put forth. In the reports, the parties discussed how the events and figures demonstrate an increase in ISIS activity, and discussed the civic unrest and economic hardship ISIS has brought about for the populations in those regions.


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JCC and IOM discuss the challenges preventing the stabilization of liberated areas and the return of IDPs

Joint Crisis Coordination Centre (JCC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) held a conference on the protracted displacement to discuss the obstacles before the return of the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and finding a mechanism to establish durable solutions for those who are not able to return.

Mr. Hoshang Mohamed, Director-General of the JCC, called for work to be done on ways to pave the way for the return of the IDPs to their areas of origin. He also stressed the need for having a mechanism by all the relevant partners to facilitate the return process as Well as working on removing

security, financial and services-related obstacles for the return of the IDPs.

Mr. Gerard Karl Waite, Clrief of Mission of the IOM, and Suzan Rix, Head of OCHA in the Kurdistan Region,

briefed tire meeting about the current situation of the IDPs and the importance of having a new policy and

strategy to resolve the issue of protractive displacement in the Kurdistan Region and the whole Iraq.



Officials wish Nechirvan Barzani success as Kurdistan Region president - Rudaw



May 29, 2019Many foreign diplomats congratulated and welcomed the ascension of Nechirvan Barzani to the Kurdistan Region's presidency, saying they look forward to working with him to make the most of the opportunities ahead and further development.

Briefing to the UN Security Council by SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert - UN May 21, 2019Transcipt of SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert's brief to the UNSC about her recent visit to Iraq.

Who are the heroes, hustlers and innovators of Kurdish wedding music? - AlMonitorMay 30,2019In marathon-like Kurdish weddings that can last for days, local wedding singers steer their audiences between folk songs, national anthems, and even techno music.

Nashville Schools To Offer Kurdish Language Classes - WBUR May 22, 2019Nashville's public schools are adding Kurdish to its list of world languages available for high school credit.

Islamic State suspects sent by U.S. from Syria to Iraq - Reuters May 29, 2019U.S. forces have quietly sent at least 30 suspected foreign Islamic State fighters captured in Syria last year and in late 2017 to stand trial in Iraq, interviews with the men, Iraqi sources and court documents show.

Kurdish is the newest class on the global language roster - Penn Today May 1, 2019A course taught by Annenberg doctoral student Mohammed Salih offered, for the first time at Penn, entree into the basics of a language spoken by 30 million people worldwide.

Restored houses bring families back home to Batnava - UN

May 31, 2019

The first 10 families are returning home to Batnaya in Iraq's Ninewa Plains after fleeing

ISIL, thanks to die United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) housing

rehabilitation efforts.

United States and Iraq: Going Forward - CSIS

May 6, 2019

A conversation with Senator Tammy Duckworth, [video]

Ezidi radio presenter found in Syrian camp four years after ISIS kidnapping -Kurdistan24May 22, 2019The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recently found a locally-famous Yezidi (Ezidi) woman in a refugee camp in northeastern Syria camp, more than four years after she was kidnapped by the Islamic State in Iraq, a local rescue office said on Monday.

UNAMI Human Rights Office supports the reinstatement of Faili Kurds citizenship - UN



May 30, 2019UNAMI's Human Rights Office (HRO) in Baghdad convened the second roundtable discussion on the rights of minorities in Iraq, in line with its mandate to support the Government to fulfil its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD).

Iraq's Christians Grapple With New Threat From Iran-Backed Militias - National Catholic Register May 7, 2019New challenges faced as they attempt to rebuild their lives in their ancestral homeland.

ISIS burns crop fields in Makhmour after farmers refuse to pay tax - Rudaw May 14, 2019Islamic State (ISIS) cells hiding out in the Qarachogh Mountains of Makhmour have torched several local crop fields in recent days after farmers refused to pay the militants taxes.

Dozens of Mosul citizens return to camps in Kurdistan Region daily - Kurdistan24 May 20, 2019Thousands of displaced Iraqis who returned to their homes after the liberation of Mosul and defeat of the self-proclaimed Islamic State are gradually returning to displacement camps in the Kurdistan Region.

Iraqi, Kurdish, foreign officials send messages of peace to Muslims for Ramadan - Rudaw May 5, 2019Leaders from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as well as foreign diplomats expressed their hope for a blessed holy month for the country's Muslims during Ramadan that began on Monday.

Pearl Petroleum to raise funding for Iraqi Kurdistan investment - Reuters May 6, 2019Pearl Petroleum, a consortium majority-owned by Abu Dhabi-listed Dana Gas and its affiliate Crescent Petroleum, plans to raise funding, including a $300-400 million bond sale, for its investments in Iraqi Kurdistan, the chief executive of Dana Gas said.

Ancient bathhouse in heart of Erbil Citadel to be renovated - Kurdistan 24 May 24, 2019An ancient popular bathhouse in the heart of Erbil's Citadel will be renovated based on its own old design, a member of the High Commission for the Erbil Citadel Revitalization (HCECR) affirmed on Friday.

Dubai collector Shad Abdulkarim plans to build first Kurdish museum of art - TheNationalMay 5, 2019The Salam Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is due to open in Abdulkarim's native Sulaymaniyah next year

Sulaimani bans plastic bags at bakeries citing health concerns - Rudaw May 9, 2019Citing health concerns, authorities in Sulaimani have issued a ban on plastic bags at bakeries across the city, instructing bakers to switch to paper.



Kurdistan Region's tallest waterfall: a deluge of opportunities? - Rudaw May 27, 2019

The Mayor of Qasre, Shakhawan Warti, sees the waterfall is a site of untapped potential, not just as a tourist destination but as a source of electricity for local residents.

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KRG-US November 2018 newsletter1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Fri, Nov 30, 2018 at 9:17 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, D.C.November 2018 newsletter

Welcome to our November 2018 newsletter

The Reform Directorate of the Ministry of Peshmerga held a one-day conference this month to

provide an overview of the reform process and the steps it has taken so far. Back in 2015, the then

President of the Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani called on the Ministry of Peshmerga to prepare a

reform plan for the Ministry with the help of the US-led Coalition Forces. Acting Minister of

Peshmerga Karim Sinjari in his speech reiterated the political will of the KRG leadership to fully

implement the reform package. For information on die progress of the reform process please view

the speech by Major General Pier Miran.

The ongoing formation process of the new Iraqi Government under the leadership of Prime

Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi and the recent visit by President Masoud Barzani to Baghdad have

resulted in renewed hope to start a meaningful and constructive dialogue on resolving the

outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution.

Continued and increased engagement of our international partners, especially the United States to

support the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Government of Iraq in this process is essential.

Head of the Kurdistan Regional Government Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falali

Mustafa Bakir, earlier this month joined more than 300 world leaders, policymakers, security

professionals, and journalists at die Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Minister Bakir also had a short stay in Washington where he met with the US Administration officials

from the National Security Council and the State Department.

This month, die elected members of the Kurdistan Parliament convened their first session. Talks

between the leading political parties about forming the next KRG cabinet have begun.





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Prime Minister Barzani meets senior US delegation

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Andrew Peek and his delegation to discuss the improvement of political and economic relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad and the successful Iraqi and Kurdistan parliamentary elections.

They stressed the importance of further development of relations between the KRG and Iraqi federal government and the active participation of the Kurdistan Region in the Iraqi political process.

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Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir meets senior White House and State Department officials

Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, spent two days in Washington this month, prior to and following his attendance at the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada.

During the short visit, Minister Bakir and Representative Abdul Rahman met with senior US government officials at the White House and Department of State to discuss the Iraqi and KRG government formations, the growing ISIS resurgence, and ongoing humanitarian crisis. At the White House, the delegation met with Victoria Coates (pictured), the National Security Council's

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International Negotiations and Special Assistant to President Donald Trump. In the State Department, they met with Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk.

Prime Minister Barzani receives President of Samaritan's Purse Franklin

Graham

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Mr.Franklin Graham, President of the international humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse, and his accompanying delegation.

Mr. Graham thanked the people and government of the Kurdistan Region for receiving and hosting a large number of internally displaced persons and refugees and providing them with necessary assistance and services. He also praised the role of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces in the fight against terrorism and protecting all communities.

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Representative Abdul Rahman speaks to the World Affairs Council of Sarasota

The World Affairs Council of Sarasota, Florida hosted KRG Representative Abdul Rahman for an evening talk and reception. The event, hosted at the New College of Florida, was attended by nearly 200 members of the World Affairs Council, students, and the general public. Representative Abdul Rahman gave a short lecture about Kurdistan's recent history, developments since the fight against ISIS and the partnership with the United States.

The World Affairs Councils of America is a network of more than 90 non-partisan organizations, the largest non-profit international affairs organization in the United States. Each chapter regularly hosts prestigious speakers on a diverse range of international topics. Sarasota is known as the citythat hosts the largest population of retired American diplomats outside of the Washington, DC area.

*

Head of DFR attends Halifax International Security Forum■

Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, joined more than 300 world leaders, policymakers, security professionals, and journalists at the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia, Canada. The Halifax International Security Forum, a think tank based in Washington, DC, hosted the event in close coordination with the Canadian Defense Ministry. Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan attended all three days of the Forum.

Held annually over three days, the Forum is one of the world's leading gatherings of democratic leaders committed to global security and prosperity,



representing more than 70 countries.


Director of 'Peshmerga' film honored at America Abroad Media gala

Bernard-Henri Levy, French philosopher and director of the documentaries 'Peshmerga' and 'Battle of Mosul', was honored for his work with Kurdistan's security forces at an awards dinner in Washington, DC.

His films follow the Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces as they battled ISIS terrorists in and around the city of Mosul. 'Peshmerga' in particular has been seen by a wide audience around the world, including in the US Congress, the United Nations, and several international film festivals.

America Media Abroad is a renowned organization promoting media and journalists world wide. Mr. Levy was honored alongside Egyptian and Saudi Arabian film directors.

For more information about this award, visit AAM site

Prime Minister Barzani meets with UN Special Envoy

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Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Iraq, Jan Kubis and his accompanying delegation.

They discussed the political process in Iraq and expressed hope that the new Iraqi government will actively work to meet the needs of all segments of society, including provision of basic services and ensure the rights of all Iraqi communities.The important role of the Kurdistan Region in promoting and ensuring these rights was emphasized.

The Kurdistan Region's political situation, including the recent parliamentary elections, the holding of the first session of the Kurdistan Parliament and the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government, were also discussed.


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Ministry of Peshmerga kicks-off 'Peshmerga of the Future' reform conference

Acting Minister of Peshmerga, Karim Sinjari kicked off a daylong conference in Erbil aimed at reforming the Ministry of Peshmerga. With technical assistance from the United Kingdom, United States, and Germany, all members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the objective is to address the regional security challenges and opportunities by creating a single and centrally-governed modern Peshmerga army.

High ranking Peshmerga officers are working with foreign military advisers on a 35-step reform plan that has been endorsed by the KRG Council of Ministers.

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US, British, and German military advisers will continue assisting with the reform for a long-term plan that spans 10 years.

For more information about these reforms, read the Minister of Peshmeraa's Speech at the Reform Conference (Translated)

UN survey: Deep inequality continues to shape the lives of children in Iraq

The UN Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey for Iraq, a comprehensive survey of children's wellbeing in the country, released its findings that conflict and inequality remain defining features of childhood in Iraq. Among the findings, the report indicates that even as the fighting against subsides, 80 per cent of all children experience violence at home or in school.

Children's educational needs in Iraq are vast: half of all public schools in the country require rehabilitation and one in three schools run multiple shifts, squeezing children's learning time. The five governorates with the lowest school enrollment and attendance rates are concentrated in the country's southern governorates which remain its poorest, and in Anbar and Ninawa - the two governorates that have borne the brunt of the violence of the last few years.


Assistant Head of DFR participates in Abu Dhabi 2018 Diplomatic Conference and held a number of bilateral meetings

The Assistant Head of the Department of Foreign Relations (DFR), Siham Jabali Mamand, participated in the Abu Dhabi Diplomatic Conference from 14-15 November. The Conference was hosted by the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, under the theme 'Diplomacy and Gender, Diplomatic Culture, Diplomatic Training, and the effects of Technology on Diplomacy'.

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The two-day conference included speeches from keynotespeakers, interactive panel discussions and various practical workshops designed to identify the diplomatic transformation environment of the 21st century. The conference brought together senior diplomats, ministers, undersecretaries, ambassadors, practitioners from the fields of international politics, and the private sector leaders.

Transatlantic Leadership Network (TLN) hosts conference on KRG and Iraq elections

Representative Abdul Rahman spoke at a conference focused on recent elections in the Balkans and Middle East, held in the US Capitol on November 13. The conference was hosted by the Transatlantic Leadership Network, a think-tank based in Washington, DC.

Representative Abdul Rahman spoke on a panel titled 'Prospect for Progress in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan: New Governments in Baghdad and Erbil', alongside Mohamad Jawad Al Quraishy, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Iraq; Daniel Benaim, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress; Amy Austin Holmes, Fellow at the Wilson Center; and Bilal Wahab of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. During the panel, Ms Abdul Rahman stated "the new Iraqi



government faces the challenges of countering corruption, establishing security and delivering services, while the new regional government in Kurdistan has to focus on economic recovery and continuing to implement reforms."

Kurdistan-lraq Oil and Gas Conference 2019 announced

The Kurdistan-lraq Oil and Gas Conference will be held in Erbil on April 2-3, 2019, hosted by the KRG Ministry of Natural Resources. The conference brings together government representatives alongside the oil and gas industry's most senior stakeholders. The 2019 event will be focused on dialogue with the investors through debates and strategic panels.

Click here for more information.


Iraq restarts some Kirkuk oil exports after vear-lona halt - Reuters November 16, 2018Iraq restarted exports of Kirkuk oil, halted a year ago due to a standoff between the central government and Kurdistan's semi-autonomous region, after a new government in Baghdad agreed a tentative deal with Erbil.

A Community of Women Separated bv 6.000 Miles - Emergency Medicine News November 2018 issueDr. Christine Butts: I've fallen in love with the spirit of the Kurdish people and worked alongside Kurdish physicians and nurses, with many of them becoming friends.

Detection Dogs Are Sniffing Out Mines and Savina Lives In Iraqi Kurdistan - Marshall Legacy Institute November 14, 2018Karzan Khalid's grandfather stepped on a buried landmine near Erbil, Iraq in 1991 and tragically died from his injuries six months later.

Iraq to unify customs procedures with Kurdistan. PM savs - Reuters November 21, 2018Iraq will unify customs procedures in all of its border areas, including within semi- autonomous Kurdistan, the prime minister said on Wednesday, signaling a further thaw in ties between Baghdad and Erbil after a resumption of Kirkuk oil flows.

PHOTO GALLERY: Autumn comes to Erbil's Sami Abdulrahman Park - Rudaw November 2018The park, built on a former Saddam Hussein-era military base, is named after Sami Abdulrahman, former deputy prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

New Governments in Iraq and Kurdistan: A Trip Report - Washington Institute of Near East Policy November 6, 2018Four experts who recently returned from Baghdad and Erbil report on the results of the government formation process.



PHOTO GALLERY: Honey festival launches in Sulaimani with dozens of beekeepers partaking - Kurdistan 24 November 9, 2018Sulaimani on Thursday launched a three-day festival in the hopes of attracting people to purchase locally-produced honey.

Iraq Displacement Crisis 2014-2017 - IOM November 2018This publication sets out to examine and explain the critical population movements in the last four years.

Dana Gas. Crescent Petroleum report 30% increase in gas output in Kurdistan - World OilNovember 21, 2018Dana Gas, alongside its partner Crescent Petroleum, has announced achievement of a 30% increase in production capacity at Khor Mor field in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which the companies jointly operate on behalf of Pearl Petroleum.

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March 20 at GWU | Halabja and Beyond: The Legacy of Genocide and Chemical Weapons1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Tue, Mar 5, 2019 at 9:05 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC

SAVE THE DATE

Halabja and Beyond:The Legacy of Genocide and Chemical Weapons

Commemorating the 31st anniversary of the chemical bombing ofHalabja


Wednesday, March 20, 2019 2:00


Including remarks by

Mayor of Halabja Nuxsha Nasih

(updated speaker list to follow)

George Washington University Marvin Center

Room 308 800 21st St NW Washington. DC

RSVP HERE

On March 16, 1988, Iraqi aircraft attacked the city of Halabja with chemical

weapons. Children were lost in the chaos that followed, families were decimated

as 5,000 people died and thousands more were injured with poison gas.

This genocide was one of many atrocities committed against the people of Kurdistan by the

dictator Saddam Hussein. During his rule, 182,000 Kurds were killed in the Anfal genocide

campaign; 8,000 Barzani men and boys were murdered in 1983; thousands of Faylee Kurds

disappeared, and thousands more were oppressed, abused, and killed by the Ba'athist regime.

The genocide also saw the destruction of 4,500 villages and the razing of cities such as Qala

Diza, tearing at the fabric of Kurdish society and economy.

The suffering of the people of Halabja has come to symbolize all of die atrocities committed

against the people of Kurdistan. In Iraq, violence and genocide is cyclical, and in 2014 we

again witnessed a genocide against the Yezidis, Christians and others in Nineveh.

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PRESS RELEASE: Parliament confirms Masrour Barzani as new KRG Prime Minister1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Wed, Jul 10, 2019 at 5:13 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC

New KRG Prime Minister promises to strengthen the Kurdistan Region

and introduce widespread reforms following inauguration

Erbil, Kurdistan Region. Iraq (GOV.KRD)The Kurdistan Parliament has confirmed Mr

Masrour Barzani's appointment as Prime Minister

of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG),

together with the ministerial cabinet.

Following his inauguration, Prime Minister

Barzani vowed to make Kurdistan stronger,

improve ties with Baghdad and diversify the

region's economy.

The Prime Minister said, "After working since September 2018 to put together a truly

inclusive government, my commitment now is to work together with every party and every

part of our nation to build a strong KRG that serves the people, not the other way around.

We cannot succeed in building a strong government if we allow petty divisions and small

disagreements to drive us apart."


The Prime Minister called for further progress m developing a stable and constructive

partnership with Iraq's federal government.

"Erbil and Baghdad both want security and prosperity, built on a foundation of mutual

respect and cooperation," he said. "This will include securing our rightful share of

government revenue, by settling once and for all the division of revenue formula that

determines the annual budget allocation for Kurdistan."

Concerning Kurdistan's economy, Prime Minister Barzam highlighted the region's over

reliance on oil and gas, and promised to overhaul the public sector.

"We must ensure our government serves the people of Kurdistan m a fully transparent and

accountable manner," he said. "This will include securing the public finances to pay down

our debts, introducing regulatory reforms that allow businesses to thrive, attracting more

foreign investment and enabling the development of new infrastructure."

The Prime Minister called on the international community to support Kurdistan's new

government and its reform program, while helping to protect the region's status as a haven

for persecuted and displaced people.

"Today, around 1.25 million internally displaced people from elsewhere m Iraq live m

Kurdistan, alongside almost 275,000 refugees from neighboring countries," he said. "We

hope our friends and allies will continue offering their support to Kurdistan, as we remain a

haven of tolerance m an uncertain part of the world."


The new KRG Council of Minister consists of the following

Masrour Barzam

Prime Minister

Qubad Talabam

Deputy Prime Minister

Rebar Ahmad Khaled

Minister of Interior

Farsat Ahmad Abdulla

Minister of Justice

Shorsh Ismail Abdulla

Minister of Peshmerga

Awat Sheikh Janab

Minister of Finance and Economy

Saman Barzmji

Minister of Health

Alan Hama Saeed

Minister of Education

Dana Abdulkanm



Minister of Housing and Reconstruction

Sasan Awni

Minister of Municipalities and Tourism

Aram Mohammed

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Dara Rashid

Minister of Planning

Kwestan Mohammed

Minister ofEabour and Social Affairs

Mohammed Saeed Ali

Minister of Youth and Culture

Abdulla Mahmood

Minister of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs

Begard Talabani

Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Kamal Muslim

Minister of Trade and Industries

Ano Jawhar

Minister of Transport and Communications

Pshtiwan Sadiq

Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs

Kamal Mohammed Salih

Minister of Electricity

Aydin Maruf

Minister of Regio n

Vala Fareed

Minister of Regio n

Klialid Salam Saeed

Minister of Region

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Prime Minister Masrour Barzani: Why the Kurdistan region of Iraq is making a new start1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Thu, Jul 18, 2019 at 2:31 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC

The Washington Post today published an opinion article by KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in which the newly-elected Prime Minister says, "My mission is to change the way we do things, both at home and abroad. As prime minister, I will offer a different way of doing business that feeds off the challenges we've endured, builds on our achievements and responds to an evolving global dynamic."

Washington PostJuly 18, 2019

Why the Kurdistan region of Iraq is making a new start

by Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government

After 16 years of upheaval in Iraq and five brutal years of war with the Islamic State terrorist group, a foe that imperiled all of humanity, we are embarking on a new journey toward building a stronger Kurdistan. The next four years will be a defining time for us, our neighbors and our allies in which we, the Kurdistan Regional Government, look past our recent traumas, consolidate our place in the region and secure a presence on the international stage. In short, we want to make a new start.

Last week, I formed a government to lead the Kurdistan region of Iraq. My mission is to change the way we do things, both at home and abroad. As prime minister, I will offer a different way of doing business that feeds off the challenges we've endured, builds on our achievements and responds to an evolving global dynamic.

The fight against the Islamic State, which we helped lead on behalf of the global community, has damaged us economically. The burden has become intolerable. The cost of war, federal budget



cuts by the government in Baghdad and the mass movement of refugees to our lands has left us with billions of dollars in debt.

Throughout our hardships, we have remained a friend and ally of the West and a partner in the region. Since the Islamic State took over much of western Iraq and eastern Syria in mid-2014, we have shown that our fight against the terrorists was as much about protecting our allies as it was about safeguarding ourselves.

We have provided intelligence that has foiled terrorist attacks abroad and offered refuge to almost 2 million people fleeing persecution. We have clearly demonstrated our good faith as global citizens, sheltering Arabs, Kurds, Muslims, Yazidis, Christians, Turkmen and others. Ten kilometers from our parliament building is a thriving community of Christians, from all parts of the Middle East, who are building churches and worshiping in peace.

The cost of other refugees, however, is increasing and remains only partly funded. We cannot perform our role as hosts alone. We need to secure a future for the displaced and for ourselves, and we seek the help of our friends in the West in several ways.

Our challenges begin inside Iraqi Kurdistan, which has been our homeland throughout the ages. As prime minister, I will implement reforms that will adopt global best practices and bring accountability to all arms of our civil service and cabinet.

My government will create a diversified economy that delivers growing prosperity for all. We will enact legislation to make Kurdistan a welcoming and attractive location for investors. We will integrate and modernize our armed forces. And we will transform public services and tackle corruption to ensure that government serves the people, not the other way around. Engaging us politically and financially will be essential to this transformation, and I call on our friends to do so.

I will also take steps to reset the relationship between Irbil and Baghdad, which has remained fraught for the past 16 years. For most of that time we have essentially governed ourselves, though without breaking our tie with Iraq.

By agreement, we have received a quota of the Iraqi budget. But the allocations are rarely delivered in full. It is time for a more constructive and stable partnership with Baghdad. This week I made my first visit as prime minister to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, taking with me proposals to settle the disputes between us over oil, territory, budgets and the role of our armed forces. I want to ensure that our agreements are honored through a fair distribution of budget proceeds. A resolution would offer the bedrock for future cooperation. Our future is wedded to a secure and democratic Iraq.

In 2017, Iraqi Kurdistan held a referendum on independence. The ballot was nonbinding, but an overwhelming 93 percent of people voted in favor. While we would have welcomed greater support from the international community for our right to self-determination, our priority now is to create a strong, stable Kurdistan region anchored within the international community. We ask those whom we helped protect to acknowledge the constructive global role we have played by helping us build our economy.

Over many generations of conflict, every family in Iraqi Kurdistan has suffered a personal loss. We can no longer relinquish solidarity, or squander the sacrifices made by so many, through returning to the squabbling that plagued relationships between parties and neighbors.

We have many friends in the international community who wish us well, but it is time to do more. We reaffirm our role as honest brokers trusted by all. We do this through the prism of true friendship, having displayed our steadfast support for the interests of our allies, including the United States, and a commitment to democratic values. We need our friends to help us start again.

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SAVE THE DATE, August 5 - Photo exhibition to commemorate 5th anniversary of Yezidi genocide1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Thu, Jul 25, 2019 at 1:04 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC

SAVE THE DATE - August 5, 2019

Photo exhibition

"We are being exterminated"

Remembering ISIS' genocide of Yezidis

Featuring photos by Kurdistani and internationalphotographers

Monday, August 5, 2019

Doors open at 4:00 PM



KRG-US Representation

1532 16th St NW Washington, DC

On August 3, 2014, ISIS terrorists attacked Shingal (Sinjar) and the wider

Nineveh Province, home to Yezidis, Christians, and other minority groups,

beginning a brutal genocide against these communities.

Five years later, nearly 3,000 Yezidis are still missing, several mass graves have

been found in the Sinjar area and hundreds of thousands of Yezidis and

Christians remain displaced.

Join us as we remember the Yezidi genocide through the eyes of photographers

that covered the atrocities and their aftermath.

The photographic exhibition will be held at the KRG US Representation.

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SPEAKERS | March 20 | Halabja and Beyond: The Legacy of Genocide and Chemical Weapons1 message




Washington, DC



Wednesday, March 20, 2019 2:00 PM



George Washington UniversityMarvin Center


Welcome remarks

Ms. Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman

KRG Representative to the United States

RemarksMs. Nuxsha NasihMayor of Halabja

Moderated discussionDr. Seth Carus

Emeritus Distinguished Professor of National Security Policy,National Defense University

Moderator:Dr. Jennifer Wells

Assistant Professor, George Washington University

RSVP HERE






campaign; 8,000 Barzam men and boys were murdered m 1983; thousands of Faylee Kurds






The suffering of die people of Halabja has come to symbolize all of die atrocities committed



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TODAY at 1:30 PM | Halabja and Beyond: The Legacy of Genocide and Chemical Weapons1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 11:06 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC

Halabja and Beyond:

The Legacy of Genocide and Chemical Weapons

Commemorating the 31st anniversary of the chemical bombing of Halabja

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

George Washington University



City View Room 1957 E St NW

Washington. DC

1:30Registration and coffee reception

2:00 PMProgram begins

Screening of two short filmsApocalypse in Balisan Valley The Lost Children of Halabja

by RWF World for the Kurdistan Memory Programme

Remarks

Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman


Ms. Nasreen Abdulqadir Mohammed

Survivor of the chemical attack

Mr. Steve Gillen

Director of Near Eastern Affairs

US State Department Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and

Labor

Ambassador Fareed YasseenIraqi Ambassador to the United States

Ms. Nuxsha Nasih

Mayor of Halabja

Moderated discussion

Dr. Seth Cams

Emeritus Distinguished Professor of National Security Policy,

National Defense University

Moderator:



Dr. Jennifer Wells


RSVP HERE













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TOMORROW | 1:30 PM | Halabja and Beyond: The Legacy of Genocide and Chemical Weapons1 message




Washington, DC

Halabja and Beyond:








Washington. DC





Remarks



Ambassador Fareed YasseenIraqi Ambassador to the United States

Mr. Steve Gillen

Director of Near Eastern Affairs

US State Department Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and

Labor

Ms. Nuxsha Nasih

Mayor of Halabja


Dr. Seth Cams



Moderator:

Dr. Jennifer Wells




RSVP HERE










The suffering of die people of Halabja has come to symbolize all of the atrocities committed



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TOMORROW | Film screening | The Deminer1 message

KRG-USA <[email protected]> Wed, Jan 30, 2019 at 12:02 AMReply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


Washington, DC



and



The Deminer



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5:30-7:30pm



Auditorium 113
















Republic.

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TONIGHT (RSVP re-opened) - An evening of Kurdish film at Landmark's E Street Cinema1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Wed, Dec 12, 2018 at 2:53 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


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Washington, DC





Doors open

6:00 PM


7:00 - 8:00 PM


8:00-8:45 PM




Washington, DC


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UPDATED | March 20 | Halabja and Beyond: The Legacy of Genocide and Chemical Weapons1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Thu, Mar 14, 2019 at 9:05 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC



Wednesday, March 20, 2019 2:00 PM



George Washington UniversityMarvin Center


Welcome remarks



RemarksAmbassador Fareed Yasseen

Iraqi Ambassador to the United States

RemarksMs. Nuxsha NasihMayor of Halabja

Moderated discussionDr. Seth Carus



Moderator:

Dr. Jennifer Wells


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Tins genocide was one of many atrocities committed against the people of Kurdistan by the







Diza, tearing at the fabric of Kurdish society and economy




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of Columbia.





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VENUE CHANGE | 3/20, 1:30 PM | Halabja and Beyond: The Legacy of Genocide and Chemical Weapons1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Sat, Mar 16, 2019 at 5:55 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC

Halabja and Beyond:







Washington. DC





Welcome remarks



RemarksAmbassador Fareed Yasseen

Iraqi Ambassador to the United States

Remarks

Ms. Nuxsha Nasih

Mayor of Halabja


Dr. Seth Carus



Moderator:

Dr. Jennifer Wells



RSVP HERE












The suffering of the people of Halabja has come to symbolize all of die atrocities committed



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Warm wishes for Eid al-Fitr1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Mon, Jun 3, 2019 at 8:33 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


REGIONAL GOtffc*


Washington, DC

On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States sends warmest wishes to the

Kurdistani community in North America, Kurdistani people, andMuslims around the world.

We keep in our thoughts the families of the Peshmerga who sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism, and those families who remain displaced from their homes during this holiday season.



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Warmest wishes to Yezidis as they celebrate the Chwarsheme Sur1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Wed, Apr 17, 2019 at 1:22 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]



Washington, DC



offers best wishes and warmest greetings to Yezidis in the United States and around the world as they celebrate the new year, the holy

feast of

Chwarsheme Sur



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Warmest wishes to Yezidis on the occasion of Cejna Ezid1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Fri, Dec 14, 2018 at 8:30 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


REGIONAL GOtffc*


Washington, DC


sends best wishes to Yezidis around the world on the occasion of

Cejna Ezid

After fasting for three days, today Yezidis celebrate the 'Feast in the Flonor of

God', one of their holiest days. The fasting period is an opportunity for

Yezidis to reflect on their compassion for others, deepen their sense of

gratitude, and focus on prayers for their community.

We offer our warmest greetings on this important holiday.



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Wednesday - An evening of Kurdish film at Landmark's E Street Cinema1 message

Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Sat, Dec 8, 2018 at 9:04 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]


^'•maaoNM.GU'1^


Washington, DC





Doors open

6:00 PM


7:00 - 8:00 PM


8:00-8:45 PM




Washington, DC


RSVP HERE



Home and Keyby




and

Circleby




and


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