Roj Bash Kurdistan

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq - (KRG.org) – The Political Director from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Björn Lyrvall, visited the Kurdistan Region for the first time last week to meet with President Masoud Barzani and discuss bilateral relations, the political stalemate in Iraq and the latest developments in the wider region.

The visit is part of efforts to understand the Kurdistan Regional Government’s position on the continued political disagreements between Erbil and Baghdad.

During the meeting with President Barzani, Mr Lyrvall stressed the importance of strengthening the current political and economic relationship between Erbil and Stockholm, expressing his hope that it will expand into other sectors.

He also underlined Sweden’s and the EU’s readiness to help keep Iraq on the path to democracy and to protect human rights according to its Constitution.

President Barzani expressed his appreciation to the people and government of Sweden for providing refuge and assistance to the Kurdish people during their troubled history.

The visit also included a meeting with Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations. Minister Bakir had met with Mr Lyrvall on his visit to Sweden in January this year. They discussed ways of deepening the already strong relations between Sweden and the Kurdistan Region

On the political crisis, Minister Bakir said that the international community has a significant role to play to keep Iraq on the path to genuine democracy. He said, “We want to go past this political stalemate, we want a clear position from the other political partners. The Iraqi people deserve security, services, and jobs.”

When asked about the KRG’s relations with Turkey and the war in Syria, Minister Bakir said, “Our relationship with Turkey is in the interests of the entire country, and does not threaten the unity of Iraq.” He added, “We support the legitimate demands of the people in Syria, and we welcome a peaceful transition and a democratic alternative.”

Mr Lyrvall was accompanied by Sweden’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mr Jörgen Lindström, and the Head of Sweden’s Embassy Office in Erbil, Ms Louise Calais, throughout his visit. He also met the Minister for the Interior Karim Sinjari.

Did you know that after the Americans invaded Iraq SK was advised to declare independence at told that they would receive international support if they did. I great many well informed people still do not understand why Kurdistan did not become independent when it had the chance

Anthea wrote:Did you know that after the Americans invaded Iraq SK was advised to declare independence at told that they would receive international support if they did. I great many well informed people still do not understand why Kurdistan did not become independent when it had the chance

i think because if they did declare independence then kerkuk and other disputed areas wouldnt have been included thats my guess

Aslan wrote:i think because if they did declare independence then kerkuk and other disputed areas wouldnt have been included thats my guess

Could be right FOOKING Turks again. They armed and supported the Turkmen in Kerkuk to prevent it becoming part of Kurdistan. Turkey just cannot leave the Kurds alone

Anthea wrote:

Aslan wrote:i think because if they did declare independence then kerkuk and other disputed areas wouldnt have been included thats my guess

Could be right FOOKING Turks again. They armed and supported the Turkmen in Kerkuk to prevent it becoming part of Kurdistan. Turkey just cannot leave the Kurds alone

its not our fault they r obsessed with us! everyone wants kurds to be a part of their country cuz we r cool