Kurdistan: France received Barzani as President of state

The head of the Foreign Affairs Department in KRG said in a statement “Al-Sharq al-Awsat” newspaper , briefed by “Shafaq News " that “ such a policy which stresses the principle of peaceful coexistence and stability in Iraq and throughout the region has made Hollande and world leaders deal with more appreciation with the leadership of the region .

Mustafa said Hollande discussed with Barzani scenarios of next situation in Iraq, especially the issue of the formation of the Iraqi government , pointing to Barzani’s confirmation to make efforts for it to work with the next Iraqi government to solve the crises and problems that have accumulated over the years and work on the stability of the country and the Iraqis in general.

He added that Hollande praised the elections of Kurdistan Region Parliament elections that took place last year , and Iraq's parliamentary elections and local governments in the region , emphasizing the stability and progress of Kurdistan Region to be a factor of stability in the whole region .

Mustafa noted to the assurances confirmed by Barzani to Hollande that the region would be a safe source of energy and this issue won’t enter in political conflicts , noting that Erbil will work to make Iraq united as long as Baghdad considers Kurds are true partners in the country's leadership and does not marginalize their role .

Regarding the scenarios and the formation of the next Iraqi government , Mustafa pointed out to the negotiating delegation formed by region to discuss with all parties and blocs in Baghdad , noting that the demands of the Kurds are clear response to their rights according to the Constitution and considering them as true partners in the country's leadership .

He pointed out that there are Shiite parties that are not satisfied with the practice of the federal government, pointing that the Kurdish delegation will discuss the issue of Iraq and the stability of the country as a whole in accordance with the Constitution and that is dealing with the Kurds as real partners .

On likelihood of approval of the Kurds on the remain of Nuri al-Maliki in office as prime minister for a third term , Mustafa wondered if Maliki who signed pledges to grant the Kurds their rights and did not carry them out , but fought them economically , how would he meet their legitimate demands, stressing that Maliki’s remain in a third term does not help to keep Iraq united , strong and stable .

He explained that the subject is not related to al-Maliki as a person, but the management of the country , and this administration that was not successful in the past , pointing out that the Kurds have 65 seats in the next Iraqi parliament and they could influence in any decision by the alliance with other blocs .

Mustafa pointed out that there are several parties in Baghdad strongly rejects the subject of a third term of Maliki , stressing that the Kurdish delegation will discuss with the rest of the blocs according to the constitution to maintain its rights , or else there are several options , including going towards a referendum about Kurds relations with Iraq.

He pointed also to think about the option of establishing the rule of confederation that give the region more political and economic powers, stressing that this is a matter of how Baghdad deal with Kurdistan Region .

It is worth mentioning that Barzani is currently on a European tour in which he visited France and Italy to visit then the Vatican on the basis of formal invitations from leaders of these countries according to an earlier statement to the presidency of the region .